The Jordan 6 - A Deep Dive

The Air Jordan 6, Michael Jordan's sixth signature sneaker, hit shelves in 1991. The shoe is the brainchild of Tinker Hatfield, designer of the Jordans three, four, and five. The shoe quickly became a fan favorite among basketball players and fans alike thanks to its innovative features, sleek design, and association with Michael Jordan.

The Design of the Jordan 6

Tinker Hatfield, one of the most iconic sneaker designers of all time, designed the Jordan 6. The shoe introduced several innovative features that set it apart from its predecessors. Most notably, it features a tongue topped with two holes. Tinker included this so that Michael could slide his fingers through the tongue, making it easier to hold on to while putting the shoe on. It also features a visible Air Sole unit in the heel for enhanced cushioning. Finally, the shoe features a reinforced toe cap for added protection. All of these design choices make it a true standout on the court.

Over the Years

When the Jordan 6 was first released in 1991, it retailed for $125 USD. At the time, that was a relatively high price point for basketball shoes. Fans, however, were more than willing to pay the premium for a shoe associated with Michael Jordan. The Jordan 6 has been released in numerous colorways over the years. A few stand out as particularly iconic. The “Infrared” version, which featured black and red accents with a translucent sole, was worn by Michael Jordan during the 1991 NBA Finals. For that reason, it has become a favorite among collectors. The “Carmine” version, with its bold red and white color scheme, is another fan favorite. Other notable colorways include the “Olympic” and "White/ Infrared" pairs.

Collaborations

Like many iconic sneakers, the Jordan 6 has been the subject of several collaborations over the years. One of the most notable was the Jordan 6 x Travis Scott, which featured a unique colorway with olive green accents and a pocket on the ankle. The shoe was an instant hit among fans of both Jordan and Travis Scott. Another popular collaboration was the Doernbecher Jordan 6.Part of the 2009 Doernbecher Freestyle collection, The shoe was designed by Jordan Dark, a patient at Doernbecher Childen's Hospital. The shoe is adorned with many special details including Jordan's first and last dates of chemo.

The Jordan 6 Now

The Jordan 6 has cemented its place in sneaker and basketball history as a true classic. Its innovative features, sleek design, and association with Michael Jordan have made it a must-have item for collectors and fans alike. The shoe has also influenced numerous other sneakers over the years, with designers borrowing elements from the shoe to create their own unique designs. Today, the Jordan 6 remains a popular sneaker among basketball players, collectors, and fans, and its legacy shows no signs of fading anytime soon. Whether you’re a fan of the classic “Infrared” colorway or prefer one of the shoe’s many collaborations, the Jordan 6 is a true classic that will always be a part of sneaker and basketball history. Drop a comment if the Jordan 6 is your favorite retro Jordan.

Feature Photo By: Derrick Payton