Get ready to lace up some serious nostalgia, because Awake NY is bringing a bold splash of blue and a subtle nod to Michael Jordan’s first championship sneaker to the Air Jordan 6—and it’s already sparking conversations. As the Air Jordan 6 gears up for its 25th anniversary in 2026, sneakerheads are buzzing about what’s next, especially after last month’s Salesman release set the stage for a year of exciting colorways. But here’s where it gets controversial: among the upcoming drops is a collaboration that’s already turning heads—the Awake NY x Air Jordan 6 Blue/Crimson, unveiled in the brand’s spring 2026 lookbook. This isn’t just another sneaker; it’s a fusion of streetwear flair and basketball history, and it’s got everyone talking.
This collaboration is one of two expected colorways, following in the footsteps of Awake NY’s highly praised Air Jordan 5 duo from 2025. While the second design (sku: IQ5706-600) remains under wraps, rumors suggest it’ll feature a prominent pink hue, a signature touch from the brand. But let’s dive into the Blue/Crimson version—it’s a masterpiece of color blocking. Three shades of blue dominate the upper, starting with the deepest tone at the heel and collar, transitioning to a lighter shade for the sidewall overlays, lace cover, and laces, and settling on a mid-tone for the base and tongue. Bright red contrast stitching ties it all together, mirroring the sole unit, which pays homage to the original Infrared edition—with one twist: faint blue speckling on the red elements. And this is the part most people miss: Awake NY’s subtle debossed ‘A’ logo near the midfoot adds a touch of tradition, a departure from its bolder appearance on the Air Jordan 5.
What makes this release even more special? The Air Jordan 6 Infrared isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a piece of history. It’s the shoe Michael Jordan wore when he clinched his first NBA championship in 1991. While last month’s Salesman release played with the iconic colorblocking by adding more red to the midsole, Awake NY’s version stays truer to the original (speckling aside). But here’s the question: does this collaboration honor the legacy of the Air Jordan 6, or does it stray too far from its roots? Let us know in the comments.
The Awake NY x Air Jordan 6s are set to drop in 2026, though the spring lookbook appearance doesn’t guarantee a spring release—remember the pink Air Jordan 5s from last year? Those didn’t hit shelves until August. Either way, one thing’s for sure: this collaboration is a must-watch for sneaker enthusiasts. Stay tuned with Footwear News for updates, and in the meantime, let’s debate—is this the tribute the Air Jordan 6 deserves, or is it a step too far into the world of streetwear?
