The Jordan 9 is probably one of the strangest Michael Jordan sneakers of all time. Not because it’s ugly or because it has a bad design, but rather because it seems to be less popular than all the Jordans that came before it. “An enigma” might be a better way to describe it. All that said, the sneaker seems to be making a big comeback in 2025. Let’s look back at the top 10 best Jordan 9 Retro sneakers of all time.
Air Jordan 9 Doernbecher
Designed by 11-year-old Oswaldo Jimenez, the Air Jordan 9 Retro Doernbecher is one of the most sought-after and expensive sneakers on the resale market. The current resale price for these sneakers is around $875. Ouch. The sneaker boasts a unique black and gold trim with feather-inspired designs on the mid-sole and upper, making it the most creative Jordan 9 release to date.
Air Jordan 9 ‘MOP Melo’
Paying tribute to Carmelo Anthony’s NCAA championship run in 2003, when he led Syracuse to a title and netted Most Outstanding Player honors, this AJ 9 draws design inspiration directly from the championship trophy. The upper is white leather, with a brown woodgrain-style detail that is actually a “Pro” for Melo’s signature jump moves. The sole is translucent—Melo’s colors shine through. The heel features Anthony’s number “15.”
Air Jordan 9 Premio “Bin23”
The Air Jordan 9 Retro Premio “Bin23” is an exclusive release with just 1,331 pairs available globally. It boasts a luxurious design, featuring a white leather upper with a metallic gold nubuck overlay that envelops the base and collar. The midsole, eyelets, and tongue tag also feature metallic gold accents. A Bin23 emblem with a red faux wax seal can be found on the lateral collar.
Air Jordan 9 “Calvin Bailey”
The AJ9 Retro “Calvin Bailey” features a Deep Royal nubuck upper with perforations for breathability and an elasticated lacing system. Part of the Johnny Kilroy pack, the iconic sneaker also boasts University Gold accents on the eyelets, lining, and outsole. This is another sneaker that’s a homage to the fictional characters that Michael Jordan adopted while he was retired.
Air Jordan 9 ‘Gym Red’
These Jumpman sneakers feature a white tumbled leather upper with a red patent leather mudguard, collar, and heel. The inner bootie has a tricolour scheme, while the heel displays a black Jumpman logo on the Air-Sole. The outsole of these jays is made of solid rubber with a multi-directional pattern, and the shoe also includes moulded eyelets and a white #23 branding on the pull tab.
Air Jordan 9 “Motorboat Jones”
Yet another sneaker based on a character played by Jordan in ads, the “Motorboat Jones” features a tonal Challenge Red suede upper that gives it a lifestyle aesthetic. A part of the “Alter Egos” Pack, it is a limited release that features “Motorboat Jones” on the tongue tag and a faux “Bandits” Logo on the inside of the tongue.
Air Jordan 9 Kobe
A version of Kobe Bryant’s previously unattainable Air Jordan 9 Player Exclusive was released in 2016. Los Angeles Lakers supporters were delighted. Bryant wore these exclusive Jordans during his season of sneaker free agency in 2002-03, making them a historic pair of Jordans.
Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey
Another simple design, this silhouette of Michael Jordan’s ninth signature sneaker features a “Particle Grey” colourway, with black-based nubuck upper and grey overlay panels on the mudguard and ankle collar. The shoe is accented with red Jumpman branding on the tongue, insoles, and heel pull tab. If you like a clean look, it doesn’t get cleaner than this.
Air Jordan 9 Pinnacle ‘Baseball Glove Brown’
Released on July 15, 2017, the premium Air Jordan 9 Retro Pinnacle ‘Baseball Glove Brown’ is a really special edition release that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s brief stint in professional baseball. One of the most distinctive features of these jays is the number “45” that is stitched onto the heel, a reference to the number that Jordan wore during his time with the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team.
Air Jordan 9 Johnny Kilroy
Launched in October 2012, what makes this pair of Jordans stand out from the rest is that instead of the traditional ‘Air Jordan’ branding on the tongue, the sneaker showcases the name ‘Johnny Kilroy,’ while the heel trades Jordan’s iconic #23 for a #4. It is named after the character played by Michael Jordan’s alter ego in a well-known series of commercials from 1994. To see more amazing Air Jordan 9s, visit: Sneaker Fortress
Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com
