Our verdict
Pros
- air jordan iii 3 88 retro white cement official nikestore release info
- Highly secure foot containment
- Fantastic wear resistance and durability
- Features real suede/leather on the rand
- Easier on-and-off with a large heel loop
- Full of Easter eggs from seven Jordan shoes
- Stand out from the crowd
Cons
- Lacks comfort for all-day wear
- Jordan 1 Elevate Low Shoes
- Not breathable
Jordan Spizike It | Audience verdict
- Top 28% in trainers
- jordan 1 retro high og all star leather trainers
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
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Audience score | 92 Great! | 90 Great! | 92 Great! | 89 Good! | |
Price | $170 | $125 | $115 | $70 | |
Style | RetroSporty | ClassicRetroSporty | ClassicRetroSporty | RetroSporty | |
Breathability | Warm | Warm | Warm | Moderate | |
Weight lab | 16.3 oz / 462g | 14.5 oz / 411g | 15.1 oz / 427g | 17.4 oz / 493g | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Balanced | Soft | Soft | |
Material | LeatherSuedeTextile | Cup SoleLeather | Cup SoleLeather | LeatherSuedeVulc Sole | |
Season | SpringWinterFall | SpringWinterFall | Winter | SpringWinterFall | |
Inspired from | Basketball | Basketball | Basketball | Skate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | Wide | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Narrow | Medium | Medium | |
Leather/suede quality | Real suede | Real leather | Real leather | Real suede | |
Toebox durability | Good | Decent | Decent | Good | |
Air Jordan 3Lab5 Infrared 23 New Images | Decent | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Good | Good | Good | Decent | |
Heel stack lab | 25.5 mm | 22.9 mm | 22.2 mm | 21.8 mm | |
Stiffness | Stiff | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | |
Tongue padding | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Drop lab | 8.5 mm | 11.1 mm | 11.0 mm | 8.1 mm | |
Forefoot | 17.0 mm | 11.8 mm | 11.2 mm | 13.7 mm | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Heel tab | Finger loop | None | None | None | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | Flexible | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | Moderate | |
Closure | LacesVelcro | Laces | Laces | Laces | |
Top | Mid top | Low top | Mid top | Mid top | |
Ranking | #22 Top 28% | #40 Bottom 49% | #17 Top 22% | #49 Bottom 37% | |
Popularity | #24 Top 31% | #28 Top 36% | #38 Top 49% | #42 Bottom 46% |
Jordan Spizike It | nike air jordan 1 mid se gs sprite blue junior kids
We believe that you will appreciate the Jordan 6 Rings if you are in the market for the following:
- a symbolic Jordan edition that pays homage to the height of Michael Jordan's career by fusing the elements from seven trainers that he wore during his six championships
- a hybrid lifestyle basketball shoe that can transition from the court to the streets (but not a Air Jordan 2012 Lite Super Heroes Classic Green Black-Court Purple)
Who should NOT buy
Supposed to rock both streets and courts, the Jordan 6 Rings doesn't excel at either. A fashion statement? Sure. A sneaker collection item? Yes! A comfortable sneaker for hours on your feet? NOPE.
At the same price point, you can get one or even two well-cushioned trainers from Nike or New Balance that will keep you comfortable from dusk to dawn.
If, on the other hand, you want a basketball-ready shoe, go for the hottest Air Jordan XXXVIII instead.
Breathability
We recommend keeping this Jordan sneaker away from summer heat if you don't want to end up with sweaty feet. Despite using a lot of textile in its upper, there is little-to-no ventilation inside the 6 Rings.
Filing the shoe's upper with smoke in our breathability test, we saw that it primarily escaped through the gaps between the tongue and the upper but none of it passed through the toebox or the fabric itself.
Our transparency test further proves our point by showing zero ventilation holes in the shoe's half-cut upper. The perforations on the sides are merely there for decor.
Thus, we couldn't rate this Jordan sneaker any higher than 2 out of 5 on our breathability scale.
P.S. If you do look for a winter-ready kick, check out the Jordan 6 Rings Winterized. It is a modified edition of the 6 Rings that turned it into a durable sneakerboot that can handle the outdoors.
6 Rings | 2 |
Average | 2.9 |
Durability
Leather/Suede quality
Our pair of the Jordan 6 Rings features three materials in the upper: textile, synthetic leather, and real suede.
Other colorways of the shoe have glossy patent leather instead of suede.
Using a butane torch and a leather scratch awl, we confirmed that the suede was indeed real. It didn't catch fire or melt, unlike the synthetic panel at the back of the shoe.
