Since its debut in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 has become a symbol of sneaker culture’s blend of style, performance, and cinematic appeal. With its rich history and innovative design, it remains a favorite among collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
History
The Air Jordan 4 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and first released in 1989. It was the first Jordan shoe to be released globally, marking a significant step in taking the Air Jordan line worldwide. This release coincided with Michael Jordan’s rising stardom, firmly establishing both his and the sneaker’s legacy. One of the most defining moments for the AJ4 came during a crucial playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989. With the Bulls trailing by one point and only 3 seconds left on the clock, Michael Jordan made a legendary mid-air shot over Craig Ehlo, securing a Bulls victory at the buzzer. This moment, widely referred to as “The Shot,” highlighted Jordan’s clutch performance under pressure and the shoes he wore became an emblem of this legacy.
In addition to its sports legacy, the AJ4 made a significant impact on popular culture, particularly through its feature in Spike Lee‘s film “Do The Right Thing.” This crossover into the film industry highlighted the sneaker’s cultural significance beyond basketball. The AJ4 was not just a functional basketball shoe but had become a fashion icon, featuring breathable mesh inserts, distinctive wing flaps for lace reinforcement, and the visible Air-Sole unit for comfort.
Details
The Air Jordan 4 is known for its robust design that combines aesthetic appeal with functionality. The sneakers are equipped with visible air sole units that enhance cushioning, ensuring comfort whether for sporting activities or casual wear. They also feature molded eyelets and “wings” on the upper that improve the fit and stability of the shoe, alongside a distinctive heel tab that adds both style and functionality. The upper’s quarter panel is crafted with netting that provides ventilation and adds a unique textural contrast to the rest of the sneaker’s design. Completing the look is the Jumpman Flight logo on the tongue, a nod to Michael Jordan’s aerial capability on the court. The sneakers are built on a sturdy polyurethane midsole and a rubber outsole which includes a herringbone pattern, offering durable traction to accommodate the quick directional changes typical in basketball.
Sizing
The Air Jordan 4 is designed to fit true to size, offering a snug and comfortable fit that is ideal for both sporting activities and everyday wear. This reliable sizing helps to enhance the shoe’s popularity as it caters to a wide audience.
Popular Colorways
Bred
The Bred colorway is iconic for its bold, aggressive look and historical significance. It features a stark black base with striking red highlights and cement grey accents, providing a dramatic contrast that has made it a staple in the sneaker community. This colorway was worn by Michael Jordan during the unforgettable “The Shot,” adding to its lore. Over the years, it has been re-released several times, each time to great fanfare.
In 1999, a decade after its initial launch, the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” was re-released to commemorate the model’s 10th anniversary. The logos and branding remained consistent with the original release. In 2008, a significant change occurred as the Jumpman logo replaced the Nike Air branding on the heel for the first time. This version, part of the Countdown Pack, featured the iconic logo on the sockliner, tongue, outsole, and heel, marking its widespread presence.
Continuing the trend, in 2012, the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” received the Jumpman logo treatment once again. This release coincided with the model’s 23rd anniversary. The Jumpman logo adorned the sockliner, tongue, and outsole, maintaining consistency across iterations. Fast forward to 2019, the reissue of the Air Jordan 4 “Bred” commemorated the silhouette’s 30th anniversary. Paying homage to Michael Jordan’s memorable ’89 NBA playoffs performance, it retained the classic black nubuck upper, visible Air Sole cushioning, and Nike Air branding on the heel, remaining faithful to the original design.
White Cement
The White Cement colorway is famous for its clean and versatile aesthetic that features a pristine white upper accented with speckled grey on the midsole. This colorway gained additional fame from its prominent appearance in “Do The Right Thing,” making it a cultural symbol in its own right. The neutral color scheme of the White Cement makes it an excellent choice for a wide variety of outfits, contributing to its longstanding popularity.
The 1999 Retro version of the Air Jordan 4 stands out as one of the most beloved colorways in Air Jordan history, thanks in part to Michael Jordan’s on-court skills and its association with Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing.” The original ‘Cement’ version was retroed in 1999, and it boasts white leather and grated mesh uppers, a visible Air unit, Nike Air branding at the heel, and a red Jumpman logo on the tongue.
