Jordan 6 Retro

The nickname of this Jordan 6 Retro is Toro Bravo, which means “raging bull” in Spanish and is a reflection of its bold red coloration. There is just a splash of this Varsity Red tone on the outsole as it shows up on the large Jumpman set into its center. Meanwhile, the rest of this sturdy rubber feature is solid black through the middle and round the heel, with jagged-edged translucent segments darting in from the sides of the forefoot and cutting across the heel to create a series of dynamic geometric patterns there. Circular indentations of varying sizes provide grip throughout, and the partially see-through areas have an icy blue tinge. These pieces wrap upwards over the midsole, making a border that surrounds the window in the heel and adding a lightness to either side of the forefoot. Comfortable Air cushioning is visible through the former, and bands of Varsity Red polyurethane have been layered above all of these rubber sections. The rest of the midsole is black, which makes it the perfect counterpoint to the vibrant tones around it.

This captivating color palette continues onto the upper, which is made of sumptuous Varsity Red suede from heel to toe. This includes the underlayer that encompasses the toe and extends back along the flanks, which are filled with a collection of perforated holes, and the overlays of the heel and sidewalls as well. While the former comes in one large piece that envelops the entire rear portion of the shoe, the latter is a broad strip of suede that arcs across the side of the forefoot and again over the midfoot before linking up with the rear overlay. This last feature then delivers protection and aeration to the ankle via the embossed ridges and raised bumps on each side, both of which contain large perforations and are flanked by smaller ones at the front and back.

Bringing contrast to the top of the foot is a black tongue that also holds several ventilation holes, helping to supply breathability throughout the whole shoe. Varsity Red laces tie up over it and are supported by both a woven lace shroud, whose black surface hosts an embroidered Varsity Red Jumpman, and a black lace lock with another of these radiant logos printed onto it. Behind this is the hard black surface of the tongue, which lends strength to the collar and therefore the wearer’s shin as well. Two square-shaped holes have been cut into it just below a set of Air Jordan text, which is lightly embossed into its peak.

The black inner lining slopes downwards from the top of the collar, back towards the heel, then reaches down inside the shoe to coat the insole as well. Another Varsity Red Jumpman has been printed here, becoming the only flash of color in the sneaker’s otherwise dark interior. Back on the outer, a large, curving pull tab loops from one side of the heel to the other, thus offering a useful hook for the wearer to hold on to when getting the shoe on and off. Once again, this combines the powerful tones of black and Varsity Red, the darker one acting as the background, the lighter carving a thickly embossed line across its center. A little further down, in the center of the heel, one final Varsity Red Jumpman has been woven into the soft suede along with the word “Air” in the same hue to give this eye-catching Air Jordan 6 an appropriately vivid conclusion.