The Air Jordan IX OG is slated to make its first retail return in a decade this summer. The IX is in a class of its own, as it is one of the models released during Jordan’s time with the Chicago Bulls that he never took to the NBA hardwood as a Bull (he did wear the “Cool Grey” colorway while he was with the Washington Wizards).
Before their return, the first images of the 2026 iteration have come to light.
They feature a white leather foundational layer overlaid with a black unbuckle that extends up to the collar and also wraps the heel. A global Jumpman logo resides at the rear heel above an embroidered, red “23”, while “AIR JORDAN” appears perched atop the tongue.
Underneath the aforementioned upper resides a black midsole as well as a white dual Jumpman-branded rubber outsole that tells an international story via various words and graphics.
Each respective outsole is topped with words that can be attributed to Michael Jordan and his game on the basketball court.
The right shoe:
- FRENCH – “DEDE”- DEDICATED
- SPANISH – “FUERZA”- FORCE
- ITALIAN – “INTENSO” – INTENSE
- FRENCH – “LIBERTE” – FREEDOM
- GERMAN – “ANMUTIG” – GRACEFUL
The left shoe:
- RUSSIAN – “СПОРТ” – SPORT
- SWAHILI – “UHURU” – INDEPENDENCE
- RUSSIAN – “СВОБО́ДА” – FREEDOM
- GERMAN – “ATHLETISCH” – ATHLETIC
- SWAHILI – “MUUNDAJI” – HOPE
The Air Jordan IX OG is slated to return August 29 at nike.com and select retail establishments.
images via kicksdong
