The Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 is one of those releases that completely changes your expectations once you see it in hand. What initially looked like just another variation of a classic turned out to be a storytelling masterpiece inspired by a rare sample that never made it to retail.
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From the unique packaging to the historical background and subtle design tweaks, this sneaker offers more than just a fresh colorway—it delivers a piece of Jordan Brand history.
In this in-depth review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6, including its inspiration, materials, comfort, sizing, pros and cons, and whether it deserves a spot in your collection.
The Story Behind the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6
One of the most exciting aspects of this release is its deep-rooted connection to the original Infrared lineage.
The classic Infrared Air Jordan 6 first debuted in 1991 during the NBA All-Star Game and became legendary when worn by Michael Jordan during his first championship run. Years later, in 1999, a catalog preview revealed a sample version with a twist on the original design—but it was scrapped before release.
Instead, fans received the traditional Infrared retro in 2000.
Fast forward to today, and Jordan Brand finally brought that forgotten concept to life. The Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 is essentially:
- A salesman sample turned retail reality
- A color-inverted tribute to the original
- A story-driven release for collectors
That alone makes it one of the most historically interesting Jordan 6 drops in recent years.
Packaging and Presentation
The packaging plays a huge role in selling the “sample” narrative. You get:
- A plain brown Jordan 6 box
- Infrared detailing
- A sample-style stamp
- A sample tag on the shoe itself
This is intentionally different from standard Jordan packaging and mirrors how early samples were handled. It’s a small touch, but for collectors, it’s the kind of detail that elevates the entire experience.
“Read Also: Air Jordan 4 Lakers Imperial Purple Review“
Design and Colorway Breakdown
Premium Black Upper
The upper is constructed from black nubuck, giving the sneaker a sleek, matte finish that many fans actually prefer over more reflective versions.
Infrared and Light Crimson Accents
The color hits appear on:
- Midsole
- Lace lock
- Heel tab
- Outsole
- Insole
- Nike Air branding
The slightly altered red tone adds depth and makes the sneaker stand out without losing its OG DNA.
Modified Shape
One of the most surprising upgrades is the refined shape, which looks closer to the original silhouette and significantly improves the overall aesthetic.
Material Quality
Quality is one of the strongest points of the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6. You get:
- Premium nubuck
- Clean stitching
- Durable rubber components
- A structured tongue
The build feels solid and consistent with the better Jordan retros.
“Read Also: Air Jordan 4 Imperial Purple Review“
Comfort and On-Foot Feel
When it comes to comfort, Jordan 6 models typically rank in the middle of the retro lineup. They are:
- Comfortable for casual, all-day wear
- Supportive and stable
- Not comparable to modern running shoes
If you’re planning to wear them for long hours purely for comfort, performance sneakers from other categories will do better. But for lifestyle use, they perform well.
Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 Sizing Guide
Here’s the recommended sizing:
- True to size → for most people
- Narrow feet → go half size down for a snug fit
- Wide feet → go half size up
This follows the traditional Air Jordan 6 fit.
No 3M – Deal Breaker or Not?
One of the biggest talking points is the absence of 3M reflective material. For some collectors, this is a downside.
However:
- It enhances the matte black look
- It aligns with the vintage aesthetic
- The reflective effect is rarely noticeable in real life anyway
So whether it’s a con or not depends entirely on your personal preference.
Comparing to Previous Infrared Releases
Over the years, we’ve seen multiple Infrared versions:
- 2000 OG retro – highly loved
- 2010 Infrared Pack – darker red, fan favorite
- 2014 release – widely criticized for its pinkish tone
- 2019 retro – closest to the original
The Reverse Infrared stands out because it’s not trying to replace them—it’s offering something completely different.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique sample-inspired concept
- Premium materials
- Improved shape
- Strong storytelling and marketing
- Collector’s value
- Clean matte black aesthetic
Cons:
- Not essential if you already own the 2019 Infrareds
- No 3M reflective detailing
- More of a collector’s piece than a must-have for casual buyers
“Read Also: The Air Jordan 6 Reverse Infrared“
Is the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 Worth It?
