Released: 1991
The Air Jordan 6 dropped in 1991, and with it came Michael Jordan’s first NBA championship. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ6 was built for performance, speed, and style. Tinker took inspiration from Jordan’s German sports car — resulting in sleek lines, a reinforced toe cap, and aerodynamic detailing. The design also introduced a two-hole rubber tongue, molded heel tab, and internal bootie system to improve fit and ease of entry.
MJ rocked the AJ6 during the 1990–91 season, where he not only won the NBA MVP but also led the Bulls past the Lakers in the Finals, defeating Magic Johnson and claiming his first ring.
Design Elements
- Porsche-inspired heel tab for a functional, motorsport-influenced look
- Translucent outsole for grip and futuristic style
- First Jordan to feature a reinforced toe cap and internal neoprene sleeve
- Molded tongue with two finger loops for easy on/off
- Visible Air-Sole unit in heel and encapsulated Air in forefoot
- Released in colorways like Infrared, Carmine, Black/Infrared, and White/Infrared
Key Moments
- 1991 NBA Finals: Jordan dominates Magic and the Lakers, winning his first NBA championship
- Iconic moment: MJ’s mid-air switch-hand layup in Game 2, wearing the White Infrared 6s
- 1990–91 season: MJ wins MVP, NBA title, and Finals MVP — a legendary trifecta
Cultural Impact
The AJ6 is immortal because of what it represents — the beginning of the Bulls’ dynasty and Jordan’s ascension to true greatness. The “Infrared” colorway became an icon in its own right, and the 6s set the tone for performance Jordans that also looked clean off the court.
Years later, the 6s continued to make noise. The Defining Moments Pack (DMP), Travis Scott collab, and Olympic edition all prove that the AJ6 still commands respect decades after release. It’s a championship shoe, both in heritage and in heat.