Back in 1999, Jordan Brand was gearing up for the first AJ6 retro release when a sample version popped up in their seasonal catalogs — one that featured way more Infrared across the midsole than the original 1991 Black/Infrared colorway. Retailers saw it, catalogs printed it, and then Jordan Brand scrapped it in favor of staying closer to Tinker Hatfield’s original design. That “Salesman” sample became the stuff of sneaker lore, living only in old Eastbay pages and random eBay finds. Fast forward 27 years, and Jordan Brand is finally releasing it to the public as part of the AJ6’s 35th anniversary.
Championship Legacy, Reversed
The original Black/Infrared AJ6 carried Michael Jordan through his first NBA championship in 1991, cementing the silhouette as more than Tinker Hatfield’s Porsche 911-inspired design concept. This “Salesman” version flips the script by extending that signature Infrared hue across most of the midsole rather than keeping it confined to the heel and toe sections.
Built Like MJ’s Actual Pairs
For this 2026 release, Jordan Brand reverse-engineered the exact shade by comparing 1991 originals against 2000 retros to nail the specifications. Beyond the inverted colorway, this new model introduces shape refinements that non-collab AJ6 retros haven’t seen before. For instance, the internal bootie construction has been reworked to create a sleeker, more accurate toe box angle that mirrors the pairs Jordan actually wore on the court. The tongue sits 2mm taller than recent reissues, matching the heightened profile of MJ’s game-worn kicks.
The black nubuck upper, visible Air unit in the heel, and Dynamic Fit inner sleeve round out the construction. Sample-era details like factory hangtags, “Not For Resale” inner collar text, and era-appropriate packaging complete the throwback aesthetic.
Spec Sheet
Model: Air Jordan 6 Retro “Infrared Salesman”
Colorway: Black/Light Crimson
Upper: Black nubuck with extended Infrared midsole
Midsole: Infrared coverage with visible Air cushioning
Outsole: Translucent rubber
Lacing System: Standard with crosshatch straps
Limited Edition: Yes, part of Infrared Collection
Price: $215
Release Date: February 14, 2026
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $215, the Air Jordan 6 Infrared “Salesman” drops February 14 from Nike’s website. It anchors a broader Infrared Collection that includes matching apparel, an Air Jordan 1 Low, and Flight Court silhouettes.
Recap
Nike Air Jordan 6 Infrared Salesman Sneaker
Jordan Brand is finally releasing the Air Jordan 6 Infrared “Salesman,” a sample colorway from 1999 that was supposed to be the first AJ6 retro but got scrapped before it ever hit shelves. It’s got extended Infrared across the midsole instead of just the heel and toe, plus updated construction that’s closer to what MJ actually wore during his first championship run in 1991.
