Introduction
Few sneakers hold as much cultural and historical weight as the Air Jordan 6. Released during the 1990–91 NBA season, this silhouette marked the moment Michael Jordan captured his first championship. Of all the colorways, the ‘Infrared’ is perhaps the most iconic—a bold black and red palette that cemented its place in basketball and fashion history.
The 2019 retro brings back this legendary sneaker with Nike Air branding, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail. It’s not just a retro; it’s a celebration of legacy.
Design & Colorway
The Air Jordan 6 ‘Infrared’ is known for its sharp contrast and futuristic design elements, which were far ahead of their time. The 2019 release returns to the OG formula, combining heritage with enhanced materials.
Key Design Features:
- Upper: Smooth black nubuck with a matte finish
- Accents: Vibrant Infrared hits on the heel tab, midsole, and lace lock
- Midsole: Sculpted polyurethane with visible Air-Sole unit
- Tongue & Pull Tab: Neoprene tongue with dual pull tabs for easy wear
- Heel Branding: Classic Nike Air logo, just like the 1991 original
This updated version stays true to Tinker Hatfield’s original vision, making it a must-have for both collectors and modern sneaker enthusiasts.
Materials & Build Quality
The 2019 release focuses on premium construction—an upgrade over previous retros that used more synthetic materials.
Material Breakdown:
- Upper: High-quality nubuck that resists creasing and looks premium
- Tongue: Pliable neoprene for a comfortable lockdown feel
- Inner Lining: Soft textile with light padding
- Midsole: Polyurethane with encapsulated and visible Air cushioning
- Outsole: Icy translucent rubber with solid black traction zones
For fans of authentic Nike shoes, this retro delivers a faithful, high-quality build that pays homage to the original.
Comfort & Performance
Though the Air Jordan 6 is now worn more for style than on-court performance, its design still holds up surprisingly well. Originally built to support MJ’s explosive movement, it offers supportive lockdown and ample cushioning for casual wear.
Comfort Highlights:
- Visible Air unit in the heel provides plush impact protection
- Padded ankle collar supports the Achilles
- Perforations on upper improve airflow
- Wide base gives you extra stability
Whether you’re rocking them with jeans or displaying them in your collection, they’re just as functional as they are fashionable sneakers.
Style Versatility
Thanks to its sleek black base and eye-catching red accents, the Infrared 6 pairs easily with a wide range of streetwear fits. It’s one of the most stylish sneakers in the Jordan lineup, suitable for both bold and understated looks.
How to Style:
- Classic streetwear: Joggers, oversized tee, and varsity jacket
- Casual urban fit: Black denim, hoodie, and cap
- Monochrome base: All-black outfit with Infrareds as the standout piece
- Athleisure: Performance pants and windbreaker for a sporty vibe
Whether you lean clean or edgy, the Infrared 6 fits seamlessly.
Who Should Buy the Air Jordan 6 ‘Infrared’?
This sneaker is for those who understand the weight of history, the value of design, and the power of color blocking. It’s more than a Jordan—it’s a statement.
Ideal For:
- Collectors looking for a grail with historical roots
- Sneakerheads who prioritize authenticity (Nike Air branding is a huge plus)
- Casual wearers who want a stylish yet wearable pair
- Basketball enthusiasts who remember MJ’s first championship moment
It’s a core part of Jordan Brand DNA and belongs in any serious rotation.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True-to-OG detailing with Nike Air heel branding | Nubuck can attract dust and lint easily |
| Premium materials and iconic colorway | Slightly bulky for those who prefer slimmer silhouettes |
| Comfortable and durable for lifestyle use | Translucent outsole yellows over time if not stored well |
| Versatile styling with bold heritage look | High demand leads to resale price spikes |
Comparison Table: Infrared 6 vs. Other AJ6 Colorways
| Colorway | Key Feature | Compared to Infrared 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Carmine | White and red OG color blocking | Carmine is brighter, Infrared is stealthier and sleeker |
| DMP (Defining Moments) | Black and gold elegance | DMP feels more luxurious, Infrared is more heritage-driven |
| Travis Scott Olive | Utility aesthetic with stash pocket | Travis version is hype-driven; Infrared is classic and clean |
| UNC | Light blue collegiate tones | Infrared is bolder and more historically significant |
No matter what, the Infrared 6 remains the definitive version of the silhouette.
Where to Buy
Due to its legacy status, the Air Jordan 6 ‘Infrared’ 2019 is a high-demand sneaker. While it sold out at launch, you can still find trusted pairs through:
- TheenStyle – Expertly curated sneaker shop with verified products
- StockX – Transparent resale market with real-time pricing
- GOAT – Authenticity guaranteed and wide size availability
Search using style code 384664-060 for the exact pair.
Final Verdict
The Air Jordan 6 Retro ‘Infrared’ 2019 is everything a retro should be: historically accurate, visually stunning, and built for real-world wear. It honors MJ’s first championship season while fitting perfectly into today’s sneaker culture.
Iconic. Timeless. Unmistakable.
Whether you’re collecting or rocking, the Infrared 6 delivers the kind of energy only a true classic can bring.
