The Air Jordan IX was a Japanese-inspired style that designer Tinker Hatfield chose for MJ's statue in Chicago. The inner bootie, speed-lacing system and sole all spoke to Jordan's winning qualities, which are carried over into the retroed version of the AJ 9. Minimalist upper combines leather and nubuck materials, which looks great on top of the dynamic-fit inner bootie, internal support straps and one-pull lace locking system. Midsole is made of polyurethane with a large-volume Air-Sole unit in the heel and forefoot for cushioning. Sole is made of solid rubber with multidirectional patterns for traction.