The Air Jordan 9 Space Jam Returns
What to know
ClosetKept AI- Air Jordan 9 Space Jam Returns releases September 16, 2026.
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield; features multilingual outsole text in seven languages.
- MJ wore the 9 in 1996 Space Jam film, not on basketball court.
- Comes in custom Tune Squad box with gym artwork on lid.
- Celebrates Space Jam's 30-year anniversary in 2026.
The Air Jordan 9 Space Jam Returns
Space Jam was released in theaters in 1996. It was an instant classic and is one of Michael Jordan’s most iconic moments away from the basketball court.
Jordan plays himself in the film and interacts with cartoon aliens and the beloved Looney Tunes characters. Classic characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig also appear.
Space Jam was a huge box office success. It would inspire the LeBron James remake/sequel, Space Jam: A New Legacy.
The live action/animated project is currently celebrating its 30 year anniversary in 2026. Jordan Brand is bringing back the Air Jordan 9 MJ wore in the film to celebrate.
The 9
MJ never wore the 9 on the basketball court when it originally released. But the sneaker was embraced and supported by sneaker and Jordan fans. Michael Jordan did wear a baseball version of the shoe on the diamond and his statue, which sits outside the Bulls arena, has the 9 on its feet. Tinker Hatfield designed the 9 before knowing MJ was leaving basketball. The focus of the design was Jordan becoming an international star. The outsole of the shoe featured text in different languages including Japanese, Russian, German, Spanish, French, and Swahili. In English, the words translated to “Dedicated,” “Intense,” and “Sport.” The heel has the Jumpman logo with the world placed behind it.
The Air Jordan 9 is tied to one of the most interesting and unexpected periods in pop culture history. Michael Jordan retiring in his prime and pursuing a career in baseball will always be one of the most surprising moments in the history of sports. The 9 easily could of the been the last Air Jordan sneaker, but the work of Tinker Hatfield, and the relevancy of Jordan, allowed the franchise to live on.
The Space Jam
Jordan wore the Air Jordan 9 in Space Jam. Which gave the shoe arguably its most iconic moment. This 2026 version of the shoe arrives in a custom Tune Squad box. There is gym artwork printed on the lid.
The shoe has a white leather upper, a black synthetic nubuck mudguard and there is a subtle glitter finish. It’s topped off with true red branding on the heel and outsole.
Shoe Palace
You can find the Air Jordan 9 ‘Space Jam’ at Shoe Palace September 19 here.
