Jordan Brand marks the Air Jordan 6 35th anniversary with the first retail release of the AJ6 Infrared Salesman, based on an unreleased 1999 sample. The Air Jordan 6 Infrared Salesman arrives on February 14, bringing a version that previously appeared only in a seasonal preview catalog before production stopped. The release draws directly from that sample while keeping the original Infrared lineage intact.
SNEAKERS
The Air Jordan 6 carries singular weight in basketball history. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the silhouette appeared on the court during the 1991 playoffs, when Michael Jordan secured his first NBA title. The Infrared colorway has returned several times since, beginning in 2000, with visible and subtle differences across later releases. Those editions included shifts in heel branding and variations in the Infrared tone, yet one version remained unseen by the public for decades.
That unseen version surfaced in 1999 as a sample, then disappeared before production. Its most visible change concerned Infrared placement. Instead of limiting the color to the heel and sections of the toe, the sample carried Infrared across much of the midsole. That decision defined the Salesman edition and now anchors its identity.
The new release brings those details forward. The shoe features extended Infrared coverage along the midsole, a black nubuck upper, a visible Air unit in the heel, and a Dynamic Fit inner sleeve. The build reflects the original concept without altering the core elements associated with the AJ6 Infrared.
Jordan Brand refined the Infrared shade through direct comparison between 1991 and 2000 pairs to meet exact specifications. This release also marks the first non-collaboration AJ6 with an updated shape that closely matches the 1991 silhouette. The internal bootie construction allows the toe profile to align more closely with the pairs worn during game play. The design team adjusted the tongue height as well, adding 2mm to reflect the taller tongues seen on in-game pairs from that era.
The Salesman name connects to the shoe’s origin as a review sample. The inner collar carries printed sample text, while a factory hangtag and special packaging echo how footwear samples arrive for retailer evaluation before production decisions. These details frame the shoe as a working artifact from Jordan Brand’s internal process.
An accompanying apparel pack supports the release, featuring classic Infrared Jordan Brand graphics. Additional footwear appears alongside the AJ6, including an Air Jordan 1 Low and the Flight Court, both featuring Infrared detailing that aligns with the collection.
Jordan Brand has also launched a campaign for the AJ6 Infrared highlighting defiant and unapologetic women. The campaign features actress Niecy Nash as a genie, embodying confidence, power, and the fearless spirit at the heart of Jordan Brand Women.
The Air Jordan 6 Infrared Salesman releases February 14 on Nike.com and at select retailers under Jordan Brand.
