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Introducing the Air Jordan 4

The Air Jordan IV was designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1989 after the third Jordan in the series was designed earlier that year. Hatfield decided to go further with the sneaker's performance in order to surpass the previous three Air Jordan models.

Durabuck synthetic leather, a lightweight and durable option, was introduced to the model. In addition to being more cost-effective and animal-friendly than comparable materials, it was also more environmentally friendly.

Innovative Design

Hatfield also added the ability to lace the model in 18 different ways, so people could personalise it however they wanted.

In addition to the words 'Air Jordan', the tongue also had the words upside down, so you could flip it over to show the words correctly.

Popular AJ4 Colorways

Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Black Cat' all black

Black Cat

Originally released in 2006 the monochromatic Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Black Cat' had a slow start while not gaining much attention. Throughout the years, its all-black simple yet elegant design prompted Nike to bring back the sleek silhouette in 2020.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 ' Pine Green' - green and white

Pine Green

Following an explosive release in the spring of 2023, the collaboration between the two Nike branches did not disappoint with the sleek 'Pine Green' colorway. The Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 'Pine Green' combines the rubber gum and cushioning of the SB sneakers with the iconic design and premium quality of the Air Jordan 4.

Air Jordan 4 'Thunder' - black and yellow

Thunder

Designed for the brand's motorsport team, the two Air Jordan 4s were released in 2006 as part of the 'Thunder and Lightning' pack. The 'Thunder' colorway won sneakerheads' hearts due to its black base accented by yellow details, making the design highly versatile.

Air Jordan 4 x Travis Scott 'Cactus Jack' - blue balck and red

Cactus Jack

A tribute to the rapper's Houston roots and his favourite team the Houston Oilers, the Air Jordan 4 x Travis Scott 'Cactus Jack' was released in 2018. Featuring a blue nubuck upper with black and red accents, this sleek design immediately caught sneaker enthusiasts' attention. It marked the beginning of what would become one of the most hyped collaborations of the years to come.

Air Jordan 4 'Frozen Moments' - white and silver

Frozen Moments

Released in 2023, Air Jordan 4 'Frozen Moments' made a statement with its striking design. Taking its name from an iconic Jordan Brand advertisement from the 90s, the greyscale look is crafted from suede and patent leather with metallic chrome support wings.

Air Jordan 4 x A Ma Maniere 'Violet Ore' - purple and sail

Violet Ore

Luxury and sneakers meet in the iconic A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 4 'Violet Ore'. The silhouette comes in gorgeous premium purple leather with a subtle patina, and the midsoles feature vintage cream.

Air Jordan 4 x Off-White WMNS 'Sail'

Sail

With the release of the Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 4 'Sail', Virgil Abloh proved he could create minimal design, despite Off-White's renowned industrial aesthetic. In addition to being practical and versatile, the cream sneaker is sure to stay a staple design in the Jordan catalogue.

Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Toro Bravo' - red

Toro Bravo

From a design curiosity to a sneaker classic, the Air Jordan 4 'Toro Bravo' is an eye-catching retro with its legendary colour combination. Released in 2013 as a challenge for designers to imagine a red AJ4 silhouette, the 'Toro' features the signature Chicago Bulls combination of 'University Red' and black.

Air Jordan 4 'White Oreo' - white and grey

White Oreo

Jordan released in 1999 a black and white Air Jordan 4 inspired by the popular American cookie Oreo. Following its success, 21 years later the brand released a white version, the iconic Air Jordan 'White Oreo' to illustrate the cream of the delicious cookies.

In February 1989, the AJ4 made its debut during the NBA All-Star game in a black cement colorway. In the same year, the first Air Jordan sneaker was released worldwide. The AJ4 became an incredibly popular silhouette despite its initially lacklustre response and higher price tag.

Air Jordan 4 beginnings

This Air Jordan 4 has a popular colorway called 'White Cement' that was released alongside the 'Black Cement', which many will recognise from Spike Lee's film 'Do the Right Thing'. A Boston Celtics fan damages Buggin Out's 'White Cement' Jordan 4s in an iconic scene.

Iconic Colorways

In 1999, 10 years after Michael Jordan's first retirement, the AJ4s were retread for the first time, with new colorways appearing alongside the original 'Black Cement' and 'White Cement' colorways.

Initially, the Air Jordan 4 was disliked as an 'ugly' sneaker, but over time, it grew to become one of the most loved models in the sneaker community.