Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time

Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland

📖 2,769 words🗓️ Published Sep 5, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best air jordan 4s of all time are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Air Jordan 4 Bred

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 1

The Bred ranks first because it is the original 1989 colorway Michael Jordan wore in his rookie playoff runs, making it the historical benchmark for every Air Jordan 4 that followed. The black nubuck upper with red accents and grey mesh panels defined the silhouette's identity. Nike has retroed it repeatedly since 1999, and it remains the most requested colorway among collectors and casual buyers alike.

This pair suits anyone who wants the definitive, no-debate version of the shoe rather than a niche colorway. It trades novelty for pure historical weight, since nearly every sneaker owner already recognizes it on sight. Compared to the White Cement below it, the Bred leans darker and more versatile for everyday styling, while White Cement carries the flashier, more photographed legacy moment.

2. Air Jordan 4 White Cement

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 2

White Cement ranks second for borrowing the grey speckled cement print from the Air Jordan 3 and applying it to the 4's mesh side panels, creating one of the most photographed silhouettes in the line. Released alongside Bred in 1989, it has been retroed multiple times, most notably in 2016. Its white leather base keeps it lighter and more casual than its black counterpart.

It fits buyers who want a brighter, easier-to-style pair for warm-weather rotation rather than an all-black staple. The tradeoff is upkeep, since white leather and cement grey show scuffs faster than the Bred's darker palette. Next to the Black Cat below, White Cement is the loud, retro-print option, while Black Cat goes for stealth minimalism instead.

3. Air Jordan 4 Black Cat

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 3

Black Cat ranks third because it introduced an all-black tonal treatment to the Air Jordan 4 when it debuted in 2006, giving the model a sleeker, monochrome identity distinct from the original two-tone releases. The black nubuck upper, black mesh, and black midsole erase the contrast paneling that usually defines the silhouette. It has returned in later retros due to steady demand for an all-black option.

This colorway works for buyers who want a stealthy, easy-to-match shoe that avoids the visual noise of contrast panels. It sacrifices the historical storyline that Bred and White Cement carry. Compared to Fire Red below, Black Cat is the low-key everyday pair, while Fire Red brings brighter, more attention-grabbing color blocking.

4. Air Jordan 4 Fire Red

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 4

Fire Red ranks fourth as one of the four original 1989 colorways, pairing a black nubuck upper with fire red accents on the midsole and mesh panels alongside white detailing. It was retroed in 1999, 2012, and again in 2020 with adjustments to the midsole color. Its bold red-black contrast makes it one of the more visually striking original releases.

Buyers who want vintage authenticity with more color pop than Bred gravitate here. It trades subtlety for a louder statement, which won't suit those wanting a neutral daily shoe. Compared to University Blue below, Fire Red stays within the classic black-based palette, while University Blue departs into a lighter, collegiate-inspired colorway.

5. Air Jordan 4 University Blue

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 5

University Blue ranks fifth because its 2021 release marked one of the first Air Jordan 4s built around a light blue and white palette reminiscent of collegiate uniforms, a notable departure from the model's typically darker original colorways. The white leather base with University Blue mesh and Fire Red-style detailing on the tongue gave it broad crossover appeal beyond core sneaker collectors.

It suits buyers wanting a fresher, spring-and-summer colorway rather than the darker 1989 originals. The tradeoff is that light uppers show dirt faster and lack the deep historical tie of Bred or Fire Red. Compared to Travis Scott below, University Blue keeps Nike's standard branding, while Travis Scott alters the shoe's actual construction and swoosh placement.

6. Air Jordan 4 Travis Scott

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 6

The Travis Scott collaboration ranks sixth for its structural redesign of the Air Jordan 4, including a reversed Swoosh, olive suede upper, and a hidden second pair of laces tucked beneath a flap on the tongue. Released in 2018 through Cactus Jack, it became one of the most sought-after Jordan collaborations of that era due to its limited release and design overhaul.

