The Air Jordan 9 “Olive” Returns in 2024

In 1993, Nike, Inc. was sent scrambling by Michael Jordan’s abrupt retirement from the NBA. The momentum built from three straight championships came to a sudden stop, but that didn’t stop Nike, Inc. from continuing the legacy of the Air Jordan through its in-depth storytelling.

For the ninth model, Tinker Hatfield emphasized the global influence and stardom of Jordan, prominently displayed during his dominant performance and presence during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

With an emblem of the planet firmly affixed to the heel, the Air Jordan 9 stated that MJ transcended city lines and was an icon that knew no borders, even if he swapped his basketball shoes for baseball cleats.

The short-lived Air Jordan 9 only saw a handful of original colorways. The “True Red” and “Charcoal” were the sole representatives of the iconic Bulls aesthetic, while the “Dark Powder Blue” commemorated Jordan’s time in North Carolina.

The polarizing “Olive”, however, took the unconventional series of off-the-court colorways to a new level of experimentation. At its time, the Olive 9s underperformed at retail, but as many of the more obscure original Air Jordans go, it grew a cult following in the 2000s that culminated in an under-whelming re-issue in 2012.

The shape was off, the materials were shoddy, and the first-ever retro of the Air Jordan 9 “Olive” was representative of a time when Jordan Retro quality just wasn’t anything to sing home about.

Air Jordan 9 “Olive” Retro (2012) | Image: StockX
Air Jordan 9 Boot “Olive” Retro (2017) Image: @gc911/Instagram
Air Jordan 9 “Olive/Aqua” Retro (2022) Image: Nike

That’s not to say the Olive 9s were buried in obscurity. The infamous colorway reprised its role again in 2017 via the winter-ready Boot version — a modification that has been somewhat successful during the colder months of the year. And in late 2022, Jordan Brand trolled the community with the “Olive/Aqua”, a release that served little purpose other than to irk OG enthusiasts.

In Holiday 2024, the Air Jordan 9 “Olive” is intended to be released, as reported by @zsneakerheadz. While a first look at the shoes eludes us, it’s not hard to carry expectations given the detailed look we’ve seen at the Air Jordan 9 “Powder Blue”.

A more accurate silhouette and materials true to the 1993 original seem to be the new standard for the Air Jordan 9 Retro.

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    Official Release Date for the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    The Boston Celtics’ season is unfolding just as they had envisioned, with only one loss to report and a striking 30 points per game average from their star player, Jayson Tatum.

    After a more eventful off-season than what championship teams typically endure, Tatum and his Boston teammates have skillfully tuned out distractions, staying focused on their goal of repeating their success early in the season. In line with this theme, the upcoming #0 Jordan Tatum 3 is about to launch a “Zen” colorway that embodies this same sense of tranquility.

    The motif of serenity has been a consistent element in Jayson Tatum’s sneaker line, especially highlighted by the “Vortex” version of the Tatum 2, which explicitly connects to this theme: our previous coverage noted that the design reflects Tatum’s calm demeanor, reminiscent of the peacefulness found in a vortex above water.

    While this new model opts for a more subdued color palette, its execution remains true to that original concept; the graceful cut-outs in the upper design resemble calm waters, serving as a guiding inspiration throughout Tatum’s signature collection.

    As mentioned earlier, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” is set to launch on November 14th via Nike.com, available in sizes for the whole family. The adult versions will be priced at $125.

    For a closer look at this appealing colorway, check out the official images below, and make sure to keep an eye on our Sneakers page for updates.


    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    SKU: FZ6598-001

    RETAIL PRICE: $125

    RELEASE DATE: Nov 14, 2024

    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” (Images via: Nike)

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    Jason Kelce’s Field Goal Attempt In Timberlands Will End In A $100,000 Donation

    This Saturday, November 2nd, Jason Kelce will take on a field goal challenge while wearing Wheat Timbs during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast of the highly anticipated Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup. The idea for this challenge originated when college student Daniel Villasenor successfully kicked a field goal in Vans checkerboard slip-ons, winning an impressive $100,000 earlier in October.

    Initially discussed on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast with special guest Pat McAfee, this lighthearted challenge quickly evolved into a real event. The NFL legend, Jason Kelce, is set to attempt scoring three points while donning the famous Wheat Timberlands.

    In an exciting twist, VF Corp — the parent company of both Vans and Timberland — has stepped in with a generous $100,000 commitment to the charity Soles4Souls, aimed at supporting hurricane relief efforts. Fortunately for Jason, VF Corp has assured that the funds will be donated regardless of whether his kick is successful or not.

    Make sure to tune in to ESPN College GameDay on November 2nd, 2024, to witness this unique field goal attempt for yourself!

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    Notre and Vans Collaborate For the Rowley XLT “Linen”

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    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

    The highly anticipated Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” is set to drop on November 15, 2024, exclusively at Notre and its flagship location.

    Be sure to check HQZ’s Sneakers page to stay updated on the latest happenings and drops in the sneaker world.


    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Colorway: Linen/Silver
    Style #: VN000D1GDPB1
    Release Date: November 15, 2024
    Price: $165

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” VN000D1GDPB1 (Images via: @oscar_castillo/Instagram)

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