How the 'Bred' Air Jordan 4 Has Evolved Over the Years

This Saturday, one of the most important Air Jordans in Michael Jordan's historic timeline is returning to retailers, the "Bred" Air Jordan 4. While this isn't the first time we have seen the classic colorway make a return since 1989, it is the first time in two decades it is hitting shelves with its OG "Nike Air" branding.

In celebration of this weekend's launch and the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan 4, GOAT has decided to break down some of the differences between the 1989, 1999, 2008, 2013, and 2019 editions of the Chicago Bulls-colored signature sneaker. 

That is not all that the popular sneaker marketplace is doing to mark the occasion either. Anyone who sells a "Bred" Air Jordan 4 on May 4 or May 5 will receive $15 in GOAT credit that will be valid on any purchase until May 31. 

Check out some of the tweaks to the "Bred" Air Jordan 4 from year-to-year below. If you're trying to avoid the stress of copping a pair on release day, grab a pair early from GOAT here. 

The one that started it all. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 was the shoe Michael Jordan wore during his first MVP season. It also was famously worn by MJ during "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in the NBA Playoffs that same year. "Nike Air" branding is used on the heel tab, insole, and outsole. It was also the first time the Flight logo was used.

10 years later, Jordan Brand decided to retro the "Bred" Air Jordan 4 for the first time. This pair is nearly identical to the original from a decade prior and still featured the OG "Nike Air" branding. 

It was almost another decade before the "Bred" Air Jordan 4 returned to retailers once again. This time, it arrived alongside the Air Jordan 19 in one of the various Countdown Packs that released that year. It was also the first time that the model was significantly tweaked. The "Nike Air" branding was replaced by Jumpman logos on the heel, insole, and outsole. 

The "Bred" 4 returned just four years later sans its Air Jordan 19 counterpart from the prior release. The 2012 variation maintained the Jumpman branding introduced on the 2008 version. Releasing before Jordan Brand initiated its Remastered program to improve the quality of its retros, this pair was criticized by some for its lackluster materials. 

Jordan Brand decided to finally bring back the OG "Nike Air" branding on the "Bred" Air Jordan for the first time in two decades to celebrate the sneaker's 30th anniversary. The sneaker launches globally at select retailers on Saturday, May 11 for $200.