John Kim 
There’s plenty to be excited about in 2014, with a series of Air Jordan VI Retro releases already confirmed and expected throughout the calendar year. However, this wasn’t the first time Jordan’s sixth model was brought back in mass form – in fact, 2014’s releases might even fall second rate to another year of massive drops. The year we’re referring to is 2010, when Jordan Brand began a non-stop barrage of releases that featured some surprising issues like the once-PE “Motorsports”, the two OG colorways with slight alterations (the Varsity Reds), and of course, the Infrared Pack.
What makes 2010 and 2014 so different is that there is almost no chance that any Retro 6 release this year will sit on shelves. Most, if not all, are expected to sell out of stores within a few hours of a release, but that wasn’t the case four years ago, when a number of Air Jordan 6 Retro releases hit the sales rack. Still, it’s worth revisiting what the Brand did four years ago to compare what they’ll put out this year. Check out this quick rundown of all the Air Jordan 6 Retro releases from 2010, and stay tuned to Sneaker News for more on the 2014 Jordan Releases.
Air Jordan VI Retro “Black/Varsity Red”
Release Date: January 23, 2010
The first Air Jordan 6 Retro release of 2010 was the “Black/Varsity Red” colorway. However, despite the popular of Air Jordan Retros and this model in particular, the Varsity Reds didn’t fly off the shelves; purists were not very happy that Jordan Brand would opt for a different shade of red when it could have easily offered up the OG “Infrared” tone.
Air Jordan VI Retro “Motorsports”
Release Date: February 6, 2010
One of the most controversial releases of all-time was the Air Jordan VI “Motorsports” – a PE that was made exclusively for racers of Michael Jordan Motorsports. Some collectors shelled out thousands of dollars to obtain pairs, so while news of a wider release pleased many Jordan fans, those who prematurely dropped big wads of cash were not entirely pleased.
Air Jordan VI Retro “Oreo”
Release Date: March 20, 2010
The popular “Oreo” colorway, which originated with an Air Jordan 4 Retro from 1999, was finally revisited in this Air Jordan VI. The basic Black/White colorway was paired with speckle details on the midsole, lace-locks, and heel spoiler.
Air Jordan VI Retro “Pistons”
Release Date: April 17, 2010
The Air Jordan VI was the first sneaker that Michael wore when he won his first NBA Championship. In his way was the Eastern Conference powerhouse Detroit Pistons, represented here in black suede and patent leather form.
Air Jordan VI Retro “Lakers”
Release Date: May 15, 2010
Following the “Pistons” release was the “Lakers” – Jordan’s ’91 Finals foe. The upper made use of purple/yellow gradient contrast stitching and reflective uppers – two incredible details that were admittedly overlooked and underestimated during the original run.
Air Jordan VI Retro “White/Varsity Red”
Release Date: June 12, 2010
An original colorway – one that had never been retroed – would be a universally beloved, correct? That wasn’t entirely the case with the White/Varsity Red Air Jordan VI. The slight change in red tint didn’t seem to sit well with consumers, and a number of pairs eventually hit the outlets at discount prices – especially since the following weekend featured one of the biggest Jordan Retro releases of the year.
Air Jordan VI Retro “Infrared Pack”
Release Date: June 18, 2010
The final Air Jordan VI Retro release in 2010 allowed the popular model to go out with a bang. Subject to a number of rumors and only receiving confirmation a few weeks prior, the ‘Infrared Pack’, which boasted both OG colorways of the Air Jordan VI in a two-pair package, hit select Jordan Brand retailers. The double-pack made use of anti-static backs that individually housed each pair. With Jordan Brand releasing the “Varsity Red” renditions earlier in the year, many deemed the “Infrared Pack” an example of the brand’s exploitation of consumer demand.
