Designed by Tinker Hatfield for Michael Jordan during the 1990-1991 season, the Air Jordan 6 changed basketball style forever. MJ even wore them while snagging his first NBA championship. You still see fans chase classics like they’re hidden treasure. Sure, new drops look fresh, but the real heat sits in the archive, where colourways built sneaker culture one hype line at a time. If you’re building your rotation, start with the greatest hits. The Air Jordan 6? Always worth the flex.
1. Air Jordan 6 “Pistons”
The rivalry between Michael Jordan and the Detroit Pistons was one of those moments that left a noticeable dent in basketball culture and, by proxy, the sneaker world. Jordan Brand stoked the flames a little when they decided to acknowledge the rivalry with this pair of jet-black and grey sneakers that have a smattering of patent leather and nubuck.
2. Air Jordan 6 “Fresh Prince”
As the name would suggest, these sneakers are exceptional because they are a gorgeous tribute to Will Smith’s character on the popular 90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. These sneakers have a majority white leather upper with colourful accents on the heel and the sock liners. To round off the sneakers, the lace locks read “Fresh Prince” and “Bel-Air Academy” on them, making up the branding of the sneakers.
3. Air Jordan 6 Retro ‘Cigar’
Released in June 2014 alongside the Air Jordan 6 Retro ‘Champagne’, the Air Jordan 6 Retro ‘Cigar’ is a tribute to Michael Jordan’s legendary first NBA Championship win and inspired by MJ’s iconic cigar and champagne locker room celebration. The ‘Cigar’ boasts a Raw Umber leather upper, with Chilling Red and Team Red accents. But the highlight of the sneaker is probably the gold championship ring lace locks.
4. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro “Olive”
The olive and nubuck counterpart to Travis Scott’s gorgeous British Khaki suede sneakers, these stunning kicks share many elements with their Khaki cousins, including the little stash pocket, the luxurious look, and red accents that work perfectly with the rest of the sneakers.
5. Air Jordan 6 “DMP”
“DMP”, short for “Defining Moments Pack”, is one of the most gorgeous colourways Nike and Jordan Brand have created. Featuring black and metallic gold throughout the gorgeous colourway, the “Defining Moments Pack” pays homage to MJ’s first NBA title in 1991.
6. Air Jordan 6 Retro “Doernbecher”
I can go on and on about the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the gorgeous sneakers the patients there have designed in collaboration with Nike and Jordan Brand over the years. I will reign it in for this. Designed by Jordan Dark, this pair’s colourway represents Dark’s high school’s colours in their dark blue suede and bright red accents.
7. Air Jordan 6 “Carmine”
This is another classic colourway from when the legacy of the Air Jordan 6 silhouette began; the Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” dates back to 1991. While the upper, red and white, stood out against the otherwise black and red pairs that came out during the same year, the defining part of these sneakers is the black and white striped pattern on the heel.
8. Air Jordan 6 “Black/Infrared”
The Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” is probably one of the most famous colourways that the silhouette has under its belt. The classic black and red colour scheme is an instant giveaway. It doesn’t hurt the sneakers’ reputation that they were worn by MJ during the 1991 NBA finals, where he won his first championship with the Chicago Bulls, adding immeasurably to their legacy.
9. Air Jordan 6 Retro “UNC”
Any Air Jordan fan will know that Michael Jordan attended the University of North Carolina thanks to the brand’s many, many, many UNC-inspired colourways. The Air Jordan 6 variation continues that legacy. Taking on the collegiate team’s colours, these gorgeous sneakers are white and UNC’s signature light blue.
10. Air Jordan 6 “Olympic”
Jordan Brand is no stranger to commemorating the Olympic Games with a pair of sneakers here and there. In 2000, the Air Jordan 6 was the lucky silhouette to become the icon of the Sydney Olympic Games within Jordan Brand. Combining navy blue and white with metallic gold accents, these sneakers are still gorgeous to this day, even after the countless retroes they have undergone.
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