How to Break In Jordan 9s: Tips for the AJ9 University Blue

Quick answer: Most Jordan 9s feel stiff for the first one to two weeks of regular wear. To break them in faster, wear them indoors for an hour or two at a time, with mid-weight athletic socks, and lace them loosely at first. Do your first wears inside on a clean floor, so you can still decide on the size if they don't fit right.

The Air Jordan 9 first came out in 1993. The University Blue colorway pairs a white leather upper with a black base and light blue hits. It's a sturdy high-top with a firm sole, a snug inner sleeve, and a speed lacing system. That makes it supportive, but also stiff out of the box. The good news: it gets more comfortable with wear. Looking for outfit ideas instead? See our guide, "How to Style Jordan 9 'University Blue'."

A brand-new Jordan 9 sits on a firm foam sole with Air cushioning inside. Firm foam lasts a long time and gives great support, but it doesn't bend much when it's new.

The upper adds to the stiffness. The black overlay around the base of the shoe is firm and doesn't stretch much, and the inner sleeve hugs your foot. As you walk, the sole starts to flex at the ball of your foot, the leather softens, and the sleeve shapes to your foot. That's when the shoe starts to feel comfortable.

• Bottom line: Stiff isn't the same as the wrong size. Stiffness fades with wear. Sharp pain at the toes, or a heel that slides out with each step, means you need a different size.

We asked JD's footwear experts the questions shoppers ask most about breaking in Jordan 9s.

• Question: How long does it take to break in Jordan 9s?

• Answer: For most people, about one to two weeks of regular wear. Start with short sessions, an hour or two at home, and build up from there. Your body heat and normal walking help the leather and inner sleeve relax.

• Question: Are Jordan 9s good for wide feet?

• Answer: They can be, with the right size. The firm base doesn't stretch much, so go up a half size if you have wide feet. The speed lacing helps too. Loosen the laces over your toes so your forefoot has more room, and keep them snug at the ankle.

1. Start indoors: Wear them around the house for an hour or two at a time on carpet or a clean floor. That keeps the soles clean while you check the fit.
2. Wear the right socks: Mid-weight athletic crew socks cushion your feet and cut down on rubbing. Thin cotton socks are more likely to cause blisters.
3. Lace loosely at first: Don't pull the laces tight on day one. Let the shoe flex, then tighten a little more each day as it softens.
4. Walk heel to toe: Normal walking bends the sole at the ball of your foot, which is where most of the stiffness is.
5. Flex the toe gently by hand: Bend the front of the shoe a few times before you put it on. It helps the sole loosen up without hurting the leather.

Once sneakers have been worn outside, most stores can't take them back. So do your first wears at home. Here's what to check:

1. Toe room: You should have about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
2. Heel: A little heel slip is normal in a new high-top. A heel that pops out with each step means the shoe is too big.
3. Stiff vs. pinching: General stiffness fades. Sharp pressure on your toes or the sides of your foot usually doesn't, so try a half size up.
4. Keep the box and tags until you're sure, and check the store's return policy before you buy.

These tips help with almost any new sneaker, from Jordan retros to leather court shoes:

1. Go short, then long: A few short wears over several days beat one long day that leaves you with blisters.
2. Protect hot spots: If a spot starts to rub, cover it with a bandage or blister patch before it turns into a blister.
3. Try a different lacing pattern: Skipping an eyelet over a pressure point can take the pressure off.
4. Skip heat and water tricks: Hair dryers and soaking can damage leather and glue. Wear and time are the safest way to soften a shoe.
5. Know when to stop: If a shoe still hurts after two weeks of regular wear, it's probably the wrong size or shape for your foot.

1. Do Jordan 9s run true to size? Yes, for most people. They feel snug at first, so wide feet should go up a half size.
2. Do Jordan 9s get more comfortable? Yes. The sole and inner sleeve soften with wear, usually within one to two weeks.
3. How do I stop Jordan 9s from rubbing my heel? Wear crew socks, lace snugly at the top eyelets, and cover hot spots with a bandage during the first few wears.
4. Can I return sneakers I've worn outside? Usually not. Most stores only take back unworn shoes, so test the fit indoors first and check the return policy before you buy.

• Buy your true size if: you have normal or narrow feet and want a sturdy, supportive high-top with a classic '90s look.
• Go up a half size if: you have wide feet. The extra room helps your forefoot while the firm base breaks in.
• Want outfit ideas? Read our guide, "How to Style Jordan 9 'University Blue'," for looks that match this pair.
• Ready to shop? The University Blue is a past release, so browse Jordan retro shoes at JD Sports for current Jordan 9s and other retros, and check the release calendar for upcoming drops.

1. Nike Product Information: Air Jordan 9 design details, including the speed lacing system and Air cushioning.
2. Brand History: The 1993 Air Jordan 9, designed by Tinker Hatfield.
3. JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and break-in feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.
4. General Footwear Care Guidance: Common tips for breaking in leather sneakers and preventing blisters.