COMPARED: Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow 2006 vs 2026

After two decades, Jordan Brand is finally bringing back the Tour Yellow Air Jordan 4, a colorway that was originally released back in 2006. The pair featured a detail only previously found on the Undefeated Air Jordan 4 from a year prior, that being the Velcro tongue patch that revealed the text “Rare Air.” And with the colorway getting its first-ever retro release, we thought now would be the perfect time to take a look and compare the similarities and differences between the 2006 pair and the 2026 release.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a pair of the 2006 release in-hand, so we’ll be relying on imagery from GOAT, while the 2026 pair we will use imagery from Nike’s product page. Since the GOAT pair is from 2006 and was photographed years later, there may be some discoloration or deterioration, but that’s just due to the age of the sneaker.

Similarities Between the Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow 2006 and 2026

Color Scheme

Jordan Brand stayed faithful to the Tour Yellow shade with the 2026 retro of the Air Jordan 4 Tour Yellow as both shoes feature the same exact hue throughout. Again, the 2006 pair may appear slightly different in these photos due to the lighting of the photograph and the fact that the pair is old, but rest assured, they both have the same yellow hue.

The rest of the shoe maintains its white and black accents, and on the 2006 pair, the netting on the tongue and midfoot is yellow, but that’s due to oxidation. Another part that may appear different due to time is the translucent wing eyestays and the Jumpman on the heel, but again, age plays a factor here. However, there is one color difference we will touch on later.

Materials

Both the 2006 and 2026 versions of the Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow feature tumbled leather on a large portion of the upper. Mesh is used below the netting on the midfoot and tongue, while we see a felt material used for the wing support structure. There’s also the inclusion of the Velcro tongue patch, which on the front displays a yellow Jumpman with “FLIGHT” text below. This remains on both, and once removed, you’ll see “Rare Air” text.

Differences Between the Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow 2006 and 2026

Shape

As time passes, Jordan Brand will tinker and toy with the shape and mold of retro Air Jordans, so pairs from the past will not be identical in shape to those from today. In the case of the Air Jordan 4, the silhouette underwent an overhaul following the release of the Nike SB Air Jordan 4 in 2023. Colorways released after that pair dropped come with an updated build, which brings the shape closer to the OG from 1989 and retools the sneaker to make it more comfortable.

With this change in place, the shape is much different on the 2026 Tour Yellow Air Jordan 4 when compared to the 2006 version. Changes include tweaked tongue height, the leather on the tongue covering the lining on the 2026 version, and a difference in the height of the heel tab. If you weren’t a fan of the fit and feel of older Air Jordan 4s, you’ll be happy to hear they feel much better on foot and will be more comfortable overall.

Wing Color

Aside from the shape being different, Jordan Brand did make one notable change to the 2026 Air Jordan 4 Tour Yellow: the color of the wing support. The 2006 Tour Yellow AJ 4 featured a black hue that matched the black hits on the rest of the sneaker, but the 2026 version is more of a muted grey tone. Not sure why they decided to make this one change, but maybe it’s to help differentiate between the original and the re-release.

Price

Of course, since the Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow first hit shelves in 2006, the retail price is going to be different compared to a release 20 years later. While sneakerheads had to pony up $125 (approx $206 adjusted for inflation), Jordan Brand is now charging $220. Accounting for inflation, it’s not a major jump as the plain numbers show.

Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow 2026 Release Info

The 2026 version of the Air Jordan 4 Retro Tour Yellow will be released September 5, 2026 via Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Retail is set at $220. Check below for official images of the 2026 pair, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker world.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com