The Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” is one of the most iconic colorways in sneaker history, first debuting in 1989 and celebrated for its clean white leather, speckled gray “cement” accents, and classic Nike Air branding. Both the 2016 and 2025 retros pay homage to this legacy, but each brings unique features and improvements that set them apart.

Design and Aesthetic Fidelity of the Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”

The 2016 release of the AJ4 “White Cement” was highly anticipated, as it marked the return of the original Nike Air branding on the heel for the first time since the 1999 retro. This detail was a major selling point for purists and collectors, restoring a key element of the OG look.

The sneaker featured a white leather upper, black waffle eyestays, and the signature cement-speckled gray on the midsole, wings, and heel tab. The tongue displayed a red Jumpman above the word “Flight,” and the outsole incorporated all the colors from the classic palette.

In contrast, the 2025 version is being positioned as the closest retro to the original 1989 release yet. Jordan Brand has reportedly refined the shape, height, and netting, aiming for a more accurate OG silhouette.

The 2025 pair features the same Summit White, Fire Red, Tech Grey, and Black colorway, but with subtle updates to the leather quality, panel shape, and cement speckle application, all intended to evoke the original’s spirit even more faithfully. Early reviews and preview images highlight improvements in the leather-described as stiffer and more premium, reminiscent of the Jordan 1 ’85 series-and a more accurate netting pattern and placement.

Material and Build Quality

The 2016 “White Cement” was praised for its improved leather quality over previous retros, particularly the 2012 version, which was criticized for its stiff, almost “cinder block” feel.

The 2016 leather was softer, and the shade of gray used for the cement accents was lighter and closer to the OG. Still, some collectors felt the shape and proportions were not a perfect match for the 1989 original.

For 2025, Jordan Brand has reportedly taken further steps to enhance the build quality. The leather feels more premium and robust, and the netting is thicker and more closely aligned with the original design.

The cement speckling is also said to be more tactile and visually accurate. These refinements, combined with the return of the Nike Air heel branding and original-style packaging, are meant to satisfy both longtime collectors and new fans seeking authenticity and quality.

Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”: Cultural Impact and Market Reception

Both releases have generated significant buzz. The 2016 pair sold out instantly and remains highly sought after on the resale market, with prices reflecting its desirability and status as a near-OG retro.

The 2025 release, scheduled for 24 May, is expected to be a general release in full family sizing, making it more accessible but no less coveted. The sneaker community is particularly excited about the 2025 version’s effort to recapture the essence of the original, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan line. Notably, both iterations are available on the SNKRDUNK App.

AJ4 “White Cement” 2016 vs. 2025 Summary Table

Feature	Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” (2016)	Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” (2025)
Release Date	13 February 2016	24 May 2025
Retail Price	US$220	US$225
Colorway	White/Fire Red/Black/Tech Grey	Summit White/Fire Red/Tech Grey/Black
Heel Branding	Nike Air	Nike Air
Shape	Pointier toe, less OG-accurate silhouette	Closer to 1989 OG: improved height, shape, and proportions
Leather Quality	Decent, softer than previous retros	Thicker, stiffer, more premium-closest to OG feel
Cement Speckling	Lightest gray of recent retros, smooth texture	Slightly darker, more tactile speckling, even on Nike Air branding
Netting	Standard retro netting, smaller mesh area	Thicker, wider mesh, more OG-like netting and placement
Liner & Padding	Standard padding, liner not tucked behind tongue	More padded, liner tucked behind tongue (OG detail)
Hang Tag	Hard plastic keychain style, Jumpman logo	OG-style plastic hang tag, Nike Air branding
Comfort	Good, but not standout	Improved comfort, more padded interior
Packaging	Retro-inspired	OG-style packaging

• • The 2025 version is widely regarded as the most OG-accurate retro yet, with improvements in shape, leather, netting, and details like the liner and hang tag.
  
  
• • The 2016 pair brought back the Nike Air heel branding but is lighter in cement color and less accurate in shape compared to the 2025 release.
  
  
• • The 2025 release features more tactile cement speckling, a more padded interior, and an OG-style hang tag.

Conclusion

While the 2016 Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” retro was a milestone for its return to Nike Air branding and improved materials, the 2025 version raises the bar with even greater attention to OG detail.

From the refined shape and premium leather to the more accurate netting and cement speckling, the 2025 release is designed to please both collectors seeking authenticity and new fans eager for a piece of sneaker history. As always, the “White Cement” AJ4 remains a timeless classic new iteration, a celebration of Jordan Brand’s enduring legacy

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