This pair is for collectors chasing collaboration-grade rarity rather than a wearable daily shoe, since limited stock keeps resale far above retail. It sacrifices easy availability that retro colorways like University Blue offer. Compared to Cool Grey below, the Travis Scott edit changes the shoe's actual hardware, while Cool Grey sticks to a standard retro build.

7. Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 7

Cool Grey ranks seventh because its 2004 release popularized a grey, black, and white colorway that became one of the more understated fan-favorite Air Jordan 4s outside the original 1989 set. The light grey nubuck upper with black mesh panels reads as a toned-down alternative to the louder red and blue editions. It has seen limited retros due to steady collector demand.

It fits buyers wanting a neutral, wear-with-anything pair over a bold statement shoe. It lacks the on-court origin story that Bred or Fire Red carry. Compared to Thunder below, Cool Grey is quieter and lighter, while Thunder pairs black with a much bolder yellow accent for contrast.

8. Air Jordan 4 Thunder

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 8

Thunder ranks eighth for its distinct black and yellow colorway, first released in 2006 as part of a run that broke from the model's usual red, blue, or grey accenting. The black nubuck upper with maize yellow detailing on the midsole and tongue gave it a sharper, sportier look than most Air Jordan 4 releases of that period.

This pair suits buyers wanting a bolder accent color without going as loud as Fire Red's red-on-black scheme. It's less versatile for neutral outfits since yellow accents are harder to match. Compared to Military Blue below, Thunder uses a warmer, high-contrast accent, while Military Blue leans into a cooler, subtler navy-based palette.

9. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 9

Military Blue ranks ninth because its 2006 release introduced a white leather upper with navy blue mesh panels and grey accents, giving it a cooler, more subdued palette than the primary-color originals. It has been retroed since, appealing to buyers who want a blue-based Air Jordan 4 without the brighter University Blue treatment.

It works for buyers wanting a muted, business-casual-friendly colorway that pairs easily with denim. It doesn't carry the on-court legacy of the 1989 originals, ranking it lower on historical significance. Compared to Pure Money below, Military Blue uses navy for depth, while Pure Money goes for a brighter white-and-silver, money-themed look.

10. Air Jordan 4 Pure Money

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 10

Pure Money rounds out the list at tenth for its clean white leather upper paired with metallic silver accents on the midsole and mesh, released in 2011 with a money-themed name and packaging tie-in. It offered a brighter, more minimal alternative to the darker original colorways still dominating the top of this list.

It suits buyers wanting the simplest, most neutral Air Jordan 4 available, easy to pair with any outfit. It ranks lowest here because it lacks the historical or design significance of the originals and collaborations above it. Compared to Military Blue above, Pure Money trades depth and color contrast for maximum simplicity.

How we ranked these

Rankings weighted cultural impact and moment-in-time significance (the 1989 debut, Jordan's return seasons, Eminem/Carhartt and Travis Scott collabs), resale premium and sustained demand on StockX/GOAT, design merit (visible Air unit, mesh side panels, post-molded eyelets, wings logo), and originality of colorway versus later general releases. Rarity of the initial print run and whether a colorway defined the silhouette's identity mattered more than recent hype alone.

We deliberately ignored short-term flip pricing spikes, regional retail allocation differences, and personal team-color bias (Bulls red/black vs. other colorways), since these swing week to week and don't reflect lasting merit. Counterfeit prevalence was also excluded — it affects buying caution, not the shoe's design or historical standing.

What to look for

What matters most is verifying authenticity and midsole condition — AJ4 midsoles yellow with age and UV exposure, so a crisp white midsole on an old pair is either well-stored or a giveaway of restoration work sold as OG. Check stitching on the mesh panels and the plastic wings tab, which cracks or yellows first and is hard to fake convincingly on retros.

The most common buyer mistake is chasing a hyped colorway (Travis Scott, Union) at inflated resale without checking box, lace, and insole tags against verified authentication guides. A close second is assuming true-to-size fit across every release year — earlier OG pairs and later Nike Air Jordan retros have had slightly different last shapes and lockdown feel.

