Air Jordan 9 “Space Jam” Returns September 19
The Air Jordan 9 occupies a unique place in Jordan history. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and originally released in 1993, it was the first Air Jordan signature shoe to arrive while Michael Jordan was away from the NBA.
MJ never wore the Air Jordan 9 during an NBA game, but one particular pair still found its way onto the screen—and into sneaker history.
From the Training Floor to Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan wore the white, black and True Red Air Jordan 9 during the gym training scenes in Space Jam. While the Air Jordan 11 appeared during the film’s climactic game, the AJ9 was the shoe worn by MJ back in the real world.
That appearance eventually earned the original colorway its unofficial “Space Jam” nickname. The connection became part of the shoe’s official story with the 2016 retro, and now it returns as part of the film’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Back for the first time in a decade, the 2026 release introduces an updated shape designed to bring the silhouette closer to the original 1993 construction.
An Original Colorway with a Cinematic Legacy
The design begins with a clean white leather upper, contrasted by black nubuck wrapping around the mudguard and extending toward the collar.
True Red accents land on the Jumpman branding, tongue lettering and heel details, bringing the familiar Bulls color palette into an otherwise understated design. The Air Jordan 9’s signature globe emblem and “23” branding complete the heel.
It’s a simple combination, but one that has remained recognizable for more than three decades.
Tune Squad Packaging
The anniversary treatment extends beyond the footwear. The Air Jordan 9 “Space Jam” arrives in special Tune Squad-themed packaging, with film-inspired details inside and outside the box.
It’s a finishing touch that connects the release directly to the movie and gives collectors something more than another standard retro box.
Where to Buy the Air Jordan 9 “Space Jam”
The Air Jordan 9 “Space Jam” releases Saturday, September 19, 2026—in-store and online at Overload.
Visit us at 3827 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104, or shop the release through our Jordan collection when it goes live.
Need a hand with sizing or availability? Contact shop@shopoverload.com and we’ll help you out.
