A fan-favorite Air Jordan from Michael Jordan‘s Washington Wizards era will soon get its first release in more than a dozen years.
The Air Jordan 9 “Cool Grey” will release in the spring for just the third time ever. Although the tonal grey treatment isn’t an original colorway for the Air Jordan 9, which launched in 1994, it was nonetheless worn by Jordan on the court when it was introduced in 2002. A retro release would then follow in 2012 for the 10th anniversary of “Cool Grey,” and a 13-year wait for the next drop will finally come to an end in March.
Staying true to the original, the Air Jordan 9 returns with a mix of grey nubuck and patent leather on its upper. A translucent outsole takes on a grey midsole sits below a white midsole and hosts a white Jumpman at the heel, which then matches the Jumpman globe logo and “23” embroidery on the heel. The perforations on the upper are less pronounced than those on the 2012 retro and more like the original’s, and chances are next year’s release will bear a higher quality than the last given the widespread complaints about Air Jordans of the early 2010s.
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The Air Jordan 9 launched at an awkward time for Nike, as Jordan was playing baseball after his first retirement from the NBA. Only four colorways released during this initial run, including the more lifestyle-oriented “Olive” edition that just returned after its own 12-year hiatus, and Jordan never actually wore the model while playing for the Chicago Bulls. He did, however, wear cleated versions of the sneaker during his short-lived baseball career.
A “Cool Grey” treatment came to the Air Jordan 9 a year after it was introduced on the Air Jordan 11, which marked a breakthrough for Jordan Brand creating new colorways for its retro models.
The Air Jordan 9 “Cool Grey” will release March 15 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $210.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
