Air Jordan 4 Buyer's Guide: Every Colorway, Fit Tips & What to Know Before You Buy

The Air Jordan 4 is one of the most iconic sneakers ever made. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and first released in 1989, the AJ4 was the shoe Michael Jordan wore when he hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs — a moment that cemented both MJ's legend and the silhouette's place in sneaker history forever.

If you're looking to buy a pair — new, used, or a grail collab — this guide covers everything you need to know.

Jordan 4 History: Why This Shoe Still Matters

The Jordan 4 debuted in 1989 and was unlike anything that came before it. The mesh netting on the upper, the plastic wing eyelets on the sides, and the visible Air unit in the heel were all groundbreaking for the time. It was also the first Jordan to be sold globally, which is why the shoe has an international fanbase that stretches well beyond the U.S.

What makes the Jordan 4 still relevant today is its versatility. The silhouette is substantial but not bulky, bold but not loud. It works with jeans, cargos, shorts, and even a suit if you know what you're doing. It's a shoe collectors chase and casual buyers wear — which is rare.

Best Jordan 4 Colorways of All Time

Jordan 4 Retro Black Cat

All-black everything. The Black Cat is one of the cleanest Jordan 4s ever made — a fully matte black upper that references MJ's "Black Cat" nickname from his years with the Wizards. Every few years Nike retroes it, and every time it sells out fast. If you see one in your size, buy it.

Jordan 4 Retro Military Blue

White leather base with military blue overlays. Clean, classic, and historically one of the most searched Jordan 4 colorways on the planet. The 2024 retro brought it back for the first time since 2006 and it did not disappoint.

Jordan 4 Retro Thunder

Black upper, tour yellow accents. Aggressive. The Thunder might be the most aesthetically complete Jordan 4 — the contrast between black and yellow on that silhouette hits unlike anything else. The 2023 retro version is the best execution yet.

Jordan 4 Retro Fire Red OG

White tumbled leather base with fire red and black accents. This is the OG colorway — what MJ wore in 1989. If you want one Jordan 4 to anchor your collection, this is it. The 2020 retro is highly regarded for quality.

Jordan 4 Retro White Thunder

The White Thunder flips the classic Thunder colorway — white base with black and yellow accents. Released in 2023, it quickly became one of the most popular Jordan 4s of recent years. Cleaner and more versatile than the original.

Jordan 4 Retro University Blue

Soft university blue suede upper with white and black detailing. Originally a women's exclusive that crossed over hard into men's sizing. The suede construction feels more premium than the standard leather AJ4s.

Jordan 4 Retro x Travis Scott

Travis Scott has put his stamp on the Jordan 4 multiple times. Every Travis x Jordan 4 collab is a grail-level release. If you can find one in your size at or below resale market rate, it's a smart buy.

Jordan 4 Retro x Union Off Noir

Union LA's collaboration with the Jordan 4 is one of the most premium executions of the silhouette ever — multi-fabric upper, premium suede, deconstructed detailing. A true collector's piece that holds value well.

Jordan 4 Retro Pine Green

White leather with pine green overlays and black accents. One of the most in-demand non-collab Jordan 4s of the last five years. Clean, versatile, and hard to find in bigger sizes.

Jordan 4 Retro Lightning

All tour yellow. Bold, loud, and unforgettable. The Lightning might be the most visually striking Jordan 4 ever made.

Jordan 4 Sizing: Does It Run True to Size?

The Jordan 4 generally runs true to size for most people. If you're between sizes, go up half a size — the toe box can feel snug on wider feet. The fit is more contained than the Jordan 1, which runs slightly large, so your usual size is your starting point.

Jordan 4 Condition Guide: What to Look For When Buying Used

When buying a pre-owned Jordan 4, focus on these areas:

• Midsole yellowing: The white midsole yellows with age. Light yellowing is normal. Heavy yellowing can be addressed with unyellowing kits but is difficult to fully reverse.
• Wing eyelet cracks: The plastic wing eyelets on the side are notorious for cracking over time, especially on pairs from 2010 and earlier. Always check photos of these.
• Toe box creasing: Leather Jordan 4s crease at the toe box with normal wear. Cosmetic — doesn't affect the shoe's structure.
• Lace condition: Jordan 4s come with flat waxed laces. Replacement laces are cheap and easy to find.

Jordan 4 vs. Jordan 1: Which Should You Buy?

Both are iconic. The Jordan 1 is more casual and lifestyle-oriented. The Jordan 4 is a step up in statement — it reads more "sneakerhead" to people who know their shoes. If you're starting your collection, get a Jordan 1 first. Once that's in the rotation, the Jordan 4 is the natural next step. If Dunks are more your speed, check out our Nike Dunk Low complete guide.

Where to Buy Jordan 4s in Palm Beach

For new releases, you're competing on Nike SNKRS and select boutiques. The reality is heat releases sell out in seconds — most buyers end up on secondary market. For used Jordan 4s with real story behind them — OG colorways, hard-to-find collabs, grails — Cold Shoulder Kicks Palm Beach carries curated used inventory with competitive pricing and detailed condition notes on every pair.

Frequently Asked Questions: Jordan 4

Are Jordan 4s worth buying?

Absolutely. The Jordan 4 is one of the most consistent silhouettes in sneaker history. It holds value well, wears comfortably, and has enough colorway depth for every taste.

What year did the Jordan 4 come out?

The Air Jordan 4 was originally released in 1989, designed by Tinker Hatfield. It was the shoe MJ wore during his legendary "The Shot" moment in the 1989 NBA Playoffs.

Do Jordan 4s crease easily?

Yes — the leather toe box creases with normal wear. Use crease protectors and stuff with paper when not in use to minimize it.

How do you clean Jordan 4s?

Use a soft-bristle brush and sneaker cleaning solution (Crep Protect, Jason Markk) for the upper. A magic eraser works well on the midsole. Avoid machine washing.

What is the rarest Jordan 4?

The Jordan 4 x Travis Scott collabs, the Jordan 4 x Union Off Noir, and OG 1989 pairs in excellent condition are among the rarest and most valuable Jordan 4s on the market.