The return of the Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” with OG Nike Air branding on the heel might be one of the most anticipated retros in 2021. However, the shoe’s return in its original form for the first time since 1991 is already facing issues.
If you’ve scrolled through your feeds, you’ve more than likely come across a picture of the Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” with a pink tint in the midsole. The discoloration has led to disappointment from the sneaker community.
Jordan Brand is addressing the issue by having retailers return the defective pairs, as originally reported by Complex’s Brendan Dunne. According to the article, a “flawed batch of midsole paint” was used on the AJ6 which turns the white to pink. The question remains if the discoloration will appear down the road for pairs that might not have the pink discoloration right out the gate.
This isn’t the first time that a factory issue has affected a retro release. Typically, the defects end up being marked down at outlets. However, these pink midsole infused AJ6s might not even make it to the outlet floors.
What will happen to the discolored pairs that are returned to the vendor? Nike, which owns Jordan Brand, will sometimes mark shoes with minor cosmetic defects as ‘B-grade’ product and sell them at outlets at discounted prices.
Jordan even turned one flub into a quasi-retail release, selling the factory-flawed black-bottomed version of the 2012 ‘Photo Blue’ Jordan 9 as a Nike.com exclusive in May 2013 at $30 below its original price. The ‘Carmine’ Air Jordan 6s, though, may not ever see the light of day.
Brendan Dunne, Complex
The Air Jordan 6 “Carmine” releases on February 13, 2021, for $200. Are you still looking forward to the pair? Let us know your thoughts.
Air Jordan 6 “Carmine”
Colorway: White / Black / Carmine
Style #: CT8529-106
Release Date: February 13, 2021
Price: $200
