AIR JORDAN IX was released in 1994 , when Tinker Hatfield and Nike started working on the Air Jordan 9, Michael Jordan was in Asia to promote for Nike.The first model of the Nike Air Jordan 9 released in 1994, and a total of four models came out that year. In 2002 four more Air Jordan Retro IX were released,The world is shocked as Michael retires from hoops to play baseball,but the elegant Japanese-inspired IX reminds us why we admire him in the first place. .Featuring a refined inner- bootie,speed-lacing and a unique sole speaking to MJ NBA championship qualities,Tinker Hatfield, the shoes designer chooses it to adorn Michael's statue outside his Chicago bull arena.