What were the previous versions of Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” sneakers? History explored as the shoe is rumored to return in 2026

Nike is rumored to bring back the Air Jordan 6 OG “Infrared” sneakers in 2026 to honor its 35-year legacy. The Air Jordan VI 'Infrared' debuted in 1991 in a red and black colorway and was worn by Michael Jordan during his first NBA Championship that same year. The selling price of the sneakers was kept at $125 on Nike's website.

Since then, Jordan has launched 6 different versions of the AJ 6 Infrared sneakers for the sneakerheads in different shades and designs.

These sneakers were designed by Tinker Hatfield, who has designed all the Air Jordans from AJ 3 to AJ 15. The shoes take their vision from Michael Jordan's German sports car. The Air Jordan 6 OG “Infrared” sneakers come in a red and black colorway. The final release date of the sneakers has not yet been confirmed by Nike.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

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Exploring the other versions of AJ6 Infrared sneakers

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While you wait for the Air Jordan 6 “Infrared” sneakers, let's dive into the history of these shoes.

1991: Nike decided to launch the Air Jordan 6, which featured a nubuck upper with a reflective design. The shoes soon became a hit after Michael Jordan was seen wearing them for the 1991 NBA Championship tournament.

Nike's Air Jordan VI OG sneakers product description says,

"Released in 1991, the OG version had a nubuck leather upper and a Jumpman x Nike Air lace lock. On the heel, it had the Nike Air logo and reflective design detailing."

2000: Nike decided to add a new touch to the midsole and change the branding element on the lace lock. While the same infrared has been repeated in the shoe, Nike decided to give it a deeper tone for the new version.

Nike's Air Jordan VI 'Black/Deep Infrared' sneakers product description says,

"The 2000 version maintained the Nike Air logo on the heel without reflectivity. The midsole contained a darker, 'Deep Infrared' hue, and the lace lock featured only the Jumpman logo."

2010: Nike decided to change the Deep Infrared to Varsity Red color for a change. They also added new design elements to the air unit.

Nike's Air Jordan VI 'Black/Varsity Red' sneakers product description says,

"The 2010 'Black/Varsity Red' version continued to have the Jumpman lace lock, while swapping the 'Infrared' for 'Varsity Red' and the Nike Air heel logo for the Jumpman logo. The visible, clear Nike Air unit also became black for the first time."

2010: While Nike launched the White/Infrared Pack version, the brand also decided to launch the same version in black. Nike's Air Jordan VI 'Infrared Pack' sneakers product description says,

"Released alongside a white version, the 2010 'Infrared Pack' version reverted back to a clear Nike Air unit and came with a Jumpman logo on the heel. It kept the Jumpman lace lock and had no reflective design detailing."

2014: While the reflective design was discontinued in the 2010 version, it was brought back again in this version along with other changes.

Nike's Air Jordan VI 'Infrared' sneakers product description says,

"The 2014 version brought back the Jumpman heel logo and reflective design detailing and added vibrant 'Infrared 23' accents. It maintained the Jumpman lace lock, as well."

2019: The 2019 version is a copy of the 1991 version with a new sock liner feature. Nike's Air Jordan VI OG 'Infrared' sneakers product description says,

"The 2019 version brings back the Nike Air heel logo, the Jumpman x Nike lace lock and the 'Infrared' accents. It also maintains the reflective heel design detailing and nubuck of the original. Crafted to mirror the original 1991 iteration, the 2019 Air Jordan VI also features a PU moulded sockliner."

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Design details of the returning Air Jordan 6 OG “Infrared” sneakers

The upper of the AJ6 Infrared is made of nubuck material in black. The tongue is made of black rubber material featuring the Jumpman logo in red. The midsole has red accents, creating a contrast with the black sides and heel. The back of the sneakers says NIKE AIR with a small swoosh for branding. Translucent colored details are added to the outsole, bringing the whole look together.

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The 2019 Air Jordan VI OG 'Infrared' sneakers will be returning back in 2026. The final release date is yet to be confirmed by the brand.

While the original release in 1991 was priced at $125, the 2026 release is expected to be around $200. Nike is also suspected of launching the Air Jordan 1 High ’85 “Bred” sneakers in February 2025 to honor the AJ1's 40th anniversary.