Air Jordan 6 Retro "Infrared Salesman"

In terms of championship pedigree, the Air Jordan 6 started it all. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ6 Infrared was worn by Michael Jordan during the 1991 playoffs, where he overcame league superstars and conference foes to win his first title. The AJ6 Infrared colorway has re-released a number of times (the first was in 2000) and has included changes both obvious (it appeared in 2010 and 2014 without Nike Air branding on the heel) and subtle (both years featured slightly different shades of Infrared).

One version, however, was kept under wraps for almost 30 years: an Infrared sample that appeared in a 1999 seasonal preview catalog before it was pulled from production. The biggest update to this model was the placement of the Infrared shade, as it was spread to most of the midsole instead of being reserved for just the heel and parts of the toe. 

In spring 2026, the Air Jordan 6 Infrared “Salesman” is releasing for the first time, featuring details from the original, like the extended Infrared placement across the midsole, a black nubuck upper, a visible Air unit in the heel, and a Dynamic Fit inner sleeve.

The newest version features a specific shade of Infrared that was reversed engineered by comparing both the 1991 and 2000 pairs side by side to ensure the exact specifications were met. The new “Salesman” is also the first non-collaboration AJ6 to feature an updated shape that closely resembles the original 1991 silhouette. The internal bootie construction has been modified to allow the toe shape to be closer to the pairs MJ wore and played in.

The Jordan Brand team also modified the tongue height, raising it by 2mm to mimic all the AJ6 pairs MJ wore in-game, which featured a noticeably taller tongue than what was previously featured on the style available to consumers.

Hinting at the sample’s origins, the new design includes the sample text printed on its inner collar, as well as a factory hangtag and packaging that resemble how footwear samples arrive for review before they are produced. These samples are typically used to sell into retailers.

“It’s the centerpiece of the Infrared Collection," says Terrance Harvey, Expert, Streetwear Footwear Product Management Icons, Jordan Brand. “MJ won his first championship in this colorway, and since then, it has represented greatness. I’m excited for this newly reimagined icon to inspire fans to always strive for more.”

The Jordan Brand AJ6 Infrared “Salesman” releases February 14