The year was 1989. George Bush was inaugurated. Seinfield premiered. Nintendo’s Game Boy is released in North America. Bobby Brown’s Don’t Be Cruel is the best-selling album in the country. I wasn’t born yet. And Michael Jordan‘s legend was on the rise, along with Nike.
After the wildly successful release and life of the Air Jordan III, designer Tinker Hatfield looked to keep the momentum going. Enter the Air Jordan IV.
The Air Jordan IV was Jordan Brand’s first shoe to be released internationally. One of MJ’s good friends, Spike Lee, also helped advertise the sneaker. Lee directed and starred as Mars Blackmon in the legendary Nike ad “Can/Can’t,” which told fans what they could do (buy the shoes) and what they couldn’t do (“a flying 360 slam dunk”). He also appeared alongside Mike in another AJIV ad called “Rappin.’” Additionally, Spike included the sneaker in his iconic movie, Do The Right Thing, which released the same year.
Jordan would bring great lore to the sneaker when he hit “The Shot” against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 1989 playoff game was a nail-biter that came down to the last second. MJ and the Bulls were down by one with only three seconds remaining. At that moment, Jordan would fly: He sunk a foul-line jumper over shooting guard Craig Ehlo, eliminating the Cavs from the playoffs.
The 4s debuted with four colorways, much like the Air Jordan III. AJIVs could be purchased in White/Black/Cement, White/Military Blue, White/Fire Red/Black, and Black/Cement Grey. And somehow, someway, the shoe (along with MJ’s legacy) has sustained and transcended the basketball court.
Now, the sneaker can be found in over 50-60 unique colorways for kids, women, and men alike. 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the iconic Air Jordan, and the sneaker is getting a ton of love from Nike & Co. Here are four colorways you can cop to celebrate the legacy of the Air Jordan IV.
-
Air Jordan IV “Bred Reimagined”
Image Credit: YouTube Screenshot. One of the iconic colorways known as the “Black Cement” recently received the “reimagined” treatment. Also known as “Breds,” the shoe has been rereleased five times over the years. The most recent drop came in 2019.
The “reimagined” version features a premium leather upper instead of the original nubuck material. “Nike Air” is also detailed on the sneaker’s heel, instead of the Jordan Jumpman logo. It still rocks the iconic Black, Fire Red, Cement Grey, and Summit White colorway, giving fans hope that they, too, can be like Mike.
The sneaker was released in February. Fans looking to get their hands on the model can purchase it on resell sites like GOAT, Flight Club, and more. The retail price was listed at $215. However, the resale price ranges between $300-$400.
-
Air Jordan IV “White & Gold”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Nike Ladiiiiiiiiies, this one’s for you. The Air Jordan IV “White and Gold” is set to arrive in stores and online this Saturday (Mar. 9). According to Nike, the shoe represents “poised and sophisticated” energy. “White and Gold” combines beautifully crafted luxe materials with a plush sail and light bone colorway. The shoe is accented with metallic gold hits that make it feel almost royal. But, the sneaker doesn’t stray too far from its roots. An embossed Jumpman logo can be seen on the sneaker’s tongue.
The women’s exclusive colorway will be available for purchase through Nike’s SNKRS app and select stores carrying Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan IV “White & Gold” retails for $210.
-
Air Jordan IV “Industrial Blue”
Image Credit: SNKRS screenshot. Air Jordan 4 OG “Military Blue” is set to return on May 4, 2024, featuring a slight change.
For reasons unknown, Nike and Jordan Brand have decided to do away with the “Military” nickname. It’ll boast the “Industrial” codename instead. However, the sneaker will arrive in its OG colorway, leaving no original detail off the table.
For folks who live for models close enough to their 1989 counterparts, the sneaker will also include the “Nike Air” logo on the heel, which is a big deal. The sneaker was rereleased in 2006 and 2012. Both versions featured the Jumpman on the heel. So, this sneaker version will be the most faithful iteration since 1989. It’s truly a 35th anniversary celebration.
The Air Jordan IV “Industrial Blue” features blue accents along the midsole, eyelets, tongue, and heel. Its quarter panel features an “Industrial Blue” colored underlay. The sneaker is finished with the signature netting detail.
Jordan and Nike’s coveted Air Jordan IV “Industrial Blue” will be priced at $215.
-
Air Jordan IV “Oxidized Green”
Image Credit: SNKRS Screenshot. The Air Jordan IV “Oxidized Green” were shown off for the first time on Nike’s SNKRS app on Wednesday (Mar. 6).
“Oxidized Green” features a predominately white base, crafted using a combination of smooth leather and mesh materials. The mentioned “Oxidized Green” accents the shoe’s heel and midsole. Unfortunately for some people, the heel does feature the Jumpman logo instead of the original “Nike Air” branding.
The Air Jordan IV “Oxidized Green” sneaker will be released on May 25, 2024, retailing for $210.
