The Air Jordan 9 "University Blue" is a clean look for Michael Jordan's ninth signature shoe that draws comparisons to the original "UNC" or "Powder Blue" colorway from 1994. Collectors may recall "His Airness" suiting up in his old UNC Tarheels team uniform while wearing the OG "Powder Blue" Jordan 9 for Nike advertisements during his brief hiatus from the NBA in the mid '90s, and the "University Blue" design pays homage to the "UNC" theme with subtle accents. The upper features a white leather construction with a diamond motif appearing along the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. A speckled black synthetic nubuck mudguard above the black painted midsole breaks up the look. Elsewhere, black rubber eyelets and rope laces contrast the white mesh tongue. Branding appears on the form of University Blue "23" embroidery on the heel and "Air Jordan" on the tongue. Additional UNC-inspired accenting can be found on the mini Jumpman emblem on the sole and on the globe insignia on the heel. A black nylon pull tab on the heel and inner bootie lining complete the look of the Jordan 9 "University Blue."