Revisiting the Air Jordan 6 Retro White Midnight Navy
Michael Jordan won his first NBA championship while wearing the Air Jordan 6. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and originally released in 1991, the Air Jordan 6 had five original colourways in its first run:
The original retail price on the AJ 6 was AUD 125. It was revived in 2000 and brought back many times-in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020-through new retros and limited-edition collaborations.
- Black/Infrared
- White/Carmine
- White/Infrared
- White/Maroon
- White/Sport Blue
Commercial Success of the Air Jordan 6
During the 1991 Playoffs, Jordan wore the Black/Infrared colourway. The trainers were advertised through a series of black-and-white commercials featuring director Spike Lee as the character Mars Blackmon. One of these spots included Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Little Richard as a genie who turns Mars Blackmon into Michael Jordan. The NBA superstar also wore the White/Carmine colourway in a popular Gatorade commercial that introduced the "Like Mike" theme song.
Rappers and hip-hop artists have also embraced the Air Jordan 6. In 2004, Kanye West wore the Black/Infrared AJ 6 in his All Falls Down music video. Other musicians who have collaborated on the shoe include Travis Scott and Macklemore, the latter having an exclusive, limited quantity run created for friends and family that never got released at retail.
The 2000 release of the Air Jordan 6 Retro 'Midnight Navy' marked the return of this silhouette since the 1991 launch of the original. In true OG fashion, this colourway and blocking closely resembles the classic Sport Blue version. In this retro shoe, dark blue replaces the royal blue detailing that made the original so famous. Jumpman branding at the heel replaces the OG Nike Air branding. The Jumpman also appears on the outsole. Perforations in the upper enhance breathability, while a Nike Air sole unit provides dynamic cushioning.