Facts
-
Top
High-Top
Basketball sneakers that rise well above the ankle to keep sprints and jumps stable and well-supported. You sure can fly high when you have high-top basketball shoes to tie.
Mid-Top
Basketball sneakers that rise just up to where the ankles are. Providing support and flexibility so fine, mid-top basketball shoes surely hold the line.
Low-Top
Basketball shoes that leave the ankles exposed for a better range of motion. Be flexible with your blows, get basketball shoes that are low.
-
Signature
Good to know
Some basketball shoes embody the athleticism and symbolize the life of certain on-court legends. Hooping will surely be fine when you get kicks from their signature lines.
-
LockdownLace-Up
Strap
Hoop shoes that drop the traditional laces in favor of velcro straps for better efficiency. Secure strap basketball shoes, and have them in various hues.
Lace-Up
Basketball shoes that stick with the good old laces for that familiar security and lockdown. Get lace-up basketball shoes to tie because they never go out of style.
Slip-On
Basketball shoes with uppers that provide a glove-like fit without the help of any lockdown mechanism. Do nothing but go in with slip-on basketball shoes .
Good to know
Some basketball shoes combine the powers of more than one lockdown styles for an improved fit and a much more stable ride. Get more bases covered with these basketball shoes.
-
Price$190
-
Weight16.8oz
Good to know
Basketball shoes usually weigh between 300g and 400g for speed and agility. Write your on-court tale with basketball shoes that barely tip the scales.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are basketball players, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
66 / 100 based on 4 expert reviews
-
Overall, don't cop these to hit the court.
-
While they may not be the most comfortable at times, they have all been pretty darn performance worthy.
-
While they may not be the most comfortable at times, they have all been pretty darn performance worthy.
-
Overall, the Jordan 4 is not a good hoop shoe in my opinion.
Profile of the Air Jordan 4 Retro
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.
Performance
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.
Fit
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.
Material
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.
Style
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.
Special Colorways of the Air Jordan 4 Retro
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.