Originally released in 1994, air jordan 9 johnny kilroy 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. Jordan 9 kilroy features a minimalist upper that 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. The midsole is made of polyurethane with a large-volume Air-Sole? unit in the heel and forefoot for cushioning, and the sole is made of solid rubber with multidirectional patterns for traction.