Michael Jordan 1990-1991 Air Jordan VI Playoff Game Sneakers

Michael Jordan’s name has become synonymous with greatness. The NBA legend’s unprecedented success as an athlete is well-documented and may never be replicated—6 NBA championships, 6 Finals MVPs, 5 league MVPs, and 2 Olympic Gold Medals are just a few of Jordan’s on-court accomplishments. Many consider Jordan to be the greatest athlete who ever lived.

Offered in this lot is a pair of Michael Jordan Air Jordan VI Game Sneakers, featured in the ‘Playoff’ black and red colorway from the 1990-1991 season. 

Sotheby’s received information regarding the provenance of these sneakers, tracing the ownership back to a member of the Bulls’ organization, who obtained them after a game in New York. 

Jordan and the Bulls played the New York Knicks in the First Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs in 1991. The Bulls won the series 3-0, led by Jordan who averaged 29 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2.7 steals throughout the series. 

The sneakers have been reviewed by Meigray, and no photo match was determined. Sotheby’s cannot say with certainty that they were worn against the Knicks – and it is possible they were worn for a different game.

Inspired by the Porcshe 911, the Air Jordan VI is the model that marks Jordan’s first championship. The pair features a heel tab, reminiscent of the car’s spoiler, a translucent outsole, and a visible air unit. 

Bred Air Jordans are a shorthand synonym for ‘Black and Red’ Air Jordan sneakers, a style Michael wore – featuring iconic Bulls colors – from the inception of the Jordan Brand (namely the Air Ship and the Air Jordan I) all the way until the Air Jordan XIII and XIV towards the end of his career with the Chicago Bulls. The first pair of Breds Jordan wore in the NBA were banned by the league, which imbued the colorway with a certain mythical nature to sneaker culture. The NBA would fine Michael $5,000 per game because the colors violated the league's strict uniform code. Nike capitalized on the opportunity and branded the Breds as rebellious sneakers, and while banned from the league, a Nike ad would explain “fortunately, the NBA can’t stop you from wearing them.”