Air Jordan 4

The sneaker debuted during the 1989 NBA All-Star Game in Houston.

As of November 2023, pricing for the retro is as follows:

• • Men’s $210
• • Women’s: $210
• • Big Kids: $160
• • Little Kids: $100
• • Toddler: $85
• • Crib: $65

When the sneaker debuted in 1989, it retailed for $110.

The first Air Jordan 4 is covered in “Black/Cement Grey/University Red,” a color combination often referred to as “Bred.” Additional color schemes include “White/Cement Grey,” “White/Military Blue,” and “White/Fire Red/Black.”

The sneaker has released in various quantities and editions since its debut. Its first retro came in 1999, roughly one year after Michael Jordan’s retirement from the Chicago Bulls. The re-release offered original “White/Cement” and “Black/Cement” styles, as well as two “LS” (or Lifestyle) models. LS versions of the Jordan 4 featured a Jumpman logo on the heel and leather panels on the sides instead of traditional netting.

Throughout the 2000s, the sneaker became highly-coveted by collectors, returning in scarce quantities in 2005 and 2006 with launches of “Laser,” “Thunder,” and “Lightning” editions.

One of the rarest and most expensive Jordan 4 is the collaboration with Undefeated from 2005. Only 72 pairs were released via raffle at the brand’s store in Los Angeles. In recent memory, the pair has sold for more than $30,000 on the after-market. Collaborations with Eminem and Mark Wahlberg also rank amongst the most expensive and limited retro 4s of all-time.

General releases of the sneaker quickly sell out upon release, although non-original styles and non-collaborations have been more accessible since 2021.

Jordan’s on-court dominance and celebrity endorsements have made the sneaker popular over the years.

One of the pair’s earliest iconic moments was “The Shot,” the infamous series-winning buzzer beater by #23 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. In pop culture, the AJ4 was brought to the silver screen thanks to Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing film from 1989.

Some notable celebrities that’ve been spotted wearing the shoes include: Kanye West, Jay Z, DJ Khaled, Rihanna, Wale, ASAP Rocky, and Drake.

Style is subjective, but Tinker Hatfield’s second-ever design for the Air Jordan line has enjoyed some important collaborations over the years.

Off-White’s “Sail” pair from July 2020 is highly-regarded. Projects with Travis Scott (June 2018), KAWS (March, November 2017), Isiah Thomas for Doernbecher Freestyle (November 2011), and Union Los Angeles (August 2020) are also celebrated.

Collaborations with Eminem, Mark Wahlberg, and Undefeated are also considered amongst the best, but their scarcity has made them near-impossible for common collectors.

Yes.

Although Brand Jordan hasn’t revealed all of its plans, it’s prepped the sneaker in some highly-anticipated color schemes. The return of the Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue” is revving up to be one of the most wanted retro Jordans of the year. (The pair was last seen in 2012 but without “Nike Air” branding on the heel.)

The best places to purchase retro 4s are nike.com and the Nike SNKRS app.

Other retailers include:

• • Foot Locker
• • Finish Line
• • DICK’S