The Air Jordan VI Carmine dropped when MJ was well on his way to becoming the most influential athlete of all time.

Let’s go back to November 1, 1991 at Chicago Stadium. It was a chilly night, yet the Madhouse on Madison was electric with hometown fans celebrating their first-ever championship, secured five months earlier. That win felt like the passing of the torch, from the ‘80s teams to a possible new Chicago dynasty. The ring ceremony took place right before the first game of the ‘91-’92 regular season, and Michael Jordan was all smiles as the announcer called his name. The weight had been collectively lifted off of his shoulders and the entire Windy City.

Following his teammate’s speech, MJ took the mic: “It brings me great joy to say that we are the world champions,” he said. With those words, the crowd went into a frenzy. As the championship banner was raised into the rafters, the roar was deafening. They knew their team was capable of winning multiple championships, and they were hungry for more.

The Air Jordan VI “Carmine” dropped when MJ was well on his way to becoming the most influential athlete of all time.

On opening night, and for the first half of the ‘91-’92 season, MJ wore a sharp new colourway of the Air Jordan VI, a sneaker we now affectionately refer to as the “Carmine.” Inspired by MJ’s love of German sports cars, the Air Jordan VI had a rubberized black tongue and a rear “spoiler” heel tab. The clear, translucent sole and visible Nike Air unit helped the shoe stand out from every other sneaker on the basketball court. He famously won that first-ever championship in the Black/Infrared colourway.

 

The “Carmine” colorway took the attitude of the Air Jordan VI to a new level with its dark crimson red panels. Of the five OG colorways, including the Black/Infrared and White/Infrared versions that MJ wore during his first championship run, the “Carmine” is the most flamboyant. MJ also moved the classic lace lock from the top of the shoe down to the bottom.

The Air Jordan VI “Carmine” dropped when MJ was well on his way to becoming the most influential athlete of all time. Whether it was the shaved head, the baggy shorts, the tongue wag or of course, the shoes, we all wanted to be like Mike.

Having previously dropped in 2008 and 2014, the Air Jordan VI “Carmine” returns with the OG specs, including Nike Air branding, the OG sockliner and the classic lace toggles. Marking the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan VI, this drop celebrates a pivotal chapter in MJ’s career and the history of Jordan Brand.