[Update 11 Mar 2024] The Nike Air Jordan 9 “Powder Blue” drops in just over a week via Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Check out the gallery for the official stills, courtesy of Nike. Stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine for the latest updates!

[Update 22 Feb 2024] Great news! The Nike Air Jordan 9 “Powder Blue” is set for a release on 23 March. In the meantime, check out the latest imagery of the pair in the gallery above as we anticipate the official drop.

The Nike Air Jordan 9 is another designed by the “Michael Jordan” of sneaker design, Tinker Hatfield. They were first released during the 1993–94 NBA season but at this point, MJ was already in the midst of his sabbatical from basketball to pursue a baseball career.

They’re the only ones MJ didn’t lace up in during his time as a Bull. Still, they weren’t absent from the hardwood with several PEs produced for the likes of Penny Hardaway and BJ Armstrong, with the latter’s jersey number taking the place of the “23” on the heel.

Several colorways were released in 1994 with one of them being the titular “Powder Blue”. In lieu of its 30th anniversary, they’re set to make a comeback 14 years after its last outing in 2010. Per tradition, the colorway is an homage to Jordan’s alma matter: University of North Carolina, or most recognizably abbreviated to “UNC”.

They’re expected to return in its OG form, save for one deviation. The 2024 iteration may or may not feature the earlier-mentioned 23 on the heel. That aside, the upper will arrive in its popular white assemblage with perforations embellished on its profiles. Sharing the spotlight are the blacks, uniformly making up the tongue, eyestays, laces, and the Jumpman on the lateral heel.

All of the above work in tandem to set the stage for the Powder Blue to shine. Drawing the eyes to the interior, the Jordan branding on the tongue, and most notably the circumference of the midsoles.

They’re seasons away from release at the time of writing but when new information gets to us, we’ll make sure to get them to you. Also, in case you were curious, here’s why the “UNC” or “University Blue” colorway is so popular.

Elsewhere in the Jordan-sphere, have a first look at the upcoming Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Black Toe”.