SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

Jordan IV

“You stepped on my brand new, white Air Jordans I just bought, and all you can say is ‘Excuse me!’” exclaimed the character Buggin Out in Spike Lee’s seminal film Do The Right Thing. Not only were they white Air Jordans, they were the White/Black Air Jordan IVs. And while Buggin Out may have refrained from coming to blows in the movie, those were “fightin’ words” around many parts. Yes – Air Jordans were that serious.

Air Jordans were now essential-wear when it came to sneakers, and Tinker Hatfield built upon the popularity of the III with the even higher-tech looking IV. While it shared the same cut, midsole shape and the Nike Air logo on the heel, several notable features stepped up the wow factor. A script “Flight” moniker was added below the Jumpman logo on the tongue for some added style. Plastic mesh covered the midfoot area and aided in weight and breathability, and a plastic, triangular strap and lace holders added a locked-down fit. An encapsulated Air unit in the forefoot and a visible Air unit in the heel once again provided cushioning – this time with an updated response over that of the III. And with a retail price of $110, the Air Jordan IV had a price to go along with its looks and its performance.

Along with the aforementioned White/Black colorway were the Black/Cement Greys, which featured nubuck uppers, Off White/Military Blues and of course, the White/Red/Blacks. MJ set the league on fire once again, but this time wearing the IVs and averaging 32.5 points that season. One of the all-time famous MJ images, the playground shot, features him seemingly flying out and above a group of kids for a dunk while wearing the IVs. This shot has seen many posters, Retro Cards and shirts over the years.

After the mild response to the 1994 Retros, the IV did not re-release until 1999. These true-to-the-original reproductions were popular with fans, and remain so even today. The White/Black and Black/Cement Grey Retro 4s have not come out again since, and fetch huge prices in the market. And while still wearable, it’s not uncommon to see the midsole on a pair of Black/Cement Greys crumble while being rocked. Also in ‘99 (and 2000) came the first Retro+ models – versions of the IV with some less subtle alterations of the originals. These models, while not amongst the most highly acclaimed, still receive love from fans. 2004, 2005 and 2006 all saw their share of Retro 4s. Updates like laser-etched versions, store-specific versions, web exclusives and even a made-for-Eminem model have sent fans into frenzies in search of these elusive IVs. The Militarys and Fire Reds – the remaining original IV colorways that had not yet been Retroed – finally saw their return in 2006 as well.

Immortalized in movies, posters, shirts and on the feet of countless fans, the IV most definitely goes down in history as an Air Jordan for the ages.