Air Jordan Shoe VII - IX

Air Jordan VII (1991)

The Air Jordan VII seems to be Hatfields fusion of the Nike Air Huarache and the previous Jordan model, the Jordan VI.  The Nike Huarache technology was used to create a locked-down fit which sneakerheads really loved, but the visible air sole and the Nike Air logo disappeared, creating joy for some and consternation for others. This is the only shoe in the Jordan shoe line that has been released with the number 9 instead of the number 23.  The number 9 was his Olympic jersey number and this model, featuring Olympic colors and jersey number, was a special edition.

The Air Jordan VII was met with strong feelings of love or hate. This is the first of the Air Jordans to create division among the ranks of loyal fans and customers.

Air Jordan VIII (1992)

The eighth model of the Air Jordan could politely be called chunky. The base of the shoe was clearly modeled on the design of the Jordan XVII,  but the Air Jordan VIII added more colors and details.  Thick padding for and criss-crossing Velcro straps over the upper made for a great fit but some players experienced problems with heat buildup and a clumsy feeling due to the weight

The Jumpman logo on this model vaguely resembles a Peace sign, especially on the white/grey Retro version with its shaggy carpet-like jumpman, leading to the Jordan VIIIs nickname: the flower-power Air Jordan.

Available in only three color combinations, the Air Jordan VIII sold very well in its original and retro versions.  The model has since been discontinued.

Air Jordan IX (1993)

On October 6th 1993, Michael Jordan announced his decision to retire from the NBA, spelling potential doom for the signature shoe line.  The Jordan IX was a durable and plain shoe at first glance, but it came with lots of interesting details such as the large 23 stitched on the back of the shoe and the multi-lingual words on the soles of both shoes.  The words and the available translations are listed below.

Right Shoe: ddi (French) - dedicated fuerza (Spanish) - force intenso (Italian) - intense libert (French) - freedom anmutig (German) - graceful

Left Shoe: спорт (Russian) - sport uhuru (Swahili) - independence свобода (Russian) - freedom athletisch (German) - athletic muundaji (Swahili) - ?