About the Design of the Jordan 6 Retro Tar Heels
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.
Jordan 6 Retro Infrared 2019
Jordan designed this retro colourway in celebration of the Tar Heels winning the 2017 NCAA Championship. The Jordan 6 Retro Tar Heels, also known as the UNC, was released on December 2nd, 2017. They feature a black nubuck leather upper with perforations on the sides, collar, and bottom part of the tongue. Air units, visible through an air bubble window, and polyurethane make up the cushioning system. University Blue highlights the lace locks, heel tabs, and portions of the soles. The Jumpman logo on the tongues is also in university blue. Icy blue translucent rubber outsoles complete the look.
