Verdict from 4 experts and +100 user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Nearly all owners just love their Air Jordan IV Retro. They are declaring that it is a versatile sneaker, and may be one of the best Air Jordans of all time.
- These retro Air Jordan basketball shoes fit like a glove, some users comment. They recommend going true to size.
- The Air Jordan Retro 4 looks really fly according to most buyers. It is one of the freshest and cleanest Air Jordans, and it looks good with almost everything.
- Some wearers are pleased with the step-in comfort of these retro Jordan basketball shoes.
- The Air Jordan 4 Retro is well put together, a few reviewers notice. The leather feels pretty nice, and the shoes are quite durable.
- Almost all testers are satisfied with the traction of these retro Air Jordan basketball shoes.
- These retro basketball shoes are very supportive and offer good lockdown, the majority of players comment.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several purchasers are quite disappointed with the Air Jordan 4 Retro’s horrible craftsmanship. There are excess glue, scuff marks, and creases on the leather.
- Nearly all testers declare that the Air Jordan IV Retro has terrible cushioning. It feels really dead and is straight up trash.
- These retro Air Jordan basketball shoes are strictly for casual wear, most testers remark. It is just really painful to play in.
Bottom line
These retro Air Jordans just do not provide what most players need. Its firm, dense, and dead cushioning does not offer any kind of impact protection and is just too painful to hoop in.
With that, the Air Jordan Retro 4 is a solid sneaker but is a terrible hoop shoe. It has a clean look that makes it a good cop for sneaker aficionados. Competitive hoopers can buy better performance shoes (like Jordan Why Not Zer0 shoes) without breaking the bank.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 80/100 by WearTesters
- 65/100 by WearTesters
Video reviews
Good to know
Before the famous “Flu Game,” Michael Jordan already proved he was one of the greats when he made “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and advance to the second round of the 1989 NBA Playoffs.
To celebrate his game-winning shot, he leaped into the air while fiercely swinging his fist. As he came back down, the Air Jordan IV Black Cement cushioned his landing.
Focusing on performance, Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 4 to be more breathable and lighter than its predecessors. “The IV was meant to be a little more utilitarian,” Hatfield explained to Nike.com. “Like, OK, Michael … go out and kick some a–.”
The Air Jordan IV Retro stays true to the original with its forefoot and heel Air-sole units. Its genuine and synthetic leather upper delivers a premium look.
Cushion. The Air Jordan 4 Retro is equipped with a Polyurethane (PU) midsole that features responsive forefoot and heel Air-sole units. This cushioning setup is designed to protect against impact and offers a smooth ride.
Traction. These retro Air Jordan basketball shoes have a durable rubber outsole that provides traction on any surface. The multidirectional herringbone pattern on the outsole increases on-court grip.
Length and Width. Wearers are attesting that the Air Jordan Retro IV fits perfectly. They highly advise going true to size when ordering these basketball shoes.
Lockdown. The Air Jordan 4 Retro features thermo-plastic lace lock wings for an enhanced lockdown fit. These retro basketball shoes also come with a sculpted foot frame that increases stability and comfort while you move on the court.
Instead of leather, the original Air Jordan 4 featured a lighter nubuck material with mesh-filled cutouts for ventilation.
The retroed Air Jordan 4 is constructed with a combination of full-grain and synthetic leather that offers increased support and durability. Mesh panels on the upper provide breathable comfort.
Transcending the game of basketball, the Air Jordan IV appeared in Spike Lee’s feature film Do the Right Thing and made a remarkable impact on pop culture. Since then, it has become a streetwear staple and an all-time favorite among sneakerheads.
The Air Jordan 4 Retro’s timeless silhouette delivers a heritage-inspired style with its distinct lace lock wings and oversized heel counter that features either a “Nike Air” branding or a Jumpman logo.
Nike originally launched the Air Jordan IV during Michael Jordan’s 1988-1989 campaign. Its four OG colorways are the Black/Cement Grey, White/Black, White/Fire Red-Black, and Off White/Military Blue.
Ten years after its 1989 release, the Air Jordan 4 was treated to its first retro run. A new Retro+ concept was introduced. This concept produced new colorways and saw minor tweaks to the shoe’s iconic silhouette.
From then on, numerous re-releases of OG colors, new hues, and mashups have been released.
Notable colorways include the OG Black Cement, Pure Money, Motorsport, Black Cat, Mars, Silver Anniversary, Doernbecher, Bred, Oreo, Alternate ‘89, Collezione, Royalty, a women’s White/Boarder Blue-Light Sand, and a limited edition KAWS x Air Jordan IVs collaboration.
How Air 4 Retro compares