If you’re a fan of the Jordan 6 or the Infrared colorway, this is absolutely worth considering.
Why?
- It’s a one-time concept release
- It has real historical inspiration
- It offers something different from standard retros
For collectors, it’s a no-brainer.
For casual buyers, it depends on how much you value the story behind the shoe.
Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 Rating
Overall rating: 8/10
It delivers on:
- Design
- Storytelling
- Quality
- Execution
And that’s what makes it special.
FAQs About the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6
Is the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 true to size?
Yes, most people should go true to size. Narrow-footed wearers can go half size down, while wide-footers should go half size up.
Does the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 have 3M?
No, this version does not include 3M reflective material.
Is this a limited release?
It’s not extremely limited, but it’s a one-time concept, which increases its long-term collector value.
Is it better than the 2019 Infrared?
Not necessarily better—it’s different. The 2019 pair is closer to the OG, while this one is a sample-inspired variation.
Can you wear it all day comfortably?
Yes for casual wear, but it’s not as comfortable as modern performance sneakers.
Final Thoughts on the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6
The Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6 is proof that great storytelling can turn a simple color swap into a meaningful release. By bringing a canceled 1999 sample to life, Jordan Brand created a sneaker that feels fresh, nostalgic, and collectible at the same time.
If you appreciate history, premium execution, and unique Jordans, this pair deserves serious consideration. So—did you cop or pass on the Reverse Infrared Air Jordan 6?
بصفتي مراجعًا متخصصًا في الأحذية الرياضية، أمضيت سنوات في تحليل واختبار الأحذية الرياضية بمختلف فئاتها، بدءًا من أحذية الجري عالية الأداء وصولًا إلى أحذية كرة السلة العصرية. يتجاوز عملي مجرد الانطباعات الأولى؛ فكل مراجعة مبنية على خبرة عملية، وبحث دقيق، واهتمام بالتفاصيل التي تهم الرياضيين ومستخدمي الأحذية على حد سواء. أهدف إلى سد الفجوة بين ادعاءات العلامات التجارية التسويقية والأداء الفعلي، مانحًا القراء رؤية صادقة ومتوازنة.
يجمع أسلوب كتابتي بين التقييم التقني والأسلوب السلس، مما يُمكّن المحترفين والهواة على حدٍ سواء من فهم نقاط القوة والضعف في كل حذاء. سواءً أكان الحديث عن تقنية التوسيد في النعل الأوسط، أو ثبات النعل الخارجي، أو تهوية الجزء العلوي، فإنني أُبسّط الميزات المعقدة إلى معلومات عملية. يثق القراء بمراجعاتي لأنهم يعلمون أنني أُسلّط الضوء على المزايا والعيوب المحتملة، مما يُساعدهم على اتخاذ قرارات شراء أكثر ثقة.
بمرور الوقت، تطور عملي ليصبح مرجعًا شاملًا لكل من يبحث عن إرشادات حول الأحذية الرياضية. أقارن بانتظام الإصدارات الجديدة بالنماذج السابقة لتسليط الضوء على التحسينات أو الفرص الضائعة، مع استكشاف مدى ملاءمة الأحذية المختلفة لأنشطة محددة، مثل التدريب على الماراثون، ورفع الأثقال، أو حتى الملابس الرياضية اليومية. من خلال مواكبة أحدث اتجاهات الصناعة والاستماع إلى آراء المستخدمين، أضمن أن تظل مراجعاتي ذات صلة ومفيدة وغنية بالمعلومات.
في نهاية المطاف، تتمثل مهمتي في توفير الوضوح في سوق مزدحم. مع وجود خيارات لا حصر لها، قد يبدو اختيار الحذاء المناسب أمرًا محيرًا. من خلال مراجعات متعمقة وموضوعية وجذابة، أسعى جاهدًا لتسهيل هذا القرار، وتزويد القراء بالمعرفة التي يحتاجونها للعثور على حذاء يُلبي أهدافهم الرياضية وأسلوبهم الشخصي.
