2014 is the year of the Air Jordan 6, which celebrates its 23rd year in the sneaker industry. The new Jordan 6 'Slam Dunk' is the latest creative release by the company.
In a report by Sole Collector, the Air Jordan 6 'Slam Dunk' is inspired by the Japanese anime series "Slam Dunk" by Takehiko Inoue. The Japanese manga focuses on a basketball team from Shohoku High School. Many viewers might notice some similarities between the key Shohoku players and the six-time champions Chicago Bulls featuring Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. The Japanese anime players also wear the same red uniform and usually wear Air Jordan basketball shoes.
In the Sole Collector article, Jordan Brand pays tribute to the star anime character Hanamichi Sakuragi. The "Slam Dunk" colorway features unique 3M tones and illustrations throughout the varsity red upper. The images feature special moments of Sakuragi throughout the 31-volume manga series. His jersey number 10 will particularly be visible, stitched on the upper, near the heel area. The heel tab is translucent, which matches the icy blue outsoles. The midsole and tongue are white. The Jumpman logos are red as well as the shoelaces.
Footlocker.com reported that the number 10 replaces the usual number 23 on the shoes. Gemo Wong, Energy Director of Jordan Brand, "Using a legacy shoe like the iconic Air Jordan VI, as well as our latest performance model in the Jordan Super.Fly 3, served as the perfect vehicle to highlight the past and present - both in the product and the manga storyline."
In a report by Nike.com, the Jordan 6 "Slam Dunk" will be released together with the Jordan Super.Fly 3 "Slam Dunk" in a collection pack. Dubbed the Jordan X "Slam Dunk Collection", the Jordan VI will be available at Nike.com, Foot Locker, Eastbay.com and House of Hoops by Foot Locker at a retail price of $250.
Sneakernews reported that the "Slam Dunk Collection" will be available on a limited basis starting November 1, 2014 at around 8:00 a.m. EDT. Only one set will be available per customer and phone orders will not be entertained on Nike.com.
In the same Foot Locker report, select House of Hoops by Foot Locker shops will initiate a sweepstakes ticket method for buyers to get a chance to purchase the Air Jordan VI Retro "Slam Dunk" and the Jordan Super.Fly 3 "Slam Dunk". The tickets were handed out on October 27 and 28. Selected ticket numbers will be notified on October 29 and 30. Winners can avail of one set on the official launch date on November 1.