Air Jordan 4 – History, Colorways & Guide

The Air Jordan 4 is Tinker’s game-changer—iconic for its breathable mesh netting, TPU “wings,” big Flight tongue patch, and visible Air that took late-’80s performance to the streets. From OG pillars like Bred, White Cement, Military Blue, and Fire Red to modern favorites—Black Cat, Cool Grey, Thunder/Lightning, White Thunder—and culture-shifting collabs like Off-White “Sail”, Travis Scott “Cactus Jack”, and Nike SB “Pine Green,” the AJ4 mixes hardwood heritage with everyday heat, staying as wearable and influential today as the day it debuted.

Air Jordan 4 History

Released: 1989

Dropping in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 built on the momentum of the III and took the hype global. Tinker Hatfield returned as designer, refining the Air Jordan formula for MJ’s fifth pro season. Notably, the AJ4 was the first Jordan released on the international market, expanding the franchise’s reach worldwide. It released in four original colorways (including the beloved “Black/Cement” and “Fire Red”), making 1989 another milestone year for Jordan fanatics eager to cop the latest Airness.

Design Elements:

The Air Jordan 4 combined performance tech with aggressive style. It retained visible Air in the heel and a cushioned midsole, but added a unique mesh paneling on the upper for ventilation – both functional and instantly recognizable. Plastic “wings” with eyelets on the sides let wearers customize lacing for support; these winged straps also became a defining aesthetic touch. The shoe’s collar and tongue were well-padded for comfort, and on the heel tab, “Nike Air” branding (on the OG pairs) reminded everyone of its lineage. The AJ4 had a somewhat broader, chunkier silhouette than the III, giving it a sturdy look. Hatfield drew from industrial design cues, evident in the grid mesh and supportive TPU wings. The result was a sneaker that looked fast and fierce, whether in classic Bulls colors or the military blue/grey scheme. Simply put, the Jordan 4’s design merged form and function perfectly – a balance that makes it a favorite to this day.

Key Moments:

If one moment defines the Air Jordan 4, it’s “The Shot.” In the 1989 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan, wearing the Black/Cement IVs, hit a hanging series-clincher at the buzzer over Cleveland – then famously pumped his fist in triumph. That image of MJ in mid-air as the ball swishes through is burned into basketball history (and every Bulls fan’s memory), elevating the AJ4 to legendary status. The shoe was omnipresent during the ’89 season as Jordan continued his scoring onslaught and All-Star dominance. Off the court, the AJ4 had its own star turn: Spike Lee featured a pair of White/Cement IVs in Do The Right Thing (1989), in the scene where Buggin’ Out freaks over his Jordans getting scuffed. That crossover into film – a character literally distraught over someone ruining his fresh Js – showed how revered the sneakers had become in culture. Nike also continued the Mars Blackmon ads for the IV, solidifying the model’s connection with youth and pop culture. Every big shot Mike took in ’89 seemed to happen in a pair of 4s, etching the sneaker into highlight reels and posters forever.

Cultural Impact:

The Jordan 4 helped cement the idea of sneakers as status symbols and cultural artifacts. Its appearance in Do The Right Thing was huge: here was a major film capturing the real emotional bond people had with their Jordans – it validated sneakerhead culture on screen. The phrase “You scuffed my Jordans!” became an inside joke and a very real sentiment for enthusiasts. By 1989, the sight of Nike Air Jordans on city streets from Chicago to Tokyo was common, and the AJ4, being a global release, amplified that. Hip-hop embraced the 4s too; you’d see them on album covers and in music videos as the sneaker game’s hottest flex. The mesh and wings design was so distinctive that even non-sneaker folks started recognizing Jordans by silhouette. For many, the AJ4 was the shoe that turned casual fans into collectors – it struck the perfect balance of style and story. Over the years, its cultural cachet has stayed strong: retros of the IV (like the 1999 and 2012 releases) were met with campouts, and collaborations such as the Eminem “Encore” and Undefeated IV became grail-level pieces, fetching insane aftermarket prices. From the basketball court to Hollywood to the