In 2012, Nike released the Air Jordan 4 ‘Retro ‘Bred’ as part of its Black Friday lineup. The 2012 retro version replaced the original Nike Air branding on the heel with the Jumpman logo. In 2016, the Air Jordan 4 Retro OG ‘Cement’ was reintroduced once again. Sporting the classic White, Fire Red, Black, and Tech Grey color scheme, this sneaker is distinguished by the speckled Cement Grey accents that lend it its nickname. It was released during the 2016 NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto. The 1999 and 2016 retros are the only models to feature the iconic ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel, reminiscent of the original 1989 OG sneakers.
Fire Red
The Fire Red colorway is known for its vibrant red accents set against a primarily white and black shoe. This striking colorway reflects the intensity and passion of Michael Jordan’s game and is a visual standout on and off the court. The Fire Red has been a popular choice for those looking to make a bold statement with their footwear, maintaining a high profile in the Air Jordan 4 lineup.
Between 2005 and 2010, several iterations honored the classic Jordan 4 Fire Red color scheme. In 2005, the Fire Red Laser debuted, garnering attention for its controversial alterations, including leather support wings and a Jumpman logo on the heel. The following year saw the release of the Mars Blackmon edition, which maintained the original design while adding a Spike Lee stamp on the heel as a tribute. Fusion versions in 2009 and 2010 featured modified uppers and soles, deviating from the traditional look. In 2012, the Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Fire Red’ faithfully reproduced the iconic colorway, with the 2020 edition continuing the tradition by prominently featuring the Nike Air logo on the heel, preserving the essence of the original release.
Black Cat
The Black Cat colorway brings a sleek, all-black aesthetic to the Air Jordan 4. It is inspired by one of Michael Jordan’s nicknames, reflecting the shoe’s stealthy yet aggressive design. This colorway is highly sought after for its monochromatic look that offers versatility and style, making it a frequent choice for sneakerheads who prefer a more understated appearance.
The 2020 release of the Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Black Cat’ revives the timeless all-black color scheme of the iconic silhouette. Following the style of the original 2006 version, this iteration features a monochromatic black suede upper complemented by a matching black midsole. The only contrasting design element is the Jumpman branding on the woven tongue tag, presented in Light Graphite.
Thunder
Introduced as a limited release, the Thunder colorway immediately made waves with its bold black and vibrant yellow design, reminiscent of a thunderstorm. This colorway’s striking contrast and rarity have made it a coveted item among collectors. It often reappears in limited quantities, which only adds to its allure and mystique in the sneaker community.
The 2012 release of the Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Thunder’ revisited the iconic ‘Thunder and Lightning’ pack from 2006, featuring a black nubuck upper with yellow accents on the eyelets, quarter panel, and tongue. It included Jumpman branding on the tongue tag and molded heel tab, with lightweight cushioning provided by a yellow midsole housing a visible Air sole unit in the heel. In 2023, the same coveted colorway returned, maintaining the black nubuck upper and yellow accents, with Jumpman branding on the tongue and heel.
Military Blue
The Military Blue colorway of the Air Jordan 4 has remained a standout among its various releases, hailed as a timeless classic since its inception in 1989. Combining white, gray, and blue accents, it offers a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Known for its striking color palette and adaptable style, the Military Blue Air Jordan 4 has earned a reputation for its versatility both on and off the court, adding a touch of confidence and flair to any ensemble. After much anticipation, Nike will reintroduce the Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue” this May. Staying true to the original design, the retro version features premium materials and meticulous attention to detail.
Military Black
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Military Black’ showcases the same color blocking and materials featured on the OG ‘Military Blue’ colorway from 1989. Smooth white leather is utilized on the upper, bolstered with a forefoot overlay in grey suede. Contrasting black accents make their way to the TPU eyelets, molded heel tab, and the Jumpman logo displayed on the woven tongue tag. Lightweight cushioning comes courtesy of a two-tone polyurethane midsole, enhanced with a visible Air-sole unit under the heel.
