Throughout Jordan Brand's 40-year history, His Airness has ensured that his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, has formed a part of his signature sneaker line. In addition to offering the public "University Blue"-accented footwear, the Nike, Inc. subsidiary has provided current Tar Heel athletes Player-Exclusive editions commemorating the collegiate program. Detailed looks at a special Air Jordan 9 prepped for players during the 2024-25 season recently surfaced.
Shared to Instagram by renowned collector @EnglishSole, the pair falls in line with other Air Jordan PEs prepped for Jordan Brand-sponsored athletics programs. What's important to note is that Tinker Hatfield's design has emerged in a number of color schemes inspired by UNC throughout the years, with a "Dark Powder Blue" style forming part of the AJ9's original run. The latest PE, however, includes a number of special details throughout its patent leather-donning upper, differentiating it from any similar pair made available to the public. The limited-to-50-pairs exclusive features UNC text on the top-of-the-tongue, with laces, mudguards, and spine pull tabs indulging in a Tar Heels-appropriate blue. Eyelets, inner lining, and details across the midsole deviate in a darker shade of blue similar to that found on the Air Jordan 9 "Midnight Navy."
Enjoy closer shots of the latest "UNC" PE from Jordan Brand below. For pairs you'll actually have a chance of buying for MSRP, head over to Nike.com/Jordan.
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