Deciding upon the best Jordan 9 colorways is no easy task given the wide variety of designs released since their arrival in 1993.
In fact, as a result of the silhouette being released during Michael Jordan's 13-month stint in Minor League Baseball, the Jordan 9 is one of Nike's most underrated sneakers ever created.
However, that hasn't stopped them from still being made to this day, which is why we've decided to focus our list on some of the more recently released colorways as opposed to the near-impossible task of selecting the best Jordan 9 colorways of all time.
From collegiate-themed designs, like this “University Blue” release, to women's exclusive sneakers, like the "Change The World" Jordan 9's, we've rounded up the very best available now right here.
We've also picked out a few upcoming Jordan 9 releases for you to mark in your diary for future purcahse.
Best Jordan 9 Colorways
- Air Jordan 9 “University Blue”
- Air Jordan 9 "University Gold"
- Air Jordan 9 Boot NRG “Black Gum"
- Air Jordan 9 “Racer Blue”
- Air Jordan 9 "Change The World"
Best All-Round Jordan 9 Colorway - Air Jordan 9 “University Blue”
The North Carolina collegiate colors dress some of the most popular Air Jordan's of all time, so it may come as no surprise we've included “University Blue” 9's in our list.
The uppers combine classic white leather with speckled black overlays, most notably around the mudguards and midsoles similar to the original Orlando Magic PE's worn by Nick Anderson and Penny Hardaway.
Subtle hints of blue then dress both Jumpman logos featured on the midsoles and heels, the 'Air Jordan' tongue tabs, and the embroidered #23 found towards the rears.
On the whole, we believe the “University Blue” Jordan 9 colorway is up there as one the best which is why we've included it in our list.
Best Every Day Jordan 9 Colorway - Air Jordan 9 “University Gold”
When it comes to selecting a pair of Jordan's to wear every day, we feel it's hard to look past this "University Gold" colorway thanks to its relatively understated design with subtle pops of color.
The sneakers come dressed in black nubuck leather, with slightly lighter Charcoal tones appearing across some of the overlays.
Hints of University Gold then arrive across the sock liners and Jordan branding on the midsoles, tongues, and heels.
All in all, the understated approach Nike took towards the "University Gold" colorway helps make it one of the best Jordan 9's available right now.
Best Jordan 9 Boot Colorway - Air Jordan 9 Boot NRG “Black Gum"
The Air Jordan 9 Boot NRG takes a slightly different approach to your stereotypical basketball shoe, with Nike instead opting for a slightly more militarian design to tackle all weather conditions.
This “Black Gum" colorway, for example, features a water-resistant coating plus durable metal eyelets and rugged gum outsoles with deeper grooves for enhanced traction.
The design fits with the utilitarian approach as well, with the uppers dressed solely in black while underfoot you get the aforementioned gum outsoles.
Ultimately, if you're after a strong, durable, Jordan-branded pair of boots, then this “Black Gum" release could be your answer.
Best Reflective Jordan 9 Colorway - Air Jordan 9 “Racer Blue”
This “Racer Blue” colorway is a particularly interesting Jordan 9 thanks to its 3M reflective paneling around the mudguards which continue towards the top of the collars.
In terms of the rest of the design, you'll find the uppers are made from black nubuck leather which helps make the reflective elements stand out once the light fades.
On top of that, you get blue tones adorning all the Jordan branding, except for the tongue tabs which come in white to match the outsole units.
All in all, this highly unique “Racer Blue” colorway should be a great choice if you're looking to stand out from the crowd in your Jordan 9 sneakers.
Best Women's Jordan 9 Colorway - Air Jordan 9 "Change The World"
This "Change The World" colorway released in celebration of Women’s History Month in 2021 was the brand's first-ever women's-exclusive Jordan 9 ever.
However, this isn't the only reason why we've included it in our list. In fact, we feel there's a lot to like about its multi-colored design.
For example, the pair is mismatched, with the left shoe donning a pink and orange mudguard with an orange midsole, while the right shoe is dressed in a light grey, purple, and black mudguard with a pale yellow midsole and lace loops.
Overall, the eccentric design combined with the history behind them is why we've included the "Change The World" colorway in our list.
Best Upcoming Jordan 9's
Despite being an underrated release, Nike continues to make new Jordan 9's to this day, which is why we've highlighted a few upcoming colorways for you to mark in your diary to add to your collection in the future.
Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey
Leaked images have emerged of a new "Particle Grey" Jordan 9 colorway expected to debut later this year.
The sneakers combine black nubuck leather with grey overlays, plus hints of red dressing the Jordan branding on the tongue tabs and heels.
Nike is yet to confirm an exact release date; however, reports suggest a Spring arrival as most likely, possibly even as soon as 22 March. Stay tuned to find out more right here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jordan 9's
With so many different colorways available, you may have a number of questions about the Jordan 9, but don't fear because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
Did Michael Jordan Wear Jordan 9's?
The Jordan 9 was the first Air Jordan to not be worn by MJ himself on an NBA court.
We did, however, get to see them on Michael Jordan's feet in cleat form during his short-lived run in Minor League Baseball.
That being said, the Jordan 9's were worn on an NBA court in 1993/94 as Nike introduced the first player edition Jordan sneakers, which included Latrell Sprewell, Mitch Richmond, and BJ Armstrong all receiving Jordan 9's with their own personal numbers.
Are Jordan 9's Comfortable?
We've previously discussed whether Jordan's are comfortable in general, but we didn't go into too much detail regarding the Jordan 9's in particular.
However, we'll begin by prefacing that all Jordan's, including the 9's, feature Nike Air units in the midsoles, with the bubbles designed to provide extra padding which, in turn, should improve comfort.
With that being said, one of the most important aspects for making sure your Jordan 9's are comfortable is to make sure you get the right fit right.
We recommend leaving a finger's width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the toebox. This will ensure that the sneakers bend correctly to match the natural movement of your feet.
How Do Jordan 9's Fit?
It is widely believed that all Jordans fit true to size, both on the court and during everyday wear.
However, if you've got slightly wider feet, you may find going up a size to be beneficial, particularly if you're looking to play basketball in them as this should ensure your feet remain comfortable and supported without feeling too restricted during a game.
Nike usually has some sort of handy chart to compare the size of your feet to the size of the shoes if you're still unsure.
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