Popular Collaborations
Nike SB
The collaboration between Nike SB and the Air Jordan 4 brought the worlds of skateboarding and basketball together, creating a hybrid that appealed to enthusiasts of both domains. This partnership explored new territories in design and functionality, incorporating skate-friendly elements like extra cushioning and durable materials that could withstand the wear and tear of skateboarding. The colorways were typically bold, standing out as a statement piece while still maintaining the classic Air Jordan 4 silhouette. This collaboration was a commercial success and also a cultural hit.
Union LA
Union LA‘s collaboration with the Air Jordan 4 is highly prized for its unique take on the classic silhouette. Utilizing a mix of materials and colors, Union LA added a contemporary twist to the vintage design, which included the addition of translucent materials and bold color blocks that mixed pastel and earth tones in an unexpected way. The collaboration emphasized craftsmanship and attention to detail, which could be seen in the carefully stitched panels and the choice of subtly textured materials. Each release under this collaboration was eagerly anticipated and quickly sold out.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott‘s Air Jordan 4 collaboration was a cultural phenomenon that blended music, style, and sneaker culture. Known for his influence in the hip-hop industry and his unique style, Scott’s take on the AJ4 included a color palette inspired by the Houston Oilers, which featured baby blue suede with black and red accents. The sneakers included personal nods to his heritage, such as the “Cactus Jack” logo on the heels, making them highly personal yet universally appealing. The collaboration was a hit among fans of Scott and sneakerheads alike, often selling out within minutes of release and reselling for many times their original price.
Off-White
Virgil Abloh‘s collaboration with the Air Jordan 4 under the Off-White brand redefined the concept of sneaker design through deconstruction and industrial branding. This collaboration stripped down the AJ4 to its core elements and rebuilt it with a modern, artistic flair that included signature Off-White motifs like the zip-tie and quoted text. The “Sail” colorway, in particular, used a minimalist palette that highlighted the design details and made the shoe a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Abloh’s approach to the AJ4 was both reverential and revolutionary, offering a fresh interpretation that was avant-garde yet deeply respectful of the shoe’s original ethos.
KAWS
One of the most esteemed collaborations in the sneaker world is between Jordan line and KAWS, the renowned American artist and designer. This partnership brought about the KAWS x Air Jordan 4, which is celebrated for its unique artistic expression and premium craftsmanship. Launched in 2017, this collaboration features a sneaker with a full suede upper in a sleek, cool grey color, which immediately set it apart from more traditional iterations of the Air Jordan 4.
The KAWS touch is evident in the glow-in-the-dark outsole that incorporates a dual-branded luminescent “X” – KAWS’ signature mark. The sneaker also features subtle yet impactful details like custom hangtags and a specially designed footbed featuring KAWS’ iconic artwork. What makes this collaboration truly stand out is the use of fine materials combined with the casual, understated elegance of the design.
Eminem
Another monumental collaboration is between Jordan line and the legendary rapper Eminem. Known for his raw and evocative music, Eminem brought his distinctive style to the Air Jordan 4 in the form of the Eminem x Carhartt Air Jordan 4. Released in extremely limited quantities in 2015, this collaboration was auctioned off to benefit charity, making it one of the rarest and most coveted sneakers ever released.
The design features a robust, black Carhartt canvas upper that reflects Eminem’s gritty, industrial roots in Detroit. The durability and workwear aesthetic of Carhartt fabric bring a rugged, utilitarian vibe to the sneaker, which is complemented by metallic silver accents on the eyelets and a stark contrast with the translucent gum outsole. Eminem’s signature is cleverly featured on the inside of the tongue, while an “E” logo appears on the upper in honor of the artist.
Upcoming and Recent Releases
Keep an eye on the latest exciting new additions in the Air Jordan 4 lineup. Here’s a list of upcoming Jordan 4s:
- Release Date: March 14, 2025
- Release Date: March 18, 2025
- Release Date: May 24, 2025
Shock Drops
Nike has innovated the sneaker release process by introducing “shock drops,” a strategy where highly anticipated sneakers like certain colorways of the Air Jordan 4 are unexpectedly released on the Nike SNKRS app. This approach creates a thrilling chase among fans, adding an element of surprise to the buying experience. The most recent shock drop occurred on April 11, 2024, with the Military Blue colorway being suddenly made available. Shock Drops add a layer of exclusivity to owning a pair of these sneakers, as fans have to be quick and alert to catch the drop before it sells out.
