Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal” Returns Fall 2027 After 17 Years

The Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal” is reportedly set to return in Fall 2027, giving the model its second retro since it debuted in 1994. The colorway has only resurfaced once before, back in 2010, meaning fans would be waiting 17 years for another shot at the pair.

The move would close out a broader project inside the Air Jordan line. Jordan Brand already brought back the “Dark Powder Blue” and “Olive” Air Jordan 9 colorways in 2024, and the “Playoffs” (also known as “Space Jam”) pair lands September 19th, ahead of the “Space Jam” Air Jordan 11 later this year. A 2027 “Charcoal” return would mean every original colorway from the shoe’s 1994 debut has now been retroed. None of this comes from an official Jordan Brand announcement yet, and no images have surfaced, so treat the details here as reported rather than confirmed. JustFreshKicks will keep tracking this one, and readers can check the sneaker release dates hub for updates as they land.

The Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal” Design

Michael Jordan never wore the shoe in an NBA game because he spent the 1994 season playing baseball instead, lacing up baseball cleat versions of the model rather than the sneaker itself. He didn’t return to the silhouette until years later, wearing the “Cool Grey” Air Jordan 9 during his run with the Washington Wizards, a stretch that lined up with the shoe’s first retro.

Reports point to an updated fit for the 2027 pair, built closer to the original 1994 shape rather than past retros, similar to shape updates seen on other retro Air Jordan models. The expected color palette is a true to original black, dark charcoal and true red combination, paired with durabuck like uppers, though Jordan Brand has not confirmed final materials or colors.

Why Has the Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal” Taken So Long to Return?

Michael Jordan never wore the shoe during an NBA game since he was playing baseball in 1994, and Jordan Brand has only retroed the colorway once before, in 2010, leaving a 17 year gap before this reported 2027 return.

Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal” Release Information

Reports point to a Fall 2027 launch for the Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal,” putting the release sometime between July and September of that year, though Jordan Brand has not confirmed an exact date. Pricing has not been revealed. When it does drop, expect it at Nike SNKRS alongside select retailers.

Air Jordan 9 “Charcoal”
Color: Black, Dark Charcoal, True Red (expected)
Style Code: TBD
Release Date: Fall 2027
Price: TBD