The Storied History of the Air Jordan 6
Tracing a favorite style of heroes both real and fictional.
Since the start, Michael Jordan and designer Tinker Hatfield have always had a Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth relationship. In both pairings, the hero trains while the trusted aid engineers the equipment necessary for the icon to become the victor.
The parallels between these relationships were never more apparent than in the early ‘90s.
As the story goes, director Tim Burton and DC Comics were working on wardrobe for the 1992 film Batman Returns. Hatfield would play the role of designer and Alfred apprentice as he was called upon to outfit both Bruce Wayne for the movie and Michael Jordan for his pending playoff run. The armor of choice for both? The Air Jordan 6.
First seen on-foot in 1991, Mike’s pair proved perfect for the court, sporting visible Air cushioning for high-impact lands and smooth styling based on his favorite German sports car, the Porsche 911. Conversely, Bruce Wayne’s PE pair of the AJ6 was even more armored, built like a knee-high boot made strong enough to defend Gotham.
With their legacies on the line, would Bruce Wayne and Michael Jordan become heroes in the Air Jordan 6? Yes. Master Wayne would bring out his basketball-inspired boots and save Gotham in Batman Returns. Back in Chicago, MJ would soar in the 'Black Infrared' 6s as he swept the Detroit Pistons and defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the city’s first NBA Championship.
With the help of Tinker Hatfield, anyone can be a hero. Over the course of 1991 and for the 30 years that followed, heroes of all disciplines have soared making the Air Jordan 6 their own. Relive Mike’s most heroic moments in OG 6s as well as the retro takes that catapulted everyday individuals to new heights.
OG Colorways
Air Jordan 6 OG 'Black Infrared' (1991)
The Air Jordan 6 'Black Infrared' debuted on the feet of MJ in the 1991 NBA All-Star Game. Put on ice until the postseason months later, the top-seeded Chicago Bulls would roll through the Eastern Conference, dropping only one game across the Atlantic and defeating their demons in Detroit by way of a sweep. In his first Finals appearance, MJ would then dethrone his idol, Magic Johson, outlasting the Lakers and landing his first NBA Championship. It all happened in the OG 'Black Infrared' Air Jordan 6.
Air Jordan 6 OG 'White Infrared' (1991)
To land home court advantage in the 1991 NBA Playoffs, Michael Jordan had to do work in the regular season while wearing the 'White Infrared' Air Jordan 6. Sported by MJ after All-Star Weekend until going back to black for the postseason push, the 'White Infrared' Air Jordan 6 would set the standard for five more title campaigns to come.
Air Jordan 6 OG 'Carmine' (1991)
From the 1991 Opening Night ring ceremony in Chicago to the 1992 All-Star Weekend in Utah, Michael Jordan defended his throne in the OG 'Carmine' Air Jordan 6. The boldly blocked basketball sneaker once again pushed the parameters of red, this time choosing a particularly ruby hue that was fitting for his new rank in NBA royalty.
Air Jordan 6 OG 'Sport Blue' (1991)
Former NBA commissioner David Stern’s dress code kept the OG Air Jordan 6 'Sport Blue' off the court in 1991, with MJ only rotating red renditions in gameplay. Nevertheless, the public was happy to see blue back on his Airs after taking a holiday on the model that preceded it. In 2014, fans would score a second chance at the 'Sport Blue' Air Jordan 6s by way of their first and only retro release.
Air Jordan 6 OG 'Maroon' (1991)
While Nike was pushing the envelope with what shades of red MJ could don on court, the OG Air Jordan 6 'Maroon' fell just outside the lines in ‘91. Lucky for fans, they’d come back in 2015, complete with Nike Air branding. What’s more, comedy legend Larry David wore the OG 'Maroon' Air Jordan 6s on the set of Seinfeld. Pretty, pretty good.
New Colorways and Collaborations
After hanging up his jersey in Chicago, the Air Jordan 6 became a go-to favorite for the newly formed Jordan Brand at the turn of the millennium. Since returning in 2000, the Air Jordan 6s have seen numerous re-releases and revivals with the list continuing to grow. More importantly, new heroes in basketball, music and design have used the first championship silhouette as a canvas to celebrate their own victories.
Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Olympic' 2012
With Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball, Ray Allen carried on the Jordan Brand legacy by bringing home gold in the 2000 Summer Olympics. On his feet, Allen debuted a Team USA take on the Air Jordan 6 that would later re-release in 2012. Like Mike, Ray would be solidified as a champion in the Air Jordan 6. Even more like Mike, it wouldn’t be Allen’s last time taking home hardwood hardware. The Jordan 6 'Olympic/Midnight Navy' returns in 2024 during the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Pinnacle'
Over the course of his career, Michael Jordan has worn many hues well. Many recall his Carolina blue as an amateur, others hone in on Chicago red, but when it comes to the masses, the tone Mike’s best known for is championship gold. The 'Pinnacle' Air Jordan 6 honors his rank as a winner on the sneaker that solidified his status as such.
Air Jordan 6 Retro NRG 'Green Suede Gatorade'
What fueled Michael Jordan on his quest to the top? An appetite for revenge and fuel from early endorsement, Gatorade. While Mike was downing his doubters on the court, he was downing bottles of the sports drink on the sideline and in commercials. MJ’s uncanny ability to pitch products still proves full of favor in retro life as seen on these 'Gatorade' 6s.
Aleali May x Wmns Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Millennial Pink'
Like Mike, Aleali May possesses a reverence for those who paved the way with creativity. Celebrating the next generation on a sneaker that once changed the guard, Aleali’s 'Millennial Pink' Air Jordan 6 represents a worldview where the bold win by being themselves. This once Friends & Family exclusive hit stores in women’s sizes in March 2019, later gifted in a men’s 15 to then-rising NBA rookie Zion Williamson.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Olive'
In 1991, electricity and rage elevated Michael Jordan on his sport’s biggest stage: the NBA Finals. In 2019, the same energy was apparent when Travis Scott set the Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show ablaze. To this day, both Air Jordan and La Flame serve as heroes to their generation. Both overcame nerves and proved elite. Both wore their own take on the Air Jordan 6 when ascending to the next level.
Social Status x Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Pony Hair'
Michael Jordan has always been one to lead by example. Hardworking on and off the court, MJ’s ascent as a Black entrepreneur has inspired a generation of watchers, among them James Whitner. Like Mike, the Social Status owner has led by example, with his Air Jordan 6 collaboration putting his stamp on the industry with more titles to come.
Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Doernbecher' 2019
Michael Jordan’s relentless drive made him a champion on the court, but spending time with youth off the court made him even more of a role model. While MJ was never one to publicize his good deeds, the Air Jordan 6 'Doernbecher' celebrates the spirit of the young heroes who inspired him to spread joy and lift spirits. Debuted in 2009 and re-released in 2019, this charitable collaboration with child cancer patient Jordan Dark shines a light on a hero who beat something bigger than basketball.
Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Defining Moments' 2020
Michael Jordan’s 'Infrared' rise alchemized into championship gold on 2006’s 'Defining Moments' Air Jordan 6. Remixing the model MJ wore to achieve NBA supremacy, the celebratory signature made for one-half of the first Jordan package ever released. In 2020, the 'Defining Moments' AJ6 returned in solo fashion to the chagrin of collectors everywhere.
Air Jordan 6 Retro OG 'Carmine' 2021
Returning with OG specifications, the Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Carmine' 2021 celebrates the 30th anniversary of this certified classic. Unlike retro releases from 2008 and 2014, this installment of the 'Carmine' catalog is just like that of the ‘91 favorite thanks to archival Nike Air heel branding.
HISTORY OF AIR JORDAN 6
Air Jordan 6 FAQs
When is the next Air Jordan 6 release or restock?
The Air Jordan 6 releases frequently in new colorways. Recent and upcoming AJ6 releases include:
- Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Yellow Ochre' — 02-03-2024
- Jordan 6 Retro 'Reverse Oreo' — 06-08-2024
- Jordan 6 Retro 'Olympic/Midnight Navy' 2024 — 08-03-2024
- Wmns Air Jordan 6 Retro Craft 'Paris' — 08-07-2024
- Wmns Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Doernbecher 2025' — 01-25-2025
How to clean Air Jordan 6s?
The Air Jordan 6 responds well to most specialist cleaning agents. For more information, consult our How to Clean Sneakers Guide.
When did the Air Jordan 6 come out?
The Air Jordan 6 debuted in 1991.
Who designed the Air Jordan 6?
Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 6 silhouette.
Where to buy Air Jordan 6s?
You can buy Air Jordan 6s on GOAT. Explore a selection of Air Jordan 6s here.
How to tell if Air Jordan 6s are fake?
GOAT uses machine-learning technology, digital authentication, in-hand verification or a combination of these methods to determine if sneakers are fake or real. By doing so, we seek to ensure the Air Jordan 6s you purchase are both authentic and as-described.