The black and red 9 Jordan is a weird sneaker. Honestly, it’s one of the most paradoxical shoes in the entire Nike catalog. Usually, when we talk about "Bred" Jordans, we’re picturing Michael Jordan flying through the air, tongue out, clinching a title or shattering a backboard in Chicago. But the Jordan 9? Mike never actually played a regular-season NBA game in them. He was busy chasing a dream on a baseball diamond in Birmingham while these were hitting the shelves.
It’s kinda funny how a shoe he didn't even play in became such a staple of the "Bred" (black and red) legacy. Most people assume every early Jordan had its iconic Bulls moment, but the 9 is the outlier. It’s the shoe that lived in the "what if" era of 1993 and 1994.
The 2018 "Bred" Patent Leather Mystery
If you’re looking for the definitive version of the black and red 9 Jordan, you’re almost certainly thinking of the 2018 release. This wasn't just a random color swap. It actually has roots in a "Player Exclusive" (PE) from 2002. Back then, Jordan Brand made a special version for Eddie Jones—one of the original members of Team Jordan—and it sat in the vault for sixteen years before we ever got a crack at it.
The 2018 retro used a mix of traditional leather and that flashy patent leather around the mudguard. It’s got a specific vibe. Basically, it feels a bit dressier than your average basketball sneaker.
- Style Code: 302370-014
- Colorway: Black/Anthracite-University Red
- Materials: Smooth leather upper, patent leather overlays, and a matte anthracite sole.
The red isn't everywhere. It’s subtle. You’ll find it on the Jumpman branding on the midsole, the tongue, and that "23" stitched into the heel. It doesn't shout; it whispers. That’s probably why collectors still hunt for pairs on the secondary market.
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Why the Design Is So Different
Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 9 at a time when Michael Jordan was becoming a global icon, not just a basketball player. If you flip a pair of black and red 9 Jordans over, the outsole is basically a history book. It features symbols and words in different languages—Japanese, Russian, German, Swahili—that translate to things like "Intense," "Dedicated," and "Sport."
It was meant to represent Mike’s impact on the world. It’s also one of the first Jordans to feature a "one-pull" speed lacing system.
It’s basically a boot. No, really. The 9 is notoriously stiff compared to the 11 or the 12. It’s built like a tank. While that makes it a bit of a literal pain to "break in" for a game of pickup, it’s also why they stay looking fresh for years. They don't crease as easily as a pair of 1s or 3s.
The Other "Black and Red" Contenders
Wait, we gotta be clear here. There are a few different shoes that people call the black and red 9 Jordan. It gets confusing.
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- The OG "Charcoal" (1994): This is the closest thing to an original black and red colorway. It used "True Red" accents but featured a dark charcoal grey on the upper instead of a deep jet black.
- The "Motorboat Jones" (2012): Part of the "Johnny Kilroy" pack. This one is loud. It’s almost entirely "Challenge Red" with black accents. If you want a shoe that people can see from three blocks away, this is it.
- The "Olive" (1994/2002/2012/2024): Some people loop these in because they have red hits on the tongue and heel, but that olive green mudguard makes them more of an "earth tone" shoe than a true Bred.
Most folks today are chasing the 2018 Patent Leather version because it fits the classic Chicago Bulls aesthetic perfectly. It’s the shoe that should have been on Mike’s feet during the '94 season if he hadn't stepped away to play for the Barons.
The Statue Connection
If you’ve ever been to Chicago, you’ve seen "The Spirit." That’s the massive bronze statue of Michael Jordan outside the United Center. Take a look at the feet. He’s wearing the Air Jordan 9.
It’s a bit of a trivia "gotcha" for sneakerheads. Why would the statue show him in a shoe he never played in? The designers of the statue felt the 9 represented his global reach best. So, while he never wore the black and red 9 Jordan in a game for the Bulls, his likeness is literally immortalized in them.
Real-World Advice for Buyers
Thinking about picking up a pair of black and red 9s? Here’s the reality check.
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First, the fit is snug. If you have wide feet, you’re going to want to go up half a size. The inner bootie construction is great for lockdown, but it doesn't leave much room for error. Second, watch out for the patent leather on the 2018 version. Like any patent leather shoe, it can crack if you store it in a super dry place or leave it in the heat.
If you're buying a used pair, check the "23" embroidery on the heel. On fakes, the numbers often look "puffy" or connected by a stray thread. On the real deal, the stitching is clean and distinct.
Also, look at the globe on the heel. The Jumpman should be centered over the world. It sounds simple, but a lot of the early 2010-era replicas couldn't get the positioning of the "globe" right.
The black and red 9 Jordan isn't just another colorway. It’s a piece of "alternate history." It’s the sneaker of the era where the king walked away, but the brand stayed on the throne.
What to do next
If you are hunting for a pair, prioritize the 2018 "Bred Patent" release over the older 2010 retros. The 2018 version used better materials and the "Anthracite" sole holds up much better against "yellowing" than the translucent soles found on other models. Always ask for a photo of the size tag and cross-reference the production dates with known authentic batches on sites like GOAT or StockX to ensure you're getting the real thing.