A LOOK BACK AT THE SIX DIFFERENT INFRARED 6S

This Friday’s release of the Air Jordan VI “Infrared” caps off one of the most aggressive and ambitious celebrations of Air Jordan milestones. 2014 marked the 23rd year of the VI, and Jordan Brand was relentless in reminding you of this Tinker Hatfield-designed model, using enticing Retro releases in OG and new form. The first-ever Sport Blue Retro made its way onto store shelves, and some sick materials were presented to us in Cigar and Champagne form, but the magnus opus of the 6 is clearly what the brand had saved for last.

After the OG is five different installments, which include true-to-detail Retro releases, unreleased samples, Packs, and controversial changes that left the shoes collecting dust on store shelves. Without further ado, take a look back at the six different Infrared 6s of the past and stay tuned for this Friday’s release at Jordan retailers worldwide.

1991 OG Release

The unparalleled history of the Air Jordan VI starts in 1991 when Tinker put pen to paper and designed what would be one of the most transcendent creations in the Jordan line. Worn by Michael en route to his first champion and a most valuable player award, the model instantly became iconic. The proof is in that 23 years later we’re still talking about them, whether they are up for grabs via general release or otherwise.

2000 Retro with Nike Air

Nine years and multiple championships and MVP trophies later, the “Infrareds” finally made their triumphant return. The settled into a matured sneaker community that knew its history and more importantly, valued the styles that shaped the culture in which they so eagerly participate.

1999/2000 Reverse Sole Sample

A gem not often seen and discussed even less, the reverse sole sample of the Infrareds surfaced in 1999 slightly predating the shoes first retro. It differed by way of its full-length infrared paneling above the midsole paired with vibrant Nike Air script on the heel.

2010 Varsity Red

Some prefer Varsity Red, others opt for Infrared. Its solely personal preference and you’d be hardest pressed to hear us disagree with either stance. 2010′s Varsity Red drop switched things up in a way that only sneaker purist would recognize. It’s an endearing release that adds yet another layer to the celebrated history of the VI’s, although the change in red tone didn’t sit well with some Jordan fans.

2010 Infrared Pack

Once thought to be a Asia-Exclusive, the 2010 Infrared Pack finally made its way stateside in June of 2010. The pack retailed for $310, which was similar to the pricing structure for the Countdown Pack(s) back in 2008. But even more critical, this is one of the last times infrared looked as it did in years past.

2014 Black Friday Retro

We arrive 23 years after the original release of the Air Jordan6 “Infrared”. It closes out a long year of awesome bringbacks like the “Sport Blue” and fresh concepts that honor MJ’s legacy like the “Cigar” and “Champagne” release. Despite what Jordan Brand offered this year, the Black/Infrared Air Jordan 6 is without question the pick of the litter – and we’re open to debate your counterpoint. Cop these this Friday at Jordan retailers.

Celebrity Sole Watch

We slide into November with the first celebrity sneaker recap of the month.

This week's most popular celebrity sneaker was the Nike Air Force 1, carried by the release of the three-shoe Supreme collaboration. Just about every celebrity you can name received a pair (or three), which may explain those 'unforeseen circumstances' that canceled the New York launch. Is the Air Force 1 back? Well, it never quite goes away, but Supreme's collab has people buzzing about the classic again.

We also saw Macklemore finally break out his 'Emerald City' Air Jordan 6 PE. The shoe, one of two exclusives he previewed earlier this month, is inspired by his hometown of Seattle and features his crew's SharkFace Gang logo on the heel. If this is just the beginning, we're looking forward to what other projects Macklemore and Jordan Brand are working on.

Teyana and Shump rock matching Flightposites, Joe Haden courtside in Yeezys, in today's  Celebrity Sole Watch.

Nike LeBron 10 EXT “Doernbecher 6″ by Dank Customs

Although Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks spoiled the Cleveland homecoming from LeBron James, that didn’t stop the King from blessing the sneaker community with a duel threat via player exclusive footwear. Lacing in up two Alternative PE pairs of the LeBron 12 last night, its clear that James is looking to kill it on the court this season. Historically, he’s always done so and last night gives us no reason to think otherwise. Among the favorite on-court pairs in recent years has been the Nike LeBron 10; however, though, today a new iteration from the lifestyle line emerges from Dank Customs fixated on the popular “Doernbecher” color scheme. Adorned in a striped blue suede upper, the model also incorporates red contrast along the paneling over a 360 Air Unit and icy outer. Gold wraps the lining completing the look. Check them out below and let us know what you think of this pair of “Doernbecher 6″ customs
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'Easy Money' Nike KD 7 Release

           Kevin Durant is one of the many NBA players who have a sneaker contract with Nike. His collection highlights his love for basketball, while letting his smooth style show as well. The newest sneaker released is the KD 7. The color ways for this sneaker are inspired by the weather.

‘EASY MONEY’

         The weather theme continues with the new color way of the KD 7’s. The ‘Easy Money’ color way is an ode to Benjamin Franklin. The colors of this shoe are green, light brown, and orange. We all know the story of Benjamin Franklin. He proved that electricity was a stream of electrified air by flying his metal kite and key during a lightning storm. The green on the shoe refers to the one hundred dollar bill that Benjamin Franklin is placed on. The shoe has a light brown mesh upper, and golden soles. Priced at $150, the ‘Easy Money’ color way of the KD 7’s will be released Wednesday, September 10^th.

Recent News:

         Kevin Durant’s contract with Nike is closely coming to an end. While Nike has yet to sign him to a new contract, Under Armour is swooping in with hopes of signing the NBA star to their brand instead. With this being said, Nike will probably try to hand over even more money to the athlete in attempts to sign him over Under Armour. Signing with Under Armour could result in thirty billion dollars annually for Durant. This tops the twenty billion dollars Lebron makes a year with his Nike contract. Durant was supposed to take a three day trip to the Nike Headquarters, but apparently cancelled because of other ongoing negotiations.

What do you think? Nike or Under Armour?

Nike Lebron 12 'Instinct' Release

           Basketball advocates and sneaker lovers have been anxiously waiting for the release of the Nike LeBron 12. With the excitement of LeBron James going back home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, fans can’t wait to get their hands on a pair. The release date has still not been set, although it is speculated to be late this fall, but new color ways are being released into the media. The Nike LeBron 11 did incredibly well with sales. People were buying up almost all of every color way offered. It is interesting to note that although the 11’s did so well, they lack an on-court presence. I foresee the LeBron 12 to do just as successful if not better.

NEWEST COLOR WAY RELEASED: ‘Instinct’

            This is the third color way released for the Lebron 12. The colors of this shoe include turquoise, crimson, and purple. The shoe begins with a purple mesh base. This serves as the background for iridescent overlays. The tongue and heel includes pops of crimson and purple, which give it that Miami Heat spice to them still. Below lies a translucent out soul.  One special characteristic of these shoes, my personal favorite, is the multi-colored bottom. The bottom of the shoe features all different colors such as pink, orange, green, and red. Another great feature of these sneakers is the new zoom cushioning system. The cushioning system is extremely durable and has foam based core. The zoom cushioning gives the sneaker a much lower ride.

LeBron fans get ready because these are sure to sell out as soon as they drop later this fall!