1989: Beastie Boys released Paul’s Bouqitue, acid-washed denim was in, and Micheal Keaton suited up as the Batman for the first time. The same year on the hardwood floor of Richfield Coliseum, another Micheal created a hallmark in basketball history—scoring a shot that continues to resonate to this day, a catalyst to a sneaker empire.

Cavs vs. Bulls, tension thick like a double bacon cheeseburger at your local Five Guys joint. With seconds left, Michael Jordan works his magic, giving the Bulls a one-point lead. But wait! Ehlo ties it with a buzzer-beater, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Enter His Airness, the man who defied gravity. He wasn’t just a player, he was hope personified. With the clock ticking, he danced around Nance, his shoes squeaking. He soared for the inbound, ball in hand, defying gravity itself to sink the game-winning shot.

The buzzer blared, and a legend was made. That shot, forever etched in history, had the perfect backstory: the Nike Air Jordan 4, specifically the “Bred” colorway, was immortalized. The moment, now known as “The Shot”.

Moments after “The Shot”

Meet the Mastermind

Tinker Hatfield, fresh off the Air Jordan 3’s success, also designed the Air Jordan 4. This mid-cut marvel, imbued with a visible Air cushioning and a tough Durabuck upper, changed sneaker culture forever. Transcending basketball; it was fashion, music, and design on your feet.

Best Air Jordan 4 colorways

The Air Jordan 4 debuted in 1989 with four fresh looks: “White Cement”, “Black Cement”, “Fire Red”, and “Military Blue”; the first two derivative of the Bulls’ jerseys.

Fun fact: Jordan wore all except Military Blue on the court, allegedly because it was not true Bulls red and black.

Since then, each OG colorway has made multiple comebacks. The “Black Cement” even strutted its stuff twice in recent years. And let’s not forget other colorways like “Toro Bravo”‘s rich burgundy, the electrifying “Thunder”, and the clean “Oreo” masterpiece finding a spot in many sneaker rotations around the world.

Best Air Jordan 4 collaborations

The Nike Air Jordan 4 has also seen epic collabs over the years, ranging from streetwear brands to music artists.

Laser-etched graphics, premium suede, and glow-in-the-dark details made this collab a masterpiece. Its exclusivity makes it highly sought-after.

Virgil Abloh’s deconstructed take with exposed foam and translucent panels offered a fresh perspective, albeit limited to women’s sizes.

This Detroit-inspired collab combined workwear aesthetics with Eminem’s influence, using premium canvas and subtle branding to tell a unique story.

An homage to the Houston rapper’s roots, this shoe’s University Blue, Black, Red, and paint splatter details resonated with fans and became a cultural phenomenon.

Travis Scott courtside in his AJ4 “University Blue”

Things to know before buying the Air Jordan 4

While the Air Jordan 4 generally runs true to size, there are a few things to consider to ensure the pair fits like a dream on your feet:

Know your feet: This is obvious but understanding your foot shape and any width concerns is crucial. Do you have narrow feet that tend to swim in wider shoes? Or perhaps wide feet that crave extra wiggle room?

Consider comfort vs. snugness: The Jordan 4 has a slightly snug fit compared to some other Jordans. If you prefer a super snug, locked-in feel, going true to size will likely work well. However, if you value extra toe wiggle room or have wider feet, consider sizing up half a size.

“Bred Reimagined” vs. “Bred” (2019)

Material matters: Different materials used on the upper can affect fit. Premium materials such as leather or suede might require breaking in before achieving a comfortable fit. If you’re unsure, opting for half a size up can provide some initial wiggle room.

Limited releases: Remember, these beauties can be tough to find and acquire so trying them on beforehand might not be an option.

In such cases, sticking to your true size for standard releases is generally safe. However, for limited releases with known fit variations (consult online reviews and forums!), consider adjusting accordingly. You do not want to be splurging and be not able to rock them if the size is wrong init.

Ultimately, the perfect fit is subjective. If possible, try on a pair (even if it’s a different colorway) before purchasing to get a feel for the sizing. But with the aforementioned tips, you’ll be well on your way to owning one of the most iconic pairs in the game, in the perfect size!

Conclusion

The Nike Air Jordan 4 may rank fourth on some lists (looking at you GQ), but it is truly a sneaker icon with a timeless design and a legacy fueled by both on-court magic and modern collaborations.

And even after the arrival of the “Bred Reimagined” on 17 February, there are more Nike Air Jordan 4 releases in 2024 to look forward to!

Image Source: Shoe Palace; Complex; Kicks on Kanvas

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