The year 1991 will ever be significant in the Bulls dynasty, with the GOAT Michael Jordan leading the Illinois-based team to their first-ever championship, the first of what would be six seminal wins in the ‘90s.
Image Courtesy of Adrian Hernandez via Unsplash Images
Meanwhile, across the Beaverton pond, Hatfield was on the sneaker sidelines, working his magic on the Jordan sneaker line, churning out another on-court phenomenon - the legendary Air Jordan 6.
Rich in nostalgic design, there are many reasons why the Air Jordan 6 stands as one of the most revered silhouettes ever released. From its cultural influence to its stream of colourways that suit all types of avid basketball fans - it’s one of those sneaker iterations that will continue to stand the test of time.
To celebrate the iconography of this 33-year-old design, we’re going to give you a little recap on why this model is truly one of the greats, and hopefully educate you in the process. So gather around sneakerheads as there is a lot to learn about this court-turned-lifestyle icon.
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The Air Jordan 6 was first released in 5 Signature Colourways
When the Air Jordan 6 first hit our shelves in 1991, it was released in 5 signature colourways: ‘ Black Infrared’, ‘Carmine’, ‘White Infrared’, ‘Sports Blue’, ‘ Maroon’ and retailed at $125, the same price as its early AJ5 predecessors.
Out of the bunch of the OG court-inspired designs the ‘Black Infrareds’ and ‘Carmines’ came out on top, becoming some of the most sought-after AJ6 renditions of all time. The ‘Black Infrareds’ has had multiple re-releases since its inception, returning to our rotations after a 9-year hiatus in 2000, then the fit was re-retroed in 2010, 2014 and 2019.
The ‘Carmines’, however, didn’t return to our shelves until 2008, forming as part of the lauded ' Countdown Pack’ and then it later graced us with two more renditions in 2014 and 2021.
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The Air Jordan 6 design took inspiration from MJ’s Porsche 911
By 1991, Tinker Hatfield would be on his fourth Jordan masterpiece. This one, in particular, was dedicated to MJ’s love of cars, with the design drawing references to MJ’s speed by offering a new responsive and durable route of design.
Neoprene uppers provide a stable feel to its leather base, while its perforated design offers an airy, weightless feeling throughout. A rubber ‘spoiler’ tab was also incorporated into the heel, and a reinforced toe cap introduced on-court durability to this design. A rubber tongue with two holes was added into the mix for easy pull-on, and pull-off adjustment, while underfoot, Air stacked insoles rested below for optimal cushioning throughout wear.
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Michael Jordan wore the ‘Infrared’ 6s during the 1991 NBA Championship win against the LA Lakers
The 1991 NBA Championship was a pivotal moment in Michael Jordan’s career and one that also turned the tables for the Chicago Bulls dynasty, leading them to their first-ever championship. And the fit that led to their perennial reign landed on the feet of the MJ - the renowned ‘Infrared Black’ colourway.
Although it may be just a ‘sneaker’ it became a part of many firsts for the Bulls. With the team winning 4 out of 5 consecutive games against the LA Lakers, not to mention MJ averaging 31.5 points per game and securing his second MVP award. It could be argued that this ‘Infrared’ colourway is history in its own right.
4. The Air Jordan 6 Was Featured in Lucrative Endorsements
Besides being a phenomenon on the courts, the Air Jordan 6 also gained a lot of traction within the lifestyle market. This was mostly recognised through the illustrious span of endorsements with comedian and Jordan fan Spike Lee. Their iconic ‘Flight School’ advertisement became one of the most lucrative endorsements to have ever hit our TV screens.
The narrative of the advertisement follows a comedic spin on how to achieve the athletic prowess and exceptional agility of MJ's performance on the court, utilising the humour of Spike Lee's whacky character 'Mars Blackmon'.
This collaboration, which merged MJ’s basketball status and Spike Lee’s creative direction not only boosted the visibility of the Air Jordan brand but also contributed to the cultural significance of sneakers in mainstream culture. The fit was also featured in Ron Shelton’s 1991 blockbuster ‘White Men Can’t Jump’.
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