AIR JORDAN 6 “REVERSE INFRARED” (2026)
The “Infrared” That Was Never Supposed to Release
Jordan Brand is finally doing what OG fans have been asking for: real storytelling. The Air Jordan 6 “Reverse Infrared” isn’t just another retro—it’s a sneaker rooted in a mistake, a sample, and a piece of Jordan history that collectors have talked about for decades.
Why This Shoe Matters
The Air Jordan 6 originally dropped in 1991, designed by Tinker Hatfield, and it’s legendary for one reason above all: Michael Jordan won his first NBA championship in it. The Infrared 6 became iconic—but the “Reverse Infrared” is different. It’s based on an unreleased salesman/promotional sample that surfaced in old catalogs when Jordan Brand was preparing the first-ever retro run around 2000. People expected the classic Black/Infrared… and instead saw this flipped color blocking. Fans were confused. The shoe never released—until now.
What “Reverse” Actually Means
At first glance, it looks like the Infrared 6 you know. But the key detail is the midsole color placement—the Infrared and black sections are swapped compared to the traditional Infrared 6. Subtle, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
Build + Details (The Sneaker Nerd Stuff)
Jordan Brand leaned hard into the sample story with:
Plain cardboard “sample-style” packaging
A faux sample tag attached to the shoe
“Not for resale / Property of Jordan” style interior printing
A more OG-accurate shape, including a slightly taller tongue (~2mm) and a lower, closer-to-1991 toe profile
Black nubuck/synthetic nubuck upper (Durabuk-inspired), classic AJ6 structure
Nike Air heel branding with an Infrared hit that pops more than usual
Fit + Comfort
Fit stays consistent with most AJ6s: true to size for most people, but the shoe can feel slightly roomy—narrow footers may consider going down half a size.
The Sixthman Take
This isn’t a replacement for the true Infrared 6. It’s a museum piece you can actually wear—an archive pull turned official. Whether you’re an OG collector or a newer sneakerhead, this drop is one of the best examples of Jordan Brand teaching the culture while feeding it.
Release: February 14, 2026
Retail: $215