Michael Jordan’s First Championship Air Jordan Sneaker Will Return in 2026 — But With One Small Change
While the reasons why some individual Air Jordans are prized more than others are as diverse as the sneakers themselves, one designation rises above all for certain collectors: the shoes Michael Jordan won his six NBA Finals in. The first of that elite six, the Air Jordan 6 “Black Infrared” will return next year — but with a minor change that carries an outsized significance for the most dialed-in of Air Jordan aficionados.
The Air Jordan 6 “Reverse Infrared” is set to release in 2026, according to the trusted sneaker leaker known as @zSneakerHeadz on X/Twitter. Unlike most “Reverse” Air Jordan colorways, a major color swap isn’t going down throughout the sneaker. Instead, it’s only the red and black sections of the midsole that trade places.
This minor tweak originates from an Air Jordan 6 “Black Infrared” sample that appeared in an EastBay catalogue but never actually released to the public. It’s referred to as the “Infrared Salesman Sample,” and unreleased pairs have occasionally hit the resale market for exorbitant prices.
Jordan Brand likely didn’t want the backlash for what many would consider a mistake and instead released the Air Jordan 6 “Black Infrared” with its correct color-blocking that year. But as time has elapsed, that switch-up has reached near-mystical status and will now be celebrated as another niche story in the history of Air Jordans.
After its original release in 1991, the “Black Infrareds” have been reissued in 2000, 2010, 2014 and last in 2019. The Tinker Hatfield-designed model is partially inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911 Turbo, best displayed by the heel’s “spoiler” made to help fulfill His Airness’ request for a sneaker easy to put on and take off. A neoprene tongue with cut-out holes targeted the same goal, and the toe was also streamlined at Jordan’s request.
The Air Jordan 6 is the last of the series to feature external Nike Air branding, and it subtly incorporated Jordan’s no. 23 into its overlays to satisfy another desire of the big man himself.
The Air Jordan 6 “Reverse Infrared” will release in spring 2026. Pricing has not yet been confirmed, and Footwear News will keep you abreast of any updates.