NIKE AIR JORDAN VI WHITE INFRARED REVIEW

 

As you’ve probably noticed, NIKE dropped the AIR JORDAN VI WHITE INFRARED a couple of weeks back. It’s set to be a big year for this big shoe (see the science we dropped in our article here for the lowdown) so we thought we’d take a closer look at the first VI of 2014 to see how it stacks up.

Until this point, the white/infrared has been pretty elusive.  Back in ’91 it was easy to get, but less popular than the black/infrared versions, even though MJ actually wore the white version for most of the NBA season.  After the OG drop, the shoe went into the archives, and wasn’t seen again until 2010, when it re-released in a limited edition double pack with the black/Infras.  Unfortunately this pack didn’t drop in the UK, and getting hold of any from the USA was a Herculean task as the perennial Jordan fever there meant they were snapped up in seconds.

So, how do the 2014 versions compare? Pretty closely in all honesty.  Build and shape wise there’s little to tell them apart, thankfully they’re some of the better examples of Jordan workmanship, with accurate stitching, well-cut panelling and a decent shape without too bulky a toe.

The leather on the 2010’s was criticised in some quarters for being too shiny, and whilst the 2014’s use pretty much the same coated white leather, to our eyes it has slightly more texture and looks a little more natural.  Attention to detail seems a little better this time round, with a better finish on the rubber tongue, and a lace toggle in the original Infrared rather than the black of the last versions.

The glaring differences are pretty obvious and all occur in the midsole.  First up is the trademark ‘icy’ clear sole, which has a much bluer tint than previously. Aesthetically this tends to split opinion amongst the Jordan crowd, but it does serve a purpose, by making any yellowing from oxidisation less obvious – useful if you’re going to keep ’em under wraps for a few years.

Then there’s the trademark Infrared itself.  On the 2014s it’s at least a couple of shades lighter and brighter than the 2010s, with more of a neon pop than the OG’s.  Whilst this means the 2010s are closer to the originals, we’re really struggling to dislike it, as it definitely gives the shoe more impact, and combines with the white upper and icy blue sole to give a really sharp, super-clean look.

We’re firm devotees of the VI when it has OG flavour and so probably a bit biased, but we really rate these – they compare well to the 2010s and we would take them any day over the all-red ‘Toro’ VIs which are all currently on eBay rather than on people’s feet.  Don’t sleep on these, as when they’re gone they won’t be back for a long time! Good sizes are still available in the NIKE AIR JORDAN VI WHITE INFRARED via the link-through below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By @Slangwerks