Is the Air Jordan 4 worth buying? This is a question a lot of people ask, especially when they see how popular the shoe still is.
We wore them for months, and now we know the answer:
The Air Jordan 4 is worth buying if you want a classic sneaker with real durability. The suede upper feels sturdy, and the padding around the ankle gives steady support. Plus, the Air cushioning keeps your feet comfortable for regular wear. It works well with streetwear and casual outfits, and the retro design stays popular year after year.
But it’s not perfect, and not every pair will be right for everyone. We’ve owned a few ourselves and learned a lot along the way. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything that matters so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Key Takeaways
-
The Jordan 4 has a classic design that still looks great today.
-
It works with almost any outfit, from jeans to joggers.
-
The materials feel strong, and the build lasts over time.
-
Some colorways can go up in value after release.
-
It is a great pick if you like sneakers with real history.
-
It is not the best choice for long days on your feet or serious sports.
-
Some pairs can cost a lot because of hype.
-
Fake versions are everywhere, so always buy from a trusted store.
Who Should Buy the Air Jordan 4?
The Air Jordan 4 is a good choice if you care about sneaker history. It’s also for you if you like shoes that go with almost everything. You’ll like it if you collect sneakers or want to start. If that sounds like what you want, it’s a great fit.
You value sneaker design history and heritage
The Air Jordan 4 is a big deal in sneaker history. Michael Jordan wore this shoe in one of the most important playoff games of his career. It became part of basketball history.
The AJ4 also showed up in movies. One of the most famous ones was Do the Right Thing. That movie made the shoe popular in pop culture. So even if you don’t watch basketball, you may have seen this shoe somewhere before.
You like versatile streetwear and timeless style
The Jordan 4 works with almost any outfit. You can wear it with jeans. You can wear it with joggers. It also looks good with shorts in the summer. You don’t need to think too much about matching. It just works.
We’ve tried it with different clothes. Some days we go with a hoodie. Other times it’s just a t-shirt and jeans. It still looks good. That’s why we keep reaching for it again and again.
You can pick a color that fits your look. Some colorways are bright, like “Fire Red.” Others are clean and simple, like “Black Cat.” There are also special versions, like the Off-White or Travis Scott collabs. No matter your style, you can find one that fits you.
You’re willing to invest (either for wear or as a collector)
The Air Jordan 4 is not cheap. But it’s worth it if you know what you’re buying. We’ve seen some AJ4s double in price after they sell out. This happens with limited colorways. Some pairs are hard to find later. If you buy early, you can keep them or sell them later for more.
If you want to collect, make sure you buy from a safe source. There are a lot of fake pairs online. We almost got tricked once. That’s why we only buy from trusted sellers now.
Why Is the Air Jordan 4 Worth Buying?
The Air Jordan 4 is worth buying if you want a sneaker with real history. It has a design that still looks modern today. It also works for both casual and cleaner outfits. The materials hold up well for a retro shoe. Many pairs also keep strong resale value.
Iconic silhouette and strong style heritage
The Air Jordan 4 is worth purchasing because it has a look that stands out right away. Tinker Hatfield designed it in 1989, and the shape still looks current today. Many people call it the natural next step after the Air Jordan 3. The design feels bold, but it also feels clean.
When we first tried the AJ4, the shape caught our eye before anything else. The way the wings sit on the sides makes the shoe feel different from every other Jordan. The mesh panels give it a lighter look. The sole feels chunky, but it never feels outdated. You can see right away why people still talk about this shoe almost four decades later.
We’ve owned many Jordans, and the AJ4 is one of the few pairs that always gets compliments.
Versatility that works for both casual and dressy looks
The AJ4 works with more outfits than most sneakers. You can wear it with jeans if you want a simple look. You can wear it with joggers if you want something more relaxed. You can even pair it with nicer pants for a clean streetwear look. Amazing, isn’t it?
We’ve worn our pairs in all kinds of settings. We’ve worn them on casual days. We’ve worn them at meetups and to dinners where we wanted to look put together. The AJ4 doesn’t feel too sporty or too flashy. It’s right in the middle, which makes it easy to use often.
Solid construction and materials for a retro shoe
The Air Jordan 4 does a good job with materials, especially for a retro model. The leather on many pairs feels strong. It doesn’t feel cheap or thin. The shoe also has a sturdy build that helps it last longer. You can feel this the moment you bend the shoe in your hands.
We’ve worn our pairs for long stretches, and the quality holds up well. The leather breaks in over time. It softens, but it doesn’t fall apart. The wings on the sides help the shoe hug your foot. The lace setup makes the forefoot feel secure. The back of the shoe gives enough support to feel steady when you walk.
You shouldn’t compare it to the newest performance shoes. But for a retro, it’s one of the better ones.
Good resale and hype potential
The Air Jordan 4 has strong resale demand in many colorways. Some pairs rise in price right after release while some pairs keep their value long term. The shape is loved by collectors. It also gets a lot of attention in sneaker culture. That gives it natural hype.
We’ve watched prices move over the years. Some of our pairs doubled in value. Others stayed close to retail but never dropped below it. The AJ4 rarely sits on shelves. People always look for it.
What to Watch Out for Before Buying the Air Jordan 4?
You should know a few things before buying the Air Jordan 4. It may not feel as comfortable as modern performance shoes. The price can also be high because of hype. Not every colorway holds resale value. You also need to watch out for fakes.
If you understand these points, you can make a smart choice.
Comfort and performance may not match modern sport shoes
The Jordan 4 looks like a basketball shoe, but it does not feel like the newest ones. It was made many years ago. The cushioning is older, which means the support is older. You can feel this if you play sports for long periods. Your knees and ankles may get tired faster.
We learned this the hard way. We wore our AJ4s for a long day and felt the difference. The shoe feels fine for walking. It feels fine for short activities. But it is not built for long runs or serious sports.
Price and hype may inflate the cost
The AJ4 can get expensive. The popularity of the shoe raises the price to hundreds of dollars. We have paid high prices for some pairs, and we don’t regret it. But we also knew what we were doing. If you buy a pair you rarely wear, the value to you becomes low. The price only feels worth it if you use the shoe often or truly love it.
Bottom Line
So, is the Air Jordan 4 worth buying?
The Air Jordan 4 is worth buying if you want a classic sneaker that looks good. The upper feels strong, which is a big plus. Also, the cushioning gives steady comfort for daily wear, and the ankle support helps your feet feel secure.
The best part? It pairs easily with jeans, joggers, and streetwear.
It is not the perfect shoe for every situation, but for most people, it offers way more than just looks. If you want something that feels special every time you put it on, the Jordan 4 will not let you down.
