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Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 first released in 1989 for Michael Jordan's fourth NBA season with the Chicago Bulls. Seamlessly blending performance and style, Hatfield integrated the Air-Sole unit from the Jordan 3 and added elements like the "Wings" on the sides, enabling users to adjust the shoe's fit to their preference.
While the Jordan 4 (IV) was created as a basketball sneaker, it would go on to transcend the court and become a staple in fashion and culture. With countless collabs and retros of the OG colorways, the Air Jordan 4 is one of the hottest sneakers available right now. Follow along as we breakdown the best Jordan 4's of all time.
10. Air Jordan 4 Retro "Black Cat"
The Air Jordan 4 Retro Black Cat colorway embodies the essence of elegance and simplicity. With an all-black upper, matte finishes, and subtle hits of grey, this monochromatic colorway creates a bold statement while maintaining a sleek and versatile look. While it wasn't well-received when it first released in 2006, it gained a cult following that made Jordan Brand bring it back in 2020. Nowadays, the Air Jordan 4 Retro Black Cat garners high resale prices, something many people never expected to see. Especially since this colorway could've been found on sale at various points in time.
9. Air Jordan 4 Retro "Military Black"
The Air Jordan 4 Retro Military Black takes inspiration from the Military Blue AJ 4 colorblocking. In fact, its the Jordan 4 Military Black's simple white leather construction combined with grey suede and black accents that made this one of the hottest sneakers of 2021. The sneaker was released in a full family-size run so the entire squad can get a pair.
8. Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 Retro SP "Pine Green"
Nike SB teamed back up with Jordan Brand in 2023, taking the Air Jordan 4 Retro from the basketball court to the skate park. The Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 Retro SP Pine Green was the first AJ 4 to be given a skate-ready makeover. The use of rubber on the back heel instead of plastic helps to keep from cutting up your ankles while skating, and gum rubber hits provide additional grip to your board. Its clean colorway in partnership with Nike SB made this Air Jordan 4 Retro one of the top releases of 2023.
7. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 Retro
Travis Scott teamed up with Jordan Brand in 2018 to release a collaborative Air Jordan 4 Retro. Paying homage to his H-Town roots, the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 Retro comes in a throwback Houston Oilers-themed university blue, black, and varsity red colorway. It features a uni blue-based nubuck upper with black, red, and white accents. Paint splatter detailing on the wings and back heel, along with dual branding on the heel tabs made this pair a must-have. The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 Retro was the beginning of a relationship that would keep sneakerheads on their toes with every release.
6. Air Jordan 4 Retro "Fear"
This Air Jordan 4 Retro is a part of the "Fear" Pack. It released alongside an Air Jordan 3 Retro and Air Jordan 5 Retro in 2013. While the Air Jordan 4 Retro was more widely available than the other two, it quickly became one of the best Air Jordan 4 Retro colorways of all-time. It's use of various materials and shades of blacks and greys, alongside white accents and paint splatter detailing made this pair another must-have Air Jordan 4.
5. Air Jordan 4 Retro Toro
In 2013, Jordan Brand decided to see what the Air Jordan 4 Retro would look like, had it been originally released with a red-based upper. The end result, the coveted Air Jordan 4 Retro Toro. When its comes to retros, Chicago Bulls-themed colorways are always a must-have. The Air Jordan 4 Retro Toro is easily one of the best Air Jordan 4s of all-time, right up there with the OG's.
4. Air Jordan 4 Retro "Military Blue"
One of the original four Air Jordan 4 colorways, the Air Jordan 4 Retro Military Blue colorway brings a refreshing twist to the classic silhouette. The Military Blue AJ 4 was first released in 1989, but has been retroed numerous times since then, even releasing as a golf shoe in 2021. The upper is crafted from either off-white or white leather (depending on which release it is), offering a sleek and polished look that is incredibly versatile. Accents of Military Blue are found at the heel, lace cage, and midsole, providing a pop of color that draws the eye and complements the white base. Neutral Grey suede and Jordan 4 Wings round out the look.
3. Air Jordan 4 Retro Fire Red
The Air Jordan 4 Retro Fire Red colorway is a vibrant and eye-catching option. With a white leather upper, contrasting black and red accents, and the iconic "Flight" logo on the tongue, this colorway represents the fiery spirit of the Air Jordan line. Although it has been retroed numerous times throughout the years, the Air Jordan 4 Retro Fire Red is still as coveted as ever.
2. Air Jordan 4 Retro Bred
The Air Jordan 4 Retro Bred colorway is a true classic. Featuring a bold black upper with cement grey and fire red accents, this colorway exudes sophistication and style. Its nubuck upper, mesh netting, plastic wings, and Nike Air branding make this Air Jordan 4 one of the most versatile pairs to wear. Its legacy is also cemented in NBA history, as Michael Jordan hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 NBA Playoffs, eliminating the Cleveland Cavaliers and advancing his Chicago Bulls to the second round. The Air Jordan 4 Retro Bred is set to get a reimagined look in 2024.
1. Air Jordan 4 Retro "White Cement"
The Air Jordan 4 Retro White Cement is arguably one of the best Air Jordan sneakers of all-time. It was also the first Air Jordan to make it to the silver screen, seen in the Spike Lee joint, Do The Right Thing. It was also one of the first Air Jordan Retro releases when Jordan Brand officially began the series in 1999. Throughout the years, the Air Jordan 4 Retro White Cement has seen various re-releases, featuring both "Nike Air" and Jumpman branding. Last seen in 2016 in OG form, this classic white, black, and cement grey colorway has even inspired new "Twist" iterations including "Navy Cement" and "Red Cement."