FAQ

What year did the Air Jordan 4 first release?

The Air Jordan 4 released in 1989, designed by Tinker Hatfield as Michael Jordan's fourth signature shoe with Nike. It debuted in colorways including Black/Cement, White/Cement, and Bred, and Jordan wore them during the 1989 NBA season including the famous 'flu game' era highlights that predate the actual Flu Game (which was a Jordan 12).

What is the most expensive Air Jordan 4 ever sold?

The Eminem x Carhartt Jordan 4 'Encore,' given only to a handful of contest winners and Eminem's inner circle in 2015, has sold at auction for over $50,000 in rare cases. It remains one of the scarcest and most valuable sneaker collaborations of any silhouette, not just the Jordan 4 line.

Is the White Cement or Bred Jordan 4 more popular?

Both are considered co-flagship colorways, but White Cement is often cited as the more universally recognized due to its neutral palette and frequent retro reissues since 1999. Bred carries slightly higher cultural weight tied to team colors and Jordan's early Bulls seasons, giving it an edge in pure resale demand.

Are Air Jordan 4s good for everyday wear?

Yes, the Jordan 4's original polyurethane midsole and rubber outsole were built for basketball performance, giving it solid cushioning and durability for daily wear compared to more delicate retro silhouettes. However, older PU midsoles can crumble with age, so buyers wearing vintage pairs regularly should watch for sole degradation.

What is the Travis Scott Jordan 4 and why is it valuable?

The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 'Cactus Jack,' released in 2018, features an inverted swoosh, olive suede, and a hidden pocket at the ankle, and quickly became one of the most demanded sneaker collabs of that decade. Extremely limited production and Scott's cultural cachet pushed resale prices past $1,500-$2,000 at release.

How do Air Jordan 4s fit compared to Air Jordan 1s?

The Jordan 4 generally has a lower-volume, more athletic fit through the midfoot compared to the boxier Jordan 1, with the mesh panels allowing more give than the 1's all-leather upper. Most wearers find the 4 slightly more true-to-size than the 1, which tends to run a half size large in classic colorways.

What materials are used in the Air Jordan 4?

Original Jordan 4s use a combination of leather or suede uppers, mesh side panels for ventilation, a polyurethane midsole, and a visible Air-Sole heel unit. Premium and collaboration releases have substituted materials like Alcantara suede, canvas, or elephant print leather depending on the specific colorway.

Why do some Air Jordan 4 midsoles turn yellow?

The polyurethane foam used in Jordan 4 midsoles oxidizes over time when exposed to UV light and air, causing a gradual yellowing regardless of wear. This is a known material limitation of PU foam from the era and affects nearly all original 1989-1999 pairs to some degree, making crisp white midsoles on old pairs notable.

What is the rarest general-release Air Jordan 4 colorway?

The 1999 'Toro Bravo' (Red Cement) tends to be cited as the rarest widely-known general release due to limited original distribution and slow retro cycles compared to Bred or White Cement. Deadstock OG pairs from 1999 are especially scarce and command a premium over many later collaboration releases.

Should I buy Air Jordan 4s to wear or to hold as an investment?

If wearing, prioritize comfort, true retro colorways with fresh materials, and accept that resale value will decline with use. If holding as an investment, keep pairs deadstock in original packaging, store away from UV light and humidity to prevent midsole yellowing, and track resale trends on StockX or GOAT before buying limited collaborations.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time"] S --> N0["1. Air Jordan 4 Bred"] N0 --> N1["2. Air Jordan 4 White Cement"] N1 --> N2["3. Air Jordan 4 Black Cat"] N2 --> N3["4. Air Jordan 4 Fire Red"]

flowchart LR C["Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time"] C --> H0["9. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue"] C --> H1["10. Air Jordan 4 Pure Money"] C --> H2["How we ranked these"] C --> H3["What to look for"]

Related on PULSE

[More air jordan 4s of all time rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best air jordan 4s of all time are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Air Jordan 4 Bred

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 1](/assets/qa/sn388-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time"]
  S --> N0["1. Air Jordan 4 Bred"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Air Jordan 4 White Cement"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Air Jordan 4 Black Cat"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Air Jordan 4 Fire Red"]
```


The Bred ranks first because it is the original 1989 colorway Michael Jordan wore in his rookie playoff runs, making it the historical benchmark for every Air Jordan 4 that followed. The black nubuck upper with red accents and grey mesh panels defined the silhouette's identity. Nike has retroed it repeatedly since 1999, and it remains the most requested colorway among collectors and casual buyers alike.

This pair suits anyone who wants the definitive, no-debate version of the shoe rather than a niche colorway. It trades novelty for pure historical weight, since nearly every sneaker owner already recognizes it on sight. Compared to the White Cement below it, the Bred leans darker and more versatile for everyday styling, while White Cement carries the flashier, more photographed legacy moment.


## 2. Air Jordan 4 White Cement

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 2](/assets/qa/sn388-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time"]
  C --> H0["9. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue"]
  C --> H1["10. Air Jordan 4 Pure Money"]
  C --> H2["How we ranked these"]
  C --> H3["What to look for"]
```


White Cement ranks second for borrowing the grey speckled cement print from the Air Jordan 3 and applying it to the 4's mesh side panels, creating one of the most photographed silhouettes in the line. Released alongside Bred in 1989, it has been retroed multiple times, most notably in 2016. Its white leather base keeps it lighter and more casual than its black counterpart.

It fits buyers who want a brighter, easier-to-style pair for warm-weather rotation rather than an all-black staple. The tradeoff is upkeep, since white leather and cement grey show scuffs faster than the Bred's darker palette. Next to the Black Cat below, White Cement is the loud, retro-print option, while Black Cat goes for stealth minimalism instead.


## 3. Air Jordan 4 Black Cat

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 3](/assets/qa/sn388-b3.jpg)


Black Cat ranks third because it introduced an all-black tonal treatment to the Air Jordan 4 when it debuted in 2006, giving the model a sleeker, monochrome identity distinct from the original two-tone releases. The black nubuck upper, black mesh, and black midsole erase the contrast paneling that usually defines the silhouette. It has returned in later retros due to steady demand for an all-black option.

This colorway works for buyers who want a stealthy, easy-to-match shoe that avoids the visual noise of contrast panels. It sacrifices the historical storyline that Bred and White Cement carry. Compared to Fire Red below, Black Cat is the low-key everyday pair, while Fire Red brings brighter, more attention-grabbing color blocking.

## 4. Air Jordan 4 Fire Red

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 4](/assets/qa/sn388-b4.jpg)


Fire Red ranks fourth as one of the four original 1989 colorways, pairing a black nubuck upper with fire red accents on the midsole and mesh panels alongside white detailing. It was retroed in 1999, 2012, and again in 2020 with adjustments to the midsole color. Its bold red-black contrast makes it one of the more visually striking original releases.


Buyers who want vintage authenticity with more color pop than Bred gravitate here. It trades subtlety for a louder statement, which won't suit those wanting a neutral daily shoe. Compared to University Blue below, Fire Red stays within the classic black-based palette, while University Blue departs into a lighter, collegiate-inspired colorway.

## 5. Air Jordan 4 University Blue

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 5](/assets/qa/sn388-b5.jpg)


University Blue ranks fifth because its 2021 release marked one of the first Air Jordan 4s built around a light blue and white palette reminiscent of collegiate uniforms, a notable departure from the model's typically darker original colorways. The white leather base with University Blue mesh and Fire Red-style detailing on the tongue gave it broad crossover appeal beyond core sneaker collectors.


It suits buyers wanting a fresher, spring-and-summer colorway rather than the darker 1989 originals. The tradeoff is that light uppers show dirt faster and lack the deep historical tie of Bred or Fire Red. Compared to Travis Scott below, University Blue keeps Nike's standard branding, while Travis Scott alters the shoe's actual construction and swoosh placement.

## 6. Air Jordan 4 Travis Scott

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 6](/assets/qa/sn388-b6.jpg)


The Travis Scott collaboration ranks sixth for its structural redesign of the Air Jordan 4, including a reversed Swoosh, olive suede upper, and a hidden second pair of laces tucked beneath a flap on the tongue. Released in 2018 through Cactus Jack, it became one of the most sought-after Jordan collaborations of that era due to its limited release and design overhaul.


This pair is for collectors chasing collaboration-grade rarity rather than a wearable daily shoe, since limited stock keeps resale far above retail. It sacrifices easy availability that retro colorways like University Blue offer. Compared to Cool Grey below, the Travis Scott edit changes the shoe's actual hardware, while Cool Grey sticks to a standard retro build.

## 7. Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 7](/assets/qa/sn388-b7.jpg)


Cool Grey ranks seventh because its 2004 release popularized a grey, black, and white colorway that became one of the more understated fan-favorite Air Jordan 4s outside the original 1989 set. The light grey nubuck upper with black mesh panels reads as a toned-down alternative to the louder red and blue editions. It has seen limited retros due to steady collector demand.


It fits buyers wanting a neutral, wear-with-anything pair over a bold statement shoe. It lacks the on-court origin story that Bred or Fire Red carry. Compared to Thunder below, Cool Grey is quieter and lighter, while Thunder pairs black with a much bolder yellow accent for contrast.

## 8. Air Jordan 4 Thunder

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 8](/assets/qa/sn388-b8.jpg)


Thunder ranks eighth for its distinct black and yellow colorway, first released in 2006 as part of a run that broke from the model's usual red, blue, or grey accenting. The black nubuck upper with maize yellow detailing on the midsole and tongue gave it a sharper, sportier look than most Air Jordan 4 releases of that period.


This pair suits buyers wanting a bolder accent color without going as loud as Fire Red's red-on-black scheme. It's less versatile for neutral outfits since yellow accents are harder to match. Compared to Military Blue below, Thunder uses a warmer, high-contrast accent, while Military Blue leans into a cooler, subtler navy-based palette.

## 9. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 9](/assets/qa/sn388-b9.jpg)


Military Blue ranks ninth because its 2006 release introduced a white leather upper with navy blue mesh panels and grey accents, giving it a cooler, more subdued palette than the primary-color originals. It has been retroed since, appealing to buyers who want a blue-based Air Jordan 4 without the brighter University Blue treatment.


It works for buyers wanting a muted, business-casual-friendly colorway that pairs easily with denim. It doesn't carry the on-court legacy of the 1989 originals, ranking it lower on historical significance. Compared to Pure Money below, Military Blue uses navy for depth, while Pure Money goes for a brighter white-and-silver, money-themed look.

## 10. Air Jordan 4 Pure Money

![Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time — figure 10](/assets/qa/sn388-b10.jpg)


Pure Money rounds out the list at tenth for its clean white leather upper paired with metallic silver accents on the midsole and mesh, released in 2011 with a money-themed name and packaging tie-in. It offered a brighter, more minimal alternative to the darker original colorways still dominating the top of this list.

It suits buyers wanting the simplest, most neutral Air Jordan 4 available, easy to pair with any outfit. It ranks lowest here because it lacks the historical or design significance of the originals and collaborations above it. Compared to Military Blue above, Pure Money trades depth and color contrast for maximum simplicity.


## How we ranked these

Rankings weighted cultural impact and moment-in-time significance (the 1989 debut, Jordan's return seasons, Eminem/Carhartt and Travis Scott collabs), resale premium and sustained demand on StockX/GOAT, design merit (visible Air unit, mesh side panels, post-molded eyelets, wings logo), and originality of colorway versus later general releases. Rarity of the initial print run and whether a colorway defined the silhouette's identity mattered more than recent hype alone.

We deliberately ignored short-term flip pricing spikes, regional retail allocation differences, and personal team-color bias (Bulls red/black vs. other colorways), since these swing week to week and don't reflect lasting merit. Counterfeit prevalence was also excluded — it affects buying caution, not the shoe's design or historical standing.


## What to look for

What matters most is verifying authenticity and midsole condition — AJ4 midsoles yellow with age and UV exposure, so a crisp white midsole on an old pair is either well-stored or a giveaway of restoration work sold as OG. Check stitching on the mesh panels and the plastic wings tab, which cracks or yellows first and is hard to fake convincingly on retros.

The most common buyer mistake is chasing a hyped colorway (Travis Scott, Union) at inflated resale without checking box, lace, and insole tags against verified authentication guides. A close second is assuming true-to-size fit across every release year — earlier OG pairs and later Nike Air Jordan retros have had slightly different last shapes and lockdown feel.

## Related questions

### What makes the Air Jordan 4 different from the Jordan 3?

The Jordan 4, designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1989, introduced visible mesh netting on the sides for breathability, plastic wings on the ankle for lockdown, and a more aggressive midsole silhouette than the Jordan 3's smoother lines. It also moved the visible Air unit into a more prominent heel window, making it instantly distinguishable on sight.

### Why is the Bred Jordan 4 considered the most iconic colorway?

Bred debuted in Jordan's 1989 season and appears in the 'Jordan flu game' era highlight reels tied to his early Bulls run, cementing black-and-red as the brand's signature look. It has been retroed more times than almost any other AJ4 colorway, and its resale floor has stayed consistently high for over a decade.

### How much do rare Air Jordan 4 colorways resell for?

Grail-tier pairs like the Eminem x Carhartt or early Travis Scott Cactus Jack releases have sold for $2,000-$50,000+ depending on size and condition, per StockX sales data. Mainstream retros like Bred, White Cement, and Fire Red typically resell in the $250-$500 range shortly after release before settling lower.

### Do Air Jordan 4s run true to size?

Most wearers report the Jordan 4 runs true to size to a half size small, especially in the OG 1989-1999 tooling, prompting many buyers to size up half a size for comfort with thicker socks. Newer GS and women's-exclusive releases have had reported fit variances, so checking recent size charts before buying is recommended.

### What is the difference between an OG pair and a retro reissue?

An OG pair was manufactured and sold during the shoe's original release window (e.g., 1989 for the debut Jordan 4), while a retro is a later re-release of the same colorway using updated materials, molds, or box packaging. OG pairs typically command far higher resale prices due to scarcity and historical authenticity.

### Which Air Jordan 4 collaborations are considered the most valuable?

The Eminem x Carhartt 'Encore' pair, distributed only to contest winners and industry insiders, and the Off-White Jordan 4 'Sail,' part of Virgil Abloh's The Ten collection, are widely considered the two most valuable collaborations. Both routinely resell well above $10,000 for deadstock pairs in verified condition.

### How can you tell if an Air Jordan 4 is fake?

Check the stitching consistency on the mesh panels, the texture and flex of the plastic wings tab, the font and placement of the Nike Air tag inside the tongue, and the box label barcode against Nike's official style number database. Authentication services like GOAT, StockX, and Sole Supremacy will verify pairs before resale.

## FAQ

**What year did the Air Jordan 4 first release?**

The Air Jordan 4 released in 1989, designed by Tinker Hatfield as Michael Jordan's fourth signature shoe with Nike. It debuted in colorways including Black/Cement, White/Cement, and Bred, and Jordan wore them during the 1989 NBA season including the famous 'flu game' era highlights that predate the actual Flu Game (which was a Jordan 12).

**What is the most expensive Air Jordan 4 ever sold?**

The Eminem x Carhartt Jordan 4 'Encore,' given only to a handful of contest winners and Eminem's inner circle in 2015, has sold at auction for over $50,000 in rare cases. It remains one of the scarcest and most valuable sneaker collaborations of any silhouette, not just the Jordan 4 line.

**Is the White Cement or Bred Jordan 4 more popular?**

Both are considered co-flagship colorways, but White Cement is often cited as the more universally recognized due to its neutral palette and frequent retro reissues since 1999. Bred carries slightly higher cultural weight tied to team colors and Jordan's early Bulls seasons, giving it an edge in pure resale demand.

**Are Air Jordan 4s good for everyday wear?**

Yes, the Jordan 4's original polyurethane midsole and rubber outsole were built for basketball performance, giving it solid cushioning and durability for daily wear compared to more delicate retro silhouettes. However, older PU midsoles can crumble with age, so buyers wearing vintage pairs regularly should watch for sole degradation.

**What is the Travis Scott Jordan 4 and why is it valuable?**

The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 'Cactus Jack,' released in 2018, features an inverted swoosh, olive suede, and a hidden pocket at the ankle, and quickly became one of the most demanded sneaker collabs of that decade. Extremely limited production and Scott's cultural cachet pushed resale prices past $1,500-$2,000 at release.

**How do Air Jordan 4s fit compared to Air Jordan 1s?**

The Jordan 4 generally has a lower-volume, more athletic fit through the midfoot compared to the boxier Jordan 1, with the mesh panels allowing more give than the 1's all-leather upper. Most wearers find the 4 slightly more true-to-size than the 1, which tends to run a half size large in classic colorways.

**What materials are used in the Air Jordan 4?**

Original Jordan 4s use a combination of leather or suede uppers, mesh side panels for ventilation, a polyurethane midsole, and a visible Air-Sole heel unit. Premium and collaboration releases have substituted materials like Alcantara suede, canvas, or elephant print leather depending on the specific colorway.

**Why do some Air Jordan 4 midsoles turn yellow?**

The polyurethane foam used in Jordan 4 midsoles oxidizes over time when exposed to UV light and air, causing a gradual yellowing regardless of wear. This is a known material limitation of PU foam from the era and affects nearly all original 1989-1999 pairs to some degree, making crisp white midsoles on old pairs notable.

**What is the rarest general-release Air Jordan 4 colorway?**

The 1999 'Toro Bravo' (Red Cement) tends to be cited as the rarest widely-known general release due to limited original distribution and slow retro cycles compared to Bred or White Cement. Deadstock OG pairs from 1999 are especially scarce and command a premium over many later collaboration releases.

**Should I buy Air Jordan 4s to wear or to hold as an investment?**

If wearing, prioritize comfort, true retro colorways with fresh materials, and accept that resale value will decline with use. If holding as an investment, keep pairs deadstock in original packaging, store away from UV light and humidity to prevent midsole yellowing, and track resale trends on StockX or GOAT before buying limited collaborations.

## Sources

- https://www.nike.com/jordan
- https://stockx.com/air-jordan-4
- https://www.goat.com/sneakers/air-jordan-4
- https://sneakernews.com/tag/air-jordan-4/
- https://www.complex.com/sneakers/air-jordan-4-colorways-guide
- https://www.highsnobiety.com/tag/air-jordan-4/
- https://solecollector.com/tags/air-jordan-4
- https://www.hypebeast.com/tags/air-jordan-4

## Related on PULSE

- [More air jordan 4s of all time rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Kory White

Top 10 Air Jordan 4s of all time

1. Air Jordan 4 Bred

2. Air Jordan 4 White Cement

3. Air Jordan 4 Black Cat

4. Air Jordan 4 Fire Red

5. Air Jordan 4 University Blue

6. Air Jordan 4 Travis Scott

7. Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey

8. Air Jordan 4 Thunder

9. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue

10. Air Jordan 4 Pure Money

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

What makes the Air Jordan 4 different from the Jordan 3?

Why is the Bred Jordan 4 considered the most iconic colorway?

How much do rare Air Jordan 4 colorways resell for?

Do Air Jordan 4s run true to size?

What is the difference between an OG pair and a retro reissue?

Which Air Jordan 4 collaborations are considered the most valuable?

How can you tell if an Air Jordan 4 is fake?

FAQ

Sources

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