From MJ to Batman: The Storied History of the Air Jordan 6

Since the start, Michael Jordan and designer Tinker Hatfield have always had a Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth relationship. In both pairings, the hero trains while the trusted aid engineers the equipment necessary for the icon to become the victor.

The parallels between these relationships were never more apparent than in the early ‘90s.

As the story goes, director Tim Burton and DC Comics were working on wardrobe for the 1992 film Batman Returns. Hatfield would play the role of designer and Alfred apprentice as he was called upon to outfit both Bruce Wayne for the movie and Michael Jordan for his pending playoff run. The armor of choice for both? The Air Jordan 6.

First seen on-foot in 1991, Mike’s pair proved perfect for the court, sporting visible Air cushioning for high-impact lands and smooth styling based on his favorite German sports car, the Porsche 911. Conversely, Bruce Wayne’s PE pair of the AJ6 was even more armored, built like a knee-high boot made strong enough to defend Gotham.

With their legacies on the line, would Bruce Wayne and Michael Jordan become heroes in the Air Jordan 6? Yes. Master Wayne would bring out his basketball-inspired boots and save Gotham in Batman Returns. Back in Chicago, MJ would soar in the 'Black Infrared' 6s as he swept the Detroit Pistons and defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the city’s first NBA Championship.

With the help of Tinker Hatfield, anyone can be a hero. Over the course of 1991 and for the 30 years that followed, heroes of all disciplines have soared making the Air Jordan 6 their own. Relive Mike’s most heroic moments in OG 6s as well as the retro takes that catapulted everyday individuals to new heights.