When it comes to iconic basketball sneakers, few compare to the Air Jordan line. With many silhouettes that have graced the courts over the years, one of the models that undoubtedly stands out is the Jordan 6. Designed by Tinker Hatfield for Michael Jordan, the sneakers debuted as part of MJ’s 190-1991 NBA season and made a massive impact. Still a fan-favourite to this day, each new pair is gorgeous, but looking to the past reveals many of the hottest colourways and sneakers of all time. Look at some of the hottest Jordan 6 Retro sneakers in history.
1. Nike Air Jordan 6 “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.
Original Release Date: 1991
Original Retail Price: $125
2. Air Jordan 6 “Black/Infrared”
These sneakers were a retro version of the original design from 1991, looking remarkably similar to the previous and much more famous pair, but swapping out the original’s white accents on the sneakers for black to match the rest of the black and infrared colour scheme.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $185
3. 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.
Original Release Date: 1991
Original Retail Price: $125
4. Air Jordan 6 “Infrared23”
There is no doubt that there was a time in sneaker history when red-based footwear was all the craze, and the fully-red Air Jordan 6 “Infrared23” only served to spur on the craze. At its release in 2014, Kanye West’s Red October Air Yeezy 2 made a massive splash on the market. A sneaker that would go on to be one of the most sought-after and expensive pairs on the market, and being able to bring sneakerheads just a step closer to that, the Air Jordan 6 “Infrared23” instantly became a way for sneakerheads to enjoy the red craze while not spending an arm and a leg at the time.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $170
5. Air Jordan 6 “Sport Blue”
Like many of the others on this list, this colourway was first released in 1991 when the silhouette first emerged, but was restored in 2014, bringing new life and a fresh spin to the Air Jordan 6 collection. Mainly white, with blue accents on the heel and tongue, the “Sport Blue” colourway quickly became a signature style for the silhouette, possibly becoming even more popular than the original “Infrared” variations.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $170
6. 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.
Original Release Date: 2022
Original Retail Price: $210
7. Air Jordan 6 “UNC Black”
Carrying on with the sentiments of the previous pair of sneakers, there is always an away and home uniform, each of which often alternates their themes, and what better way to show a difference between the two pairs than to let one be dominated by white and the other black? While we here at Sneaker Fortress often say that you simply can’t go wrong with black, the sneakers also feature the signature white and blue throughout the accents along the sole unit.
Original Release Date: 2017
Original Retail Price: $190
8. 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.
Original Release Date: 2009
Original Retail Price: $190
9. 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.
Original Release Date: 2000
Original Retail Price: $125
10. Air Jordan 6 “Oreo”
It’s straightforward to see why this colourway would be a favourite. Who doesn’t love a good, monochromatic, colour-blocking moment? The speckled midsole also goes a long way to add a subtle layer of intrigue to the otherwise immaculate and simple pair of sneakers.
Original Release Date: 2010
Original Retail Price: $150
11. Air Jordan 6 “White/Infrared”
Like the other “Infrared” pairs on the list, the Air Jordan 6 “White/Infrared” was an original release that has gone through a couple of retro iterations. Thankfully, when Nike retroes its sneakers, it sticks closely to the original design. We will never lose the gorgeous white leather uppers and infrared accents on these classic sneakers.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $170
12. Air Jordan 6 “Slam Dunk Sakuragi”
Isn’t it gorgeous when the worlds of sports, sneakers, and anime collide? These Air Jordan 6 sneakers were named after the anime series Slam Dunk, the name equally inspired by the protagonist from the series, Hanamichi Sakuragi; it seems fitting that an anime about basketball would be a favourite with one of the world’s leading brands in basketball sneakers. It’s really a match made in heaven.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $250
13. Air Jordan 6 “Maroon”
While this pair was one of the many initially released in 1991, it’s far easier to find a pair that was retired in 2015. It’s almost funny that Jordan Brand chose to go with the name Maroon when the colour only makes up a small amount of the colourway. At the same time, most shoes are dominated by white leather, but who are we to judge? The sneakers sold like hotcakes in 2015 after countless sneakerheads had waited since 1991 to get their hands on a pair.
