For the first time ever, Jordan Brand is releasing the Air Jordan 6 Infrared “Salesman,” a long-rumored design inspired by an unreleased 1999 sample that never made it into production.
The brand teased the highly anticipated release with a campaign poster starring Emmy Award-winning actress Neicy Nash, who appears as a genie — a playful nod to the iconic Spike Lee and Michael Jordan commercials featuring Little Richard. The ad celebrates the bold and defiant spirit of Jordan Brand Women, marking a new era for the label by centering its storytelling around unapologetic women breaking boundaries in fashion, sport, and culture.
A 35th Anniversary Celebration of Air Jordan 6 Legacy
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan 6, Jordan Brand is reintroducing the silhouette that became a cornerstone of basketball culture and sneaker history.
The AJ6 “Salesman” is set to drop on February 14, 2026, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day, and will be accompanied by a matching apparel collection. The brand’s latest campaign pays tribute to a shoe that helped define greatness — one that Michael Jordan wore during the 1991 NBA Playoffs, leading to his first NBA Championship and Finals MVP title.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 6 has remained one of the most beloved models in sneaker history. The “Infrared” colorway, in particular, became legendary after its original release, followed by reissues in 2000, 2010, and 2014.
1999 “Salesman” Sample Finally Gets Its Moment
The original 1999 “Salesman” sample was a rare gem — it appeared briefly in a seasonal catalog before being mysteriously pulled from production. Until now, it existed only as a collector’s fantasy and an archived piece of Jordan Brand history.
For its long-awaited debut, the 2026 “Salesman” release brings an updated take on the unreleased prototype. The shoe features Infrared accents along the entire midsole, diverging from previous models that limited the color to the heel and toe detailing. The refreshed design offers a sleeker shape that closely mirrors the OG 1991 model, marking the first non-collaboration AJ6 to carry this authentic retro silhouette.
Jordan Brand Honors Women in Sneaker Culture
Jordan Brand’s new campaign emphasizes the power of women shaping sneaker culture, spotlighting their creative influence across art, sport, and design. By launching the “Salesman” through a women-led storytelling lens, the brand reinforces its commitment to inclusion and evolution — while paying homage to the trailblazing legacy of the Air Jordan lineage.
This direction mirrors a growing trend within Jordan Brand, which has amplified its women’s line through collaborations with influential figures like Aleali May and Nina Chanel Abney, and now through a campaign that merges nostalgia, empowerment, and modern-day luxury.