6 Rings | Real suede |
Toebox durability
Placing a large suede overlay over the shoe's toebox was a smart choice. The natural durability of this high-quality material prevents the forefoot from tearing apart too soon.
We exposed the shoe's toebox to the most abrasive test in our arsenal - drilling it with sandpaper for 12 seconds at a 5K RPM speed.
But the suede barely showed any signs of wear! Remaining in near-perfect condition, it earned the shoe the highest durability score of 5 out of 5.
6 Rings | 5 |
Average | 3.8 |
Air Jordan 3Lab5 Infrared 23 New Images
Even the more delicate parts like the inner lining stood up to the test with flying colours.
A 4-second encounter with the Dremel left the textile practically unscathed.
This is quite impressive as the fabric looks nearly identical to the mesh lining of the shoe on the right. But the difference in wear resistance is striking.
Once again, the Jordan 6 Rings received a high durability score - 4 out of 5 for heel lining durability.
6 Rings | 4 |
Average | 3.4 |
Outsole hardness
Touted as a hybrid sneaker that can handle an occasional game of basketball, the 6 Rings features a pretty sturdy outsole.
A high reading of 86.4 HC on our Shore C durometer proved that the rubber is indeed on the hard side. That is usually a good indication of longevity.
6 Rings | 86.4 HC |
Average | 85.2 HC |
Outsole durability
Fortunately, the shoe's outsole durability equaled our high hopes.
A round of a very demanding Dremel test at a 10K RPM speed confirmed that the shoe's rubber does not shy away from challenges.
The dent was a mere 1.0 mm deep which is no different from the average sneaker outsole.
6 Rings | 1.0 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
This Jordan sneaker also uses a reasonably thick layer of rubber at the bottom. Our calliper showed 3.5 mm which is not the thickest but still sufficient.
Considering how much wear resistance there is to the Jordan 6 Rings, we feel confident recommending it for day-to-day wear and even some hooping.
It is not the type of sneaker that should only be kept on a display shelf and never see the light of day to keep its integrity.
6 Rings | 3.5 mm |
Average | 5.6 mm |
Weight
Weighing the Jordan 6 Rings in a men's US size 9, we got 16.3 oz (462g) on the scale.
It is a couple of ounces heavier than average but is on par with other mid-top trainers.
We have no complaints in the weight department because the shoe feels lighter than its static weight suggests.
6 Rings | 16.30 oz (462g) |
Average | 14.22 oz (403g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
The kick's chunky-looking sole may trick you into thinking that the Jordan 6 Rings has plenty of cushioning.
Having cut the shoe in half, we measured its heel stack height at only 25.5 mm! This is lower than the average sneaker and is almost as low as the air jordan 2 5 black university blue white (24.3 mm)!
Good thing Jordan packed responsive Zoom Air units into the shoe's midsole to ensure impact protection.
6 Rings | 25.5 mm |
Average | 30.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
The 6 Rings also places the foot quite low to the ground in the forefoot.
With a stack height of 17.0 mm, it is a couple of millimetres lower than average. But the Zoom Air unit prevents the ground feel from being too sensitive.
6 Rings | 17.0 mm |
Average | 18.9 mm |
Drop
The Jordan 6 Rings has a gradual heel-to-toe drop of 8.5 mm. It elevates the heel slightly above the toes for a touch of support in the rearfoot.
6 Rings | 8.5 mm |
Average | 11.1 mm |
Midsole softness
If you are considering the Jordan 6 Rings for regular daily wear, keep in mind that its cushioning is on the firm side.
We could feel its firmness on the foot and confirmed it in our durometer measurement. With a reading of 32.0 HA, the shoe's midsole is firmer than 60% of our lab-tested trainers.
Zoom Air units don't make the 6 Rings any plusher but prevent it from feeling too blunt underfoot. They just add a bit of pep to the step.
6 Rings | 32.0 HA |
Average | 29.5 HA |
Insole thickness
Completing the shoe's cushioning setup is a pretty standard insole. Our calliper shows that it is 4.1 mm thick in the heel which is slightly thinner than average.
6 Rings | 4.1 mm |
Average | 5.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
With a good deal of firmness in its platform and a supportive mid-top collar, the Jordan 6 Rings made us feel steady and planted.
Even though we didn't test its performance as a basketball shoe, we found that it offers enough containment for a short leisurely game.
Torsional rigidity
The exceptionally sturdy build of the 6 Rings made it nearly impossible to twist in our manual test.
On a scale from 1 to 5, the shoe easily earned the highest score for torsional rigidity.
There is very little chance of rolling your feet and ankles in this Jordan sneaker thanks to the support it provides.
6 Rings | 5 |
Average | 3.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
The Jordan 6 Rings also boasts a highly secure heel hold courtesy of its structured heel counter.
