26 years in the making, a legend finally arrives. The Air Jordan 6 Retro "Reverse Infrared" brings a mythical 1999 salesman sample to retail for the first time, celebrating the silhouette's 35th anniversary with inverted colorblocking that honors Michael Jordan's first championship shoe.

Design & Inspiration

Created by legendary designer Tinker Hatfield and released in 1991, the Air Jordan 6 holds sacred status in sneaker history as the shoe Michael Jordan wore when he secured his first NBA championship against the Lakers. The design drew inspiration from Jordan's Porsche 911 Turbo, featuring a distinctive heel spoiler, perforated side panels, and finger loops in the tongue that made the shoe easier to slip on and off—a specific request from MJ himself.

The "Reverse Infrared" colorway originated as a salesman sample in 1999 during the first wave of Air Jordan retros. Featured in Eastbay catalogs but never released publicly, the sample became grail-level lore among collectors who knew about its existence. Jordan Brand ultimately opted for the traditional "Black Infrared" arrangement for retail release, leaving the reversed version as an unreleased prototype for over two decades. For the 35th anniversary in 2026, Jordan Brand revives this lost chapter of the AJ6's history with authentic details that celebrate the salesman sample's origin.

The "Black/Light Crimson" execution features premium black nubuck across the upper, delivering the smooth, durable construction that made the original silhouette a performance icon. Signature perforations along the lateral and medial panels provide breathability while maintaining the design's streamlined aesthetic. What distinguishes the "Reverse Infrared" from the classic "Black Infrared" is the inverted colorblocking on the midsole: while the OG features a predominantly black midsole with Infrared accents at the front and rear, the Reverse edition features a fully connected Light Crimson stripe running across the majority of the midsole for maximum visual impact. Light Crimson also appears on the tongue Jumpman logo, removable lace lock toggle, heel tab branding, and—crucially—the Nike Air embroidery on the heel, which trades the traditional black stitching for bold red. A translucent icy rubber outsole with visible Air cushioning completes the package. Special salesman sample details include an authentic sample tag and sockliner stamp reading "Jordan Property Of ______" with "Not For Resale" messaging, recreating the feeling of owning the original 1999 prototype.

Comfort & Performance

Built on the proven Air Jordan 6 platform, the shoe features visible Nike Air cushioning in the heel for impact protection during landings. The nubuck upper provides durability and structure while maintaining flexibility for natural foot movement. The stretchy tongue sleeve allows wearers to tuck the laces inside for a clean look. The translucent rubber outsole delivers reliable traction across indoor and outdoor courts.

Release Information & Pricing

The Air Jordan 6 Retro "Reverse Infrared" releases February 14, 2026 (NBA All-Star Weekend) through Nike SNKRS, and select Jordan Brand retailers. The shoe launches in full family sizing: Men's $215, GS $155, PS $95, TD $75. International pricing: €210, £190.