The History and Legacy of the Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey

The History and Legacy of the Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey

In 2022, Jordan Brand brought back one of the most beloved Air Jordan 9 colorways - the Particle Grey. First debuting in 1994, the Particle Grey 9s have become a staple in sneaker culture and are considered a must-have for any true sneakerhead's collection.

The Air Jordan 9 was first released in 1993 and was the first Air Jordan model to release after Michael Jordan's initial retirement from the NBA. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 9 featured a unique quilted upper, cross straps on the ankle, and a rubber heel wrap. It also brought back the Nike Air branding on the back after several Jordan models went without.

The Particle Grey Colorway

In 1994, Jordan Brand dropped the clean and sleek Particle Grey colorway of the Air Jordan 9. This OG retro featured a grey leather upper offset by black accents on the midsole, tongue, laces, and branding. minor white details were added on the outsole and heel tab. The overall look was subtle yet eye-catching.

Unlike other bold Jordan colorways like Breds or Concords, the Particle Greys were understated and versatile. This made them easy to incorporate into streetwear fits. The grey, white and black palette provided the perfect neutral base that could be styled with almost anything.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

Although Michael Jordan never wore the Particle Grey 9s on the court, they still gained immense popularity and cultural clout. The shoes released during MJ's first retirement, but the momentum of the Jordan line and the Air Jordan 9 model was still going strong. Sneaker culture was taking off globally, leading to the Particle Greys becoming one of the most sought after 9s.

After their initial drop in 1994, the Particle Greys retro'ed only a handful of times over the next two decades. Each re-release instantly sold out and stock was limited, making them harder to obtain. This scarcity over the years only increased demand and boosted their status as a grail. By the mid 2010's, Particle Grey 9s were reselling for several hundred dollars over retail.

Even hip hop culture took notice of the shoes. particle Greys have been referenced in songs by rappers like Fabolous and Wale. Fabolous even featured them in the music video for his hit "Breathe" in 2007.

The 2022 Retro and Release

In April 2022, Jordan Brand announced they would be bringing back the Particle Grey 9s for the first time since 2009. They were set to drop on June 11th, 2022. This was great news for OG Jordan fans who remembered the 1994 launch, as well as a new generation of sneakerheads who never got a chance to own a pair.

The 2022 retro stayed true to the originals but also included some minor upgrades. The leather upper was updated to a premium tumbled cut, providing more softness and durability. The Nike Air branding on the heel swapped white for grey to better match the look. Even the box received an upgrade with special silver foil logos.

As expected, demand was through the roof on release day. Long lines formed outside sneaker shops hours before they opened. Limited quantities led to an instant sell out online and at most retailers. Resale prices shot up to $300-$400 for a deadstock pair.

For many collectors though, the higher resale prices were worth getting their hands on this iconic and historically great Jordan colorway. The 2022 Particle Greys lived up to the hype and exemplified how special the shoes are.

Where to Buy the Particle Grey Jordan 9

Since the 2022 Particle Grey 9s have sold out at almost all retailers, the best way to buy a pair now is through resale sites. Here are some places to find them:

• StockX - StockX is a trusted resale marketplace with authenticity verification. Expect to pay $250-$300+ for a new pair of Particle Greys depending on sizing.
• GOAT - Similar to StockX, GOAT is a popular resale app with 100% authentic shoes. Prices for the Particle Greys sit around $280-$350 for most sizes.
• eBay - Individual resellers list Particle Grey 9s on eBay daily. Just be sure to verify feedback and authenticity before purchasing.
• Stadium Goods - Stadium Goods carries rare and popular Jordan retros like the Particle Greys. Expect markups of $100-$150 over retail.
• Flight Club - Flight Club mainly deals in rare/limited sneakers and has locations in NY, LA and Miami. Particle Greys are in stock for $300+.

Besides resellers, your other option is to wait and see if Jordan Brand decides to shock drop more stock. Keep checking sites like Nike SNKRS and following sneaker accounts on social media for any restock news.

Matching Clothing for the Particle Grey 9s

The Particle Grey 9s are extremely versatile when it comes to styling outfits. Here are some clothing pieces that complement them well:

• Black joggers or distressed denim - Black bottoms allow the Particle Grey upper to stand out while still keeping a tonal vibe.
• White or grey tees and hoodies - Simple white or grey tops maintain a clean and monochromatic look.
• Bomber or leather jackets - Layering with a bomber or leather jacket adds dimension to any fit.
• Grey crewnecks and hoodies - Matching up top with a grey hoodie or crewneck sweater ties the whole outfit together seamlessly.

The Particle Grey 9s are one of the easiest Jordan retros to style. Their neutral base means the shoes can be the focal point of any outfit without clashing. Keep the rest simple by sticking to basics like joggers, denim, hoodies, and tees in similar grey and black tones.

The Air Jordan 9 Lives on in Pop Culture

Even close to 30 years after its initial release, the Air Jordan 9 Particle Grey still remains culturally relevant. As one of the most beloved 9s ever, it will continue inspiring new generations of sneaker lovers. The 2022 retro opened the door for Jordan Brand to finally give other classic 9s like the Concords, Olives and Powder Blues the retro treatment they deserve.

The Particle Grey 9s represent more than just a sneaker. They epitomize the impact Jordan shoes have had on sports, fashion, music and beyond. As long as sneaker culture continues to thrive, so will the legacy of the iconic Particle Grey Jordan 9.

FAQs

When did the Particle Grey 9s originally release?

The Air Jordan 9 in the Particle Grey colorway first released in 1994.

How much did the Particle Greys cost retail in 2022?

The 2022 retro of the Particle Grey 9s retailed for $200.

What makes the Particle Greys so popular?

The Particle Grey 9s are popular for their clean and versatile grey, white and black color scheme. They also have cultural significance from being featured in hip hop music.

Where can I buy the Particle Grey 9s?

Since selling out, the 2022 Particle Greys are mainly available through resale sites like StockX, GOAT, eBay, and Stadium Goods.

What outfits match well with the Particle Grey 9s?

The shoes match nicely with basic pieces like black joggers, distressed denim, white/grey tees and hoodies, and bomber or leather jackets.