Whereas the year 2023 focused on the Nike Air Max 1, 2024 seems to be all about the Air Jordan 4. The model celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and does so with unique releases. We will also see the Nike SB variant of the model return in 2024 - a model that was all too popular last year. Read what we can expect in the coming months here.
The year 1989
The Air Jordan 4 debuted in 1989. The model was designed by Tinker Hatfield, a designer who was also responsible for the Air Max 1. The Air Jordan 4 was the second silhouette in the Jordan line designed by Hatfield, after the Air Jordan 3. Both silhouettes came with the visible Air unit - a signature design element of Hatfield.
The sneaker was unique in its design and was introduced in four colorways, including the 'Black Cement' - the colorway that Michael Jordan wore during 'The Shot' in 1989. In a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Caveliers, Jordan made the winning shot in, you guessed it, the 'Black Cements' in the final seconds. In addition to overcoming the match, the Air Jordan 4 also gained that match in popularity.
That same year, the silhouette also appeared in Spike Lee's film "Do the Right Thing. In the scene with the well-known quote "You stepped on my brand new white Air Jordans," we see actor Giancarlo Esposito in a pair of white Air Jordan 4s.
The film had a major cultural impact and years later is as relevant as ever - as are the sneakers shown in "Do the Right Thing."
The Design of the AJ4
Hatfield's design is characterized by the mesh panel on the upper. The Air Jordan 4 did not deviate much from its predecessor, but it did come with modifications that were relevant to the basketball court.
The model was designed with performance in mind and used lightweight materials, including breathable mesh and synthetic leather. The padded tongue provided comfort, as did the enlarged Air unit in the midsole.
The Air Jordan 4 has an iconic silhouette. The "Wings" on the center panel have a reinforcing function. The tongue and heel feature Nike branding, including the well-known Jumpman logo. The lip on the heel has an enlarged look and is characteristic of the silhouette.
Nike SB x Air Jordan 4
A special crossover appeared in 2023: the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4. The Nike SB line has worked on the Air Jordan 1 model in the past. The Air Jordan 4, on the other hand, was still uncharted territory for the Nike SB team. The result: the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 'Pine Green,' for some sneaker lovers, the sneaker of 2023.
The design of the 'Pine Green' remains close to that of the classic Air Jordan 4, but has gained some Nike SB elements. On the heel, the Nike SB logo replaces the Nike Air logo. A noticeable detail on the Nike SB variant is the gum sole that provides more grip. The soft material on the upper makes it easier to do tricks and flips.
In addition, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 'Pine Green' has a wider fit, a signature element of skate shoes. The great success of the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 crossover looks set to continue into 2024. Rumors are circulating that several colorways will appear on the same silhouette, including a 'Military Blue' variant.
Exactly which colorways will drop in 2024 is not yet known. Keep an eye on the Sneakerjagers release calendar for updates.
Air Jordan 4 releases 2024
A lot of unique colorways of the Air Jordan 4 model await us next year. Recently, the Air Jordan 4 already appeared in numerous colorways during the Nike SNKRS Restock, but the model will also be getting unique colorways in the coming months, including the classic 'Bred Reimagined' colorway.
Check out the releases via the buttons below. The Air Jordan 4s don't have an official release date yet, so keep a close eye on the release calendar. Should you want to read more articles like this, check out the Sneakerjagers news page.