Original Release Date: 2015
Original Retail Price: $220
14. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro “British Khaki”
Whether Travis Scott simply slaps his name on sneakers to make them sell or plays a massive part in the design of the sneakers in his name, one thing is for sure, and that is that any sneakers that have his name on them are pretty much guaranteed to be gorgeous. Khaki suede dominates this pair, along with a handy stash utility pocket, helping his sneakers stand out from the rest of the crowd in true Travis Scott fashion.
Original Release Date: 2021
Original Retail Price: $250
15. Air Jordan 6 “Bordeaux”
Yet another pair that came out in the late 90s but was retroed a few times throughout its history with Nike, the Air Jordan 6 “Bordeaux” colourway first emerged in 1992 and made such a splash with its dark and elegant theme that sneakerheads couldn’t wait to see it again. 2021 marked the year that the gorgeous pair returned, making it much easier to get your hands on through after-market sites like Flight Club.
Original Release Date: 2021
Original Retail Price: $190
16. Air Jordan 6 “Champagne Bottle”
Seemingly continuing with the luxurious beverage category of colourways, in 2014, Jordan Brand released their gorgeous and luxury-lifestyle-inspired duo, “Champagne Bottle” and “Cigar.” Covered from toe to collar in forest green patent leather and featuring a black and gold speckled midsole that looks like bubbles suspended in champagne, alongside other black and gold accents, these sneakers scream luxury.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $250
17. 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 sneakers are primarily made of patent leather, giving them an undeniably luxurious touch. The “Defining Moments Pack” pays homage to MJ’s first NBA title in 1991, a fitting homage to the year that the Air Jordan 6 also made its debut.
Original Release Date: 2020
Original Retail Price: $200
18. Air Jordan 6 “Paris Saint-Germain”
Rather than being connected with basketball, as many Air Jordan sneakers are, this gorgeous black, grey, and red pair was made in collaboration with the French soccer club which shares its name. It is made from nubuck leather and shares the team’s colours.
Original Release Date: 2019
Original Retail Price: $225
19. 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.
Original Release Date: 2019
Original Retail Price: $250
20. Air Jordan 6 “Cigar”
While it is seen as a bit gaudy by most, as the actual practice of smoking a cigar is, the list wouldn’t be complete without the brown and red counterpart to the “Champagne Bottle” colourway. Without the speckles and patent leather that made its sister pair so beautiful, it shines in its own way. The bubbles of the champagne might be missing. However, the gold accents throughout the sneakers are still present, making them beautiful.
Original Release Date: 2014
Original Retail Price: $250
21. Air Jordan 6 “Midnight Navy”
While the “Midnight Navy” is a favourite colourway on nearly every pair of sneakers it has graced, it is particularly stunning on the Air Jordan 6 as it reminds wearers of the sought-after “Olympic” colourway. The all-white look of these sneakers makes them much more wearable than the “Olympic” variation, while the blue accents create a great, icy feel.
Original Release Date: 2022
Original Retail Price: $190
22. Air Jordan 6 Retro “Motorsports”
This is yet another pair of sneakers inspired by a sport other than basketball. These sneakers were inspired by Michael Jordan’s motorsports racing team, inspiring their gorgeous and daring look with a printed inner lining. These sneakers were originally a pair of player-exclusives and are a rare instance of when a player-exclusive was made available to the public. Fans around the world were delighted that it was.
Original Release Date: 2010
Original Retail Price: $175
23. 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. The show was a fan favourite for all who loved Nike sneakers, as the main character wore them often, clearly making it a perfect inspiration for a fresh pair of sneakers. 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.
Original Release Date: 2020
Original Retail Price: $200
24. Air Jordan 6 “Pistons”
As any good rivalry goes, it makes a lasting impact on culture. 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.
Original Release Date: 2010
Original Retail Price: $150
What is your favourite Air Jordan 6 colourway of all time? Also, check out exclusive Nike sneakers on the Sneaker Fortress online store.