It is tall, well-padded, and has an added lip around the ankle bone to keep the rearfoot securely in place.
There is not a lot of give to it either. We rated the heel counter stiffness as 3 out of 5 - not too stiff nor flexible.
6 Rings | 3 |
Average | 3.2 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
The Jordan 6 Rings features an unconventional sole shape but it has extended contact points in the areas where it's most needed for stability.
For example, it has an outrigger on the outer side of the forefoot, like most basketball shoes.
Measuring it in the widest area, our calliper showed 113.6 mm which is about 5 mm wider than average.
6 Rings | 113.6 mm |
Average | 108.9 mm |
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The sneaker also has protrusions in the heel that reach 90.8 mm in the widest part. Again, 7.5 mm wider than average!
nike patike jordan delta breathe womens shoe.
6 Rings | 90.8 mm |
Average | 83.3 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
The 6 Rings' incredibly stiff profile is one of the reasons why we think it won't make a perfect daily wear companion.
To show you exactly how stiff the shoe is, we used a force gauge to measure how many Newtons (N) it would take to bend it to a 90-degree angle.
Requiring as much as 46.8N, this Jordan sneaker is one of the least flexible trainers in our lab! It is a whopping 105% stiffer than average!
Get ready for a loooong period of breaking the shoe in. And even after a while, it won't get as pliable as most other trainers.
Good thing the shoe has a slight rocker in its sole which helps to make heel-to-toe transitions more bearable.
6 Rings | 46.8N |
Average | 24.1N |
Grip / Traction
The 6 Rings uses herringbone-patterned rubber in the targeted areas to provide traction where it's necessary.
Jordan 6 Retro Gatorade Like Mike White.
Size and fit
Internal length
On its official website, Jordan recommends going a half size up for the 6 Rings because the shoe runs a bit small.
But in our own experience, the shoe was perfectly fitting in our regular US size 9.
We also measured the shoe's internal length at 269.0 mm which corresponds to the US size 9 in the brand's size chart.
If you find yourself in between sizes or in doubt, it is safe to try a half-size larger. The shoe's upper is pretty stiff and has zero stretch. The added lip around the heel also takes a couple of millimetres away from the in-shoe space.
6 Rings | 269.0 mm |
Toebox width at the widest part
We also found that the 6 Rings fits as expected in the toebox. Our medium-width feet felt happy in the shoe all throughout the wear test.
Our calliper measurements confirmed that this Jordan sneaker falls into the dimensions of a D-medium-width shoe.
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6 Rings | 100.1 mm |
Average | 99.1 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
The shoe's toebox doesn't get critically narrow toward the front either. It has a rounded shape that never squeezed our toes.
Based on our calliper measurement, it has a standard width of 74.7 mm.
6 Rings | 74.7 mm |
Average | 74.9 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
The tongue of the Jordan 6 Rings is so large that it only makes sense to have it attached to the upper on both sides to prevent slippage.
The elastic straps help to create a very secure lockdown and keep the tongue in place.
6 Rings | Both sides (semi) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The tongue itself has a nice amount of padding to provide instep comfort and protect it from lace pressure.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Premio Bin 23 444844 001.
6 Rings | 9.1 mm |
Average | 9.1 mm |
Heel tab
The Jordan 6 Rings has a very prominent heel loop. We found it super handy for a quick on-and-off action.
6 Rings | Finger loop |
Removable insole
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If you want to customise the underfoot experience, you can effortlessly remove the shoe's stock insole.
6 Rings | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
This Jordan sneaker does not have any reflective elements.
But if that's an important feature to you, have a look at our Jordan 6 17 23 White Red.
6 Rings | No |
The origins of the Jordan 6 Rings
The Jordan 6 Rings was first released in 2008, 20 years after Michael Jordan's retirement as a Chicago Bulls player. "6 Rings" refers to the athlete's championship triumphs in 1991-1993 and 1996-1998.
air jordan xi 11 low tuxedo reverse concord all seven shoes His Airness wore at the peak of his career.
Air Jordan enthusiasts will detect them all in the blink of an eye but here is a cheat sheet for the rest of us:
- Air Jordan 6: the large heel tab and the lace toggle
- Air Jordan 7: the perforations on the rand
- Nike air jordan 1 zoom air cmft crater purple men aj1 casual shoes ct0978-501
- Air Jordan 11: the large leather (or suede) overlay
- Air Jordan 12: the plastic eyelet and the "TWO3 logo" stitching on the tongue
- Air Jordan 13: the outsole tooling and Zoom Air units
- Air Jordan 14: the toebox design with the "Jumpman" logo