FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
No Result
View All Result
  • Nike Shop
  • Top 10
  • Air Jordans
  • Nike
  • adidas
  • ASICS
  • Converse
  • Crocs
  • New Balance
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
Home Air Jordans Air Jordan 9

The Top 10 Best Air Jordan 9 Sneakers Of All Time

Let’s look back at the top 10 best Jordan 9 sneakers of all time.

Jarrod Saunders by Jarrod Saunders
May 5, 2025
in Air Jordan 9, Trending
Top 10 Best Air Jordan 9 Retro Sneakers Of All Time

Custom image created by Jarrod Saunders for Sneaker Fortress

This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

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

Air Jordan 9 Doernbecher
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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’

Air Jordan 9 MOP Melo
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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”

Air Jordan 9 Premio Bin23
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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”

Air Jordan 9 Calvin Bailey
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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’

Air Jordan 9 Gym Red
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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”

Air Jordan 9 Motorboat Jones
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Air Jordan 9 Kobe
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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’

Air Jordan 9 Pinnacle ‘Baseball Glove Brown’
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Air Jordan 9 Johnny Kilroy
Image Credit: Jordan Brand

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

Tags: Air JordanAir Jordan 9Top 10
ShareTweetSend
Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com

Jarrod Saunders

Jarrod Saunders

Living in Cape Town, South Africa, Jarrod Saunders (the founder of Fortress of Solitude) is a multi-talented professional with a wealth of experience in various creative fields, including filmmaking, graphic design, web design, sound engineering and copywriting. As an award-winning creative director, Jarrod Saunders has established himself as a respected voice in the world of pop culture, with expertise in film, television, video games, and comics.
Beginning his writing career as a film and gaming critic for Vision Magazine in 2007, Jarrod has gone on to write for and establish multiple entertainment sites, including Sneaker Fortress, 23 Jumpman Street and Lifestyle Fortress. Along the way he has secured interviews with famous actors, game developers and industry professionals from around the globe. He also regularly contributes to MyFaith Magazine writing articles for the kid's section.
As someone who watches over 500 movies a year and over 20 years of experience in media, Jarrod understands trends and has worked alongside industry professionals to create award winning content – including directing, writing and editing a feature film on Showmax (The Lifesaver) and South Africa’s first deaf film (Home).
Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys time with his family, shopping for the latest sneakers (with a personal collection stacked with over 100 pairs), and serving in his local church (where is ordained as a deacon).
Expertise: Filmmaking, Entertainment Journalism, SEO, Web Development
Past Titles: Senior Content Creator @ CV Africa
Current Title: Editor in Chief @ Fortress Entertainment
Connect: jarrodsaunders@fortressza.com

Related Posts

Air Jordan 5 "Tokyo"
Air Jordan 5

Air Jordan 5 “Tokyo” Is a Bright Yellow Sneaker Gem

May 19, 2025
"Peppa Pig" Nike Dunk Low
Nike Dunk

Nike’s “Peppa Pig” Dunk Lows Are So Fire, Even George Wants a Pair

March 10, 2025
PUMA x Skepta Unleash the Skope Forever For the Outdoor Enthusiast
PUMA

PUMA x Skepta Unleash the Skope Forever For the Outdoor Enthusiast

April 29, 2025
Nike's Ja Morant Signature Line: Nike Ja 1
Nike

The Top 24 Best Nike Ja 1 Colorways Of All Time, Ranked

April 30, 2025
Air-Jordan-9-Boot-'Black-Gum'
Air Jordan 9

Air Jordan 9 Boot “Black Gum” – A Sneakerboot Built for Any Weather

April 1, 2025
Fragment Design x Union LA x Air Jordan 1 2026
Air Jordan 1

Another Fragment Design x Union LA x Air Jordan 1 Releases In 2026

April 26, 2025
Chase B x Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack TR
Air Jordans

Chase B x Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack TR Is Another Must-Have Sneaker

May 12, 2025
Best Air Jordan Holiday 2025 Releases
Air Jordan

35 Best Air Jordan Holiday 2025 Releases That Will Make Sneakerheads Cry Happy Tears

April 11, 2025
The 20 Best Nike Foamposite Sneaker Colourways Of All Time
Nike Foamposite

The Top 20 Best Nike Foamposite Colourways Of All Time

May 12, 2025
Best Jordan Collaborations 2025
Air Jordan

The Top 22 Best Jordan Collaborations of 2025 Revealed

April 23, 2025
Load More

Trending

McDonalds Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers

McDonald’s x Nike Air Force 1 Collab: The Ultimate Happy Meal for Sneakerheads

December 10, 2024
10 Best Jordan Sneakers Releasing In 2025

The 10 Best Jordan Sneakers Releasing In 2025 – Is Your Wallet Ready?

January 18, 2025
Air Jordan 17 Low "UNC" August 2024 Release Details

Air Jordan 17 Low “UNC” August 2024 Release Details

August 20, 2024
Sneaker Fortress

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Company

  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Ethics Policy
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ownership
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer
  • Sitemap
  • Fortress Entertainment Sites:
  • Fortress of Solitude
  • Sneaker Fortress
  • 23 Jumpman Street

Connect

Nike Shop
  • adidas
  • Converse
  • Air Jordans
    • Air Jordan 1
    • Air Jordan 2
    • Air Jordan 3
    • Air Jordan 4
    • Air Jordan 5
    • Air Jordan 6
    • Air Jordan 7
    • Air Jordan 8
    • Air Jordan 9
    • Air Jordan 10
    • Air Jordan 11
    • Air Jordan 12
    • Air Jordan 13
    • Air Jordan 14
    • Air Jordan 15
    • Air Jordan 16
    • Air Jordan 17
    • Air Jordan 18
    • Air Jordan 19
    • Air Jordan 21
    • Air Jordan 23
    • Air Jordan 39
  • New Balance
  • Nike
    • Nike Air Force 1
    • Nike Air Max
    • Nike Dunk
    • Nike Foamposite
    • Nike Kobe
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
  • Yeezy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Web Stories

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.