The Air Jordan 9 was released in 1993 shortly following the announcement of Jordan’s retirement.

On October 6th 1993, Jordan gave the basketball world a shock when he announced his retirement from the NBA. This was just one day before training camp and it was not what anyone had expected at this time. The greatest basketball player of all time retiring at the age of 30. A decision probably affected by the fact that his father was murdered in North Carolina in the summer of 1993 just before he won his third championship.

The shoe being released was plain and sturdy and was the first model that Michael did not wear in an NBA seasonal game (due to the retirement). The sole had lots of details and a large 23 was stitched at the back of the shoe.