The Air Jordan 6 is one of the most important sneakers in Jordan Brand history. Not only is it an iconic design in itself, it’s also forever linked to the moment Michael Jordan finally reached the top of the basketball world. From championship rings to streetwear rotations, here’s everything you need to know about the Air Jordan 6.
The History
By the time the Air Jordan 6 released in 1991, Michael Jordan was already a global superstar. But one thing was missing from his résumé: an NBA championship.
Following the massive success of the Air Jordan 3, 4 and 5, Tinker Hatfield was once again tasked with designing MJ’s next signature shoe. Hatfield had fully embraced Jordan’s feedback by this point, focusing on performance, comfort and personal style. The result was a silhouette that felt lighter, sleeker and more refined than its predecessor.
The Air Jordan 6 debuted during the 1990–91 NBA season, a year that would go down as one of the most important of Jordan’s career. MJ led the Chicago Bulls to their first-ever NBA Championship, defeating Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, all while wearing the AJ6. With that incredible achievement, the Air Jordan 6 made its mark in sneaker history.
The Design
Like many of Tinker Hatfield’s best designs, the Air Jordan 6 blends performance innovation with storytelling. One of the most famous inspirations behind the AJ6 was Michael Jordan’s love of sports cars, specifically his own Porsche 911 Turbo. The sneaker’s sculpted lines, neoprene inner bootie and sleek aerodynamic shape all reflect this influence. The heel tab, complete with finger holes, was designed to resemble a spoiler and made the shoe easier to put on. This would not be the last time MJ’s sports car obsession would influence the Jordan line.
The upper of the 6 is covered in perforations for extra breathability, while the outsole carries over the translucent rubber from the AJ5. Notably, the 6 is also the last Air Jordan to feature Nike Air branding on the heel, a detail that makes OG pairs especially desirable among collectors.
The OG Colourways
The Air Jordan 6 launched in five original colourways, all of which remain highly regarded today. There’s the ‘Black/Infrared’, the most iconic pair, worn by MJ during the 1991 Finals, and its opposite the ‘White/Infrared’, a cleaner take on the classic Infrared look. The bold red-and-white ‘Carmine’ colourway stood out instantly as a fan-favourite.
There was also the subtle ‘Sport Blue’ and the ‘Maroon’, one of the rarer OG colourways, often overlooked but highly respected. Among these, the Infrareds are widely considered the definitive Air Jordan 6s, a true grail for many sneakerheads.
On & Off the Court
Winning a championship is one thing, but the Air Jordan 6’s legacy extends far beyond the NBA. As MJ’s first championship sneaker, the AJ6 has an unbeatable story behind it that gives the shoe some serious emotional weight.
Off the court, the Air Jordan line continued to gain momentum in pop culture throughout the ‘90s, with Jordans becoming synonymous with hip-hop, streetwear and youth culture. While the AJ6 never had its own Do the Right Thing moment like the AJ4, its championship status kept it firmly in the spotlight.
The Retros & Collabs
The Air Jordan 6 first returned as a Retro in 2000, followed by more releases in 2010, 2014 and beyond. Each Retro cycle introduced the silhouette to a new generation of fans, while keeping OG collectors coming back for more.
Over the years, the AJ6 has seen a low-top variation, which first released back in the early 2000s. Of course we can’t forget the collaborations, including the highly sought-after Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 ‘Medium Olive‘ and ‘British Khaki‘. But while collabs add hype, it’s the return of OG colourways like ‘Infrared’ and ‘Carmine’ that consistently generate the biggest buzz.
The Legacy
The Air Jordan 6 isn’t just another retro basketball sneaker. It represents the season Michael Jordan cemented his status, won his first ring and began the Bulls’ legendary run. Like his rings, the AJ6 is a true symbol of success.
From its sporty, performance-driven design to its deep-rooted storytelling, the AJ6 remains one of the most important silhouettes in the Jordan archive. Whether you’re a collector chasing OG Retros or someone looking for a wearable classic, the Air Jordan 6 still holds up on every level.
In 2026, Jordan Brand are looking to take the AJ6 hype even further by dropping the unreleased ‘Salesman’ sample on Valentine’s day. First seen all the way back in 1999, this sample is also known for its inverted Infrared midsole and matching OG Nike Air branding. If you’re thinking of adding a pair to your rotation, be sure to check out the full range of Air Jordan 6s available on KLEKT
