Words_Nick DePaula, Sole Collector

Throughout this twenty-third year of the iconic Air Jordan signature series, Jordan Brand has planned several commemorative releases that pay tribute to the accomplished career and success that Michael Jordan achieved during his playing days as a Chicago Bull. While both the Air Jordan XX3 and the Countdown Packages (which combine two Air Jordan models whose series numbers add to 23) have been met with fanatical fanfare, the next release to celebrate Jordans' heralded on-court accomplishments will be the Jordan Six Rings.

The Jordan Six Rings, releasing August 16th in a Bulls-inspired Black/Varsity Red/White colorway, acknowledge a piece of every Air Jordan shoe that MJ wore during each of his six NBA Finals championships. Named NBA Finals MVP in all six appearances, Michael is credited with elevating his play on the league's grandest stage during the NBA Playoffs, as he boasts career averages of 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Retailing at $149.99, the Six Rings combines the Air Jordan VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII, XIII and XIV all into one shoe that features unique design cues from each classic silhouette.

The recognizable Jordan XIII tooling makes up the midsole and outsole of the shoe, and the iconic Jordan XI's inspiration can be seen in the black patent leather rand and black cordura mesh panel along the upper. The top two eyelets are drafted off of both the VIII and XII, with a portion of the VIII strap and XII lace clip providing a snug fit along the collar. The XII's tongue text also is seen, as 'TWO3' is spelled vertically along the Six Rings' tongue. There's perforations that were originally seen atop the Jordan VII highlighted along the patent overlay, and the VI's influence can be seen in the rubberized heel pull tab and removable lace lock along the tongue. While subtle, the Jordan XIV actually inspired the toe's shape. At the bottom of the lacing set-up, the shape of the Six Rings draws from the XIV's toe cap. Designed by Jordan Brand Senior Designer Octavio Lubrano, the Six Rings is yet another hybrid concept building upon the success of the Dub Zero and Spiz'ike before it, though this time it also promises to be a quite capable on-court performer thanks in part to its heel and forefoot Zoom Air cushioning and herringbone traction pattern.

As we move towards the latter half of this most celebratory year, Jordan Brand will continue to honor Michael's NBA Finals domination throughout the 1990s with several colorways and lifestyle options of the Jordan Six Rings to be released, all of which will be available at Footaction.com.