There’s a lot of debate surrounding which Air Jordan sneaker silhouettes are the best. Many would argue that the 1s, 3s, 4s and 11s take the top spot. And it’s easy to see why. In 2024, those sneakers continue to sell out in seconds. The AJ4’s popularity hasn’t dwindled at all over the years. Here, we’ll take a look at the best Air Jordan 4 colourways of all time – something for collectors and newcomers to enjoy.
Firstly, What Are Air Jordan 4s & Why Should You Care?
Since its release in 1989, the eye-catching Air Jordan 4 kicks have become a staple in the sneaker world, and for good reason – it was designed by the legendary Nike designer Tinker Hatfield (who also designed the Air Max and many other Jordan sneakers). Plus, as basketball players will remember, his Airness (MJ) famously hit “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo sporting these incredible jays. Naturally, when this popular silhouette was first released, it quickly gained fame among NBA players and sneakerheads for its iconic design — but also the legend behind it. The Air Jordan 4 (which debuted in 4 OG colourways) was the first Air Jordan sneaker to be sold globally, making it an instant classic and an important shoe for fans of Michael Jordan and the brand. Also, let’s not forget that it also made a memorable appearance in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing.
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1. Air Jordan 4 Retro Bred
The famous Air Jordan 4 Bred is a must-have for any sneaker aficionado. Boasting a timeless black and red colourway, originally released in 1989, it’s become a coveted item among sneaker enthusiasts everywhere. Heck, it still is today. This legendary Nike shoe is a classic that belongs in every sneaker lover’s collection. You just can’t like Jordans without owning an Air Jordan 4, and the Bred colourway is the holy grail of the silhouette.
This iconic AJ 4, nicknamed “Black Cement 4,” features a sleek black upper with grey highlights, a white midsole with black, white, and grey accents, and a vibrant red sole.
2. Air Jordan 4 White Cement
The iconic Air Jordan 4 White Cement was originally released in 1989 and has since had several re-releases (of course!). It features a pure white leather upper, black accents, and the iconic cement grey detailing — making it one of the most recognisable colourways of the AJ4. The midsole, wings, and heel feature cool black-speckled grey “cement” accents — which is where these jays get their name from. 2016’s re-release (which cost $220) celebrated the model’s 27th anniversary and included original colours, authentic materials, and details that stayed true to the original shoe.
A black Nike Air logo and Swoosh are situated beneath the cement-patterned heel tab, with a red Jumpman logo and “Flight” printed in black adorning the white tongue. The black insole also features a red Nike Air logo and Swoosh, while the white midsole displays visible Air, and the rubber outsole incorporates all the colours in the colourway.
3. Air Jordan 4 Fire Red
Like the previous entries on this list, the Air Jordan 4 Fire Red is one of the best and most iconic sneakers of all time. It features a white leather upper, black accents, and vivid red details for a classic look. Also released in 1989, this classic colourway has been re-released several times over the years, with its most recent launch happening in 2020 (it sold for $200). This Jordan 4 boasts a sleek white leather upper with accents of black and Fire Red, plus rubber netted underlays, black heel tabs with the iconic “Nike Air” branding, and black and Fire Red midsoles, creating a stylish look.
4. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue
The Nike Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is a classic iteration of the AJ4 that features a white leather upper and grey accents with military blue detailing. One of the first colours to be released in 1989, it made its triumphant return to shelves in 2012 and has since become a staple of Jordan fanatics’ collections. Thankfully, the Nike Air Jordan 4 Military Blue sneakers are making a comeback in 2024.
5. Black Cat
The iconic Nike Air Jordan 4 Black Cat is a timeless classic featuring a stylish all-black design. The colourway was first released way back in 2006 and has since been brought back by Nike many times over the years. This Jordan 4 features a black nubuck suede upper with corresponding accents, complemented by black hardware, netting, and outsoles. Released in January 2020, the sneakers have a retail price of $190. Again, this is another pair making a comeback in 2024. Find out more about the 2024 Nike Air Jordan 4 Black Cat here.
6. Lightning
Released in 2006, the Air Jordan 4 “Lightning” was an instant hit with collectors. The bold and vibrant design featured a yellow leather upper combined with black and white accents for a unique look that set it apart from other AJ4 sneakers. This sneaker pops with a Tour Yellow Durabuck upper, black netted panels, and dark grey eyelets. Plus, the black Jordan Flight logo patch on the tongue brings it all together with its white and yellow accents. To finish off the look, there’s a Jumpman logo on the heel tab and a white midsole with a visible Air unit.
For those looking for an alternative, the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Thunder” has similar colours in a different design.
7. Green Glow
Nike Air Jordan 4 Green Glow (2013) is a rare shoe craved by collectors due to its mix of colours. The classic Air Jordan 4 silhouette is given a modern twist with mid-top mesh inset panelling, moulded eyelets, visible Nike Air cushioning, and an upper in shades of light grey, dark grey, and black. The mint green outsole, eyelets, and heel logo provide the perfect finishing touch, with the Jumpman logo adding a signature touch to the shoe tongue and sole.
8. Air Jordan 4 ‘Kaws’
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Kaws’ is an exclusive collaboration between Jordan Brand and celebrated artist Kaws. It was released in 2017 to great fanfare. Featuring a plush grey suede upper, the shoe incorporates Kaws iconography onto the heel, hang tag and a translucent sole. Its design strongly resembles his BFF collectable figures that have become highly sought-after collector’s items.
9. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 ‘Cactus Jack’
If there was one must-have sneaker in 2018, it was definitely the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 Cactus Jack. This striking blue hue on the upper reflects Houston Oilers, which is Scott’s favourite American football team, and the logo on the inner sole and heel symbolizes his record label, Cactus Jack.
10. Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 4 ‘Sail’
Take a look at the Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 4 ‘Sail’. It’s pretty, isn’t it? This minimalist sneaker features a phantom cream-coloured look that is sure to turn heads. Designed by the iconic Virgil Abloh, this sneaker is still highly sought after today. As functional as it is fashionable, this AJ4 has been delighting sneaker fans since its release!
The AJ4 Sail is a sneaker with full-grain leather uppers and meshes and translucent details on the toebox and heel. It also has light blue accents on the tongue Jumpman and the Nike Swoosh on the outsole, adding a pop of colour to the sail-coloured shoe.
11. Union x Air Jordan 4 ‘Guava Ice’
Union LA and Jordan combined for some amazing streetwear sneakers. The Guava Ice collaboration is one of the most popular and sought-after pairs. This AJ4 sneaker features a lot of fun and unique features, such as a folded and sewn tongue, translucent wing detailing, layered suede on top of the mesh, plus the unmistakable Union LA tag on the side wall. It’s no surprise then that these shoes are so hard to get your hands on!
12. Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 NRG ‘Denim’
The highly anticipated Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 NRG ‘Denim’ does not fail to impress. This denim-doused sneaker embodies classic Levi’s details – a recognisable red tab, effortless tobacco-coloured stitching and a supple leather logo patch – making this rendition of the AJ4 a true grail. Dare to step out in a triple denim ensemble?
13. Air Jordan 4 ‘11Lab4 Red’
A bold and statement-making shoe, the Air Jordan 4 ‘11Lab4 Red’ is one of the most iconic creations from Jordan Brand. Debuting in 2015, this iteration seamlessly combines patent leather from the Air Jordan 11 upper with the classic shape of the AJ4 to create an eye-catching sneaker. With its bright red hue, the ‘11LAB4 Red’ stands out amongst other sneakers and makes a statement that can’t be ignored.
14. Nike Air Jordan 4 Union Los Angeles Taupe Haze
The Nike Air Jordan 4 Union Los Angeles Taupe Haze’ is a special shoe from the collaboration between Jordan Brand and the LA-based streetwear boutique Union LA. As part of their “Tent and Trail” capsule collection, these shoes feature a neutral taupe suede material with breathable mesh on the collar and toe box for a classic take on the silhouette.
The midsole and outsole are made of light brown to continue its rugged theme, while a semi-translucent TPU wing gives it an edgy look. Several distinguishing elements make these shoes stand out: like the yellow Union tab on the quarter panel, a green heel tab with blue Nike air text, and a blue woven Air Jordan tag on top of the tongue.
15. AJ4 SE Craft
The Air Jordan 4 SE ‘Craft’ is a stylish sneaker for the modern age. It features an upper composed of leather, suede, and textile in shades of grey Photon Dust and Gray Fog. Down below, a sail-toned midsole layered atop a flat pewter colourway and a light grey outsole offers a retro-inspired look. At the same time, white and pale vanilla accents on branding, eyelets, and overlays create the perfect finishing touches on this amazing sneaker.
16. AJ4 Teal
On March 14th 2015, Nike and Jordan Brand released a limited edition Air Jordan 4 in the “Teal” colourway. These premium leather kicks were priced at $190 and featured a teal-dominated upper with milder hues, adding contrast to the netting, tongue tab, synthetic eyelets and back outsole. Originally released to mark Jordan Brand’s 30th Anniversary, these retro kicks remain true to the initial design used when they premiered in 1999.
17. AJ 4 Flyknit University Red
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Air Jordan 4, Nike released a Flyknit edition in four vibrant colourways. On June 14, 2019, one of these colourways — University Red — was made available at select retail stores worldwide for $220. Total Orange-Gunsmoke, Hyper Royal-Black, and Volt-Black were also included in this special collection!
18. AJ4 Sashiko
Released on December 5, 2020, the Air Jordan 4 Sashiko was a very special edition sneaker from Jordan Brand. Drawing design inspiration from the intricate Japanese art of Sashiko, these sneakers featured unique weaving patterns and were available for purchase through Nike and select stores for $220 apiece.
19. AJ4 Golf Apricot Agate
On May 17th, 2021, Nike released the “Air Jordan 4 Golf Apricot Agate” as part of their golf collection. These stand-out shoes featured a unique Sail and Apricot Agate colour combination. The base was constructed with sail accents, which complimented the Apricot pink overlays that covered the uppers with exact detail. These vibrant shoes had a retail price tag of $220 and were available at select stores and online via Nike.com.
20. AJ4 Ginger
The AJ4 Ginger is one of the most iconic takes on the classic Tinker Hatfield design. This version, released in 2016, was made with premium ‘Ginger-coloured leather and featured a monochromatic upper construction combined with rawhide laces. Rounding out this timeless look is a classic gum rubber outsole.
Tell us, what other Air Jordan 4 colourways are we missing from this sneakers list?
