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The Air Jordan 6 was first released for sneakerheads in 1991 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. Michael Jordan wore the shoe during the 1991-1992 NBA season, his first championship year, when he averaged 31.5 points per game and won the scoring title. He was selected for the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team, solidifying the Jordan 6's legacy. This resulted in the AJ 6 becoming a cultural icon known for its innovative design.
The original release of the Air Jordan 6 featured five colorways, including the iconic "Carmine." Since then, numerous colorways have dropped to honor one of the best Jordan sneakers ever. With tons of options to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best? Read on for our picks for the top 10 best Air Jordan 6 sneakers of all time.
Images via Nike & Flightclub
10. Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP
The Air Jordan 6 Retro DMP honors Michael Jordan's legacy of clutch performances, which propelled the Bulls to three consecutive championships. Originally released in 2006 as part of the first-ever Air Jordan DMP (Defining Moments Pack), the AJ 6 DMP features a black suede exterior with gold accents. In 2020, the DMP 6s were re-released, this time in full-family sizing, to great success in response to popular demand.
9. Air Jordan 6 Retro UNC
The Air Jordan 6 Retro UNC was released in March 2022 and takes you back to the MJ's collegiate days. This shoe honors Michael Jordan's alma mater, the University of North Carolina, where he earned the 1982 NCAA championship before embarking on his legendary NBA career. With a white leather upper and university blue suede accents, this color blocking pays homage to the iconic Tar Hell blue hue that signified an important chapter in Michael Jordan's journey. A translucent blue rubber outsole and a white midsole with visible Air cushioning complete the retro design.
8. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro British Khaki
The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro British Khaki is among the most notable collaborations between Jordan Brand and Travis Scott. Released in April 2021, it was the second TS x AJ 6, following up the Olive pair Travis and Jordan Brand created in 2019. It features a khaki suede exterior with hits of bright crimson and sails throughout the shoe. The utilitarian style pocket on the upper makes this AJ 6 unique from all the rest.
7. Air Jordan 6 Retro Olympic
The Air Jordan 6 Retro Olympic is significant because Jordan Brand athlete Ray Allen wore it during the 2000 Summer Olympics. Team USA would capture the gold medal at the 2000 games. Additionally, the shoe holds significance because it is the first Jordan 6 Retro released in a new colorway since its original run in 1991. A very limited release in 2000, the Air Jordan 6 Retro Olympic was re-released in full-family sizing as a GR in 2012.
6. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro Olive
The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro Olive was released in October 2019. It was the first AJ 6 designed by Travis Scott. This popular colorway features medium olive, black, and contrasting red accents. A small pocket with a clasp on the collar added a unique twist to the design. Its rarity and association with Travis Scott made this pair highly sought after.
5. Air Jordan 6 Retro Motorsports
MJ's motorsports racing team served as an inspiration for the design of the Air Jordan 6 Motorsports. Originally a player exclusive, this AJ 6 was released in February 2010, making it the first motorsports-themed Air Jordan retro available to the public. With its premium white leather upper, black sole, and elephant print details, the Air Jordan 6 Retro Motorsports became an instant classic. Its connection to Jordan's obsession outside basketball for cars and motorsports lends a layer of significance and history.
4. Air Jordan 6 Retro Doernbecher
The Air Jordan 6 Retro Doernbecher was initially released in 2009 in partnership with the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Designed by Doernbecher patient Jordan Dark, it is accentuated by a blue suede upper with red detailing on the tongue and midsole, a tribute to his high school's colors. It was later re-released in 2019 as a part of the 15th Anniversary of the Nike x Doernbecher partnership.
3. Air Jordan 6 Retro White Infrared
The Air Jordan 6 Retro White Infrared was worn on-court by Michael Jordan while playing for the Chicago Bulls during the 1991-92 NBA season at home in the Windy City. This pair features a white-based leather exterior with infrared and black accents throughout. The iconic Air unique can be seen in the midsole's heel, which has become synonymous with the Jordan 6 silhouette and provides cushioning. As one of the five original colorways released for the AJ 6 in 1991, it was retroed for the first time as a part of the Air Jordan 6 Infrared Pack in 2010 and then again in 2014. Both versions feature Jumpman branding in place of Nike Air.
2. Air Jordan 6 Retro Black Infrared
Micheal Jordan wore the iconic Air Jordan 6 Retro Black Infrared colorway when he captured his first NBA title. It featured a black nubuck upper with infrared accents. Initially released in 1991, it retroed in August 2000, and was the first AJ 6 Retro. It has seen numerous re-releases since then, both with Nike Air and Jumpman branding. The 2019 edition of the Air Jordan 6 Retro Black Infrared, which is the most recent version, saw Nike Air branding return for the first time since 2000.
1. Air Jordan 6 Retro Carmine
More than thirty years after its initial release in 1991, the iconic Air Jordan 6 Retro Carmine made its long-awaited return in February 2021. In contrast, this was not its first retro, as the colorway had previously been released in 2008 and again in 2014. It was the most recent retro that was closest to the OG in terms of looks. The 2021 retro stayed devoted to the original color blocking that debuted during Michael Jordan's 1991-1992 season. The Carmine AJ 6 incorporates the distinctive Chicago Bulls colors that have helped it stand out since day one: red nubuck with white leather. The upper rests atop a black and white midsole, with translucent hits on the outsole.
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