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Within the original 14 Air Jordan family, the Air Jordan 9 sticks out as a sort of black sheep. Michael Jordan retired from the NBA and was finding out the realities of playing professional baseball when Nike launched the AJ 9, though its history and lore run just as deep, if not deeper, than most Jordan models. Back in 2002, the year the Air Jordan 9 experienced its first retro run, Jordan Brand launched the then-all-new Flint Grey, AKA the French Blue colorway, but it has not returned since. Thankfully, 2026 will mark the first re-release of the fan favorite AJ 9.
Done in a tri-tone color palette consisting of white, Flint Grey, and French Blue, the upper of this Air Jordan 9 is mostly rendered in white. This shade takes over the quilted leather midfoot panel, the mesh tongue, and the leather toebox, while the mudguard, heel, and collar overlay are done in a flint grey suede. Tonal flint grey laces run up the tongue through French Blue plastic eyelets, resting just below a hit of French Blue mesh and an Air Jordan tag.
Moving back to the heel, the model featured the Jordan globe logo in French Blue just below the Flint Grey nylon pull tab. Underneath this is an embroidered 23 in French Blue, though historians of the Air Jordan 9 know this was a detail added on to retro releases, as it was not present on original colorways in 1994. Finishing the sneaker is the flint grey and white midsole paired with a tonal outsole.
The Air Jordan 9 Retro Flint Grey will release January 24, 2026 through Nike and select Jordan Brand retailers online and in-store. Available in full-family sizing, the retail price is set at $215 (men), $150 (GS), $90 (PS), and $75 (TD). Take a look at the original 2002 release below, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via GOAT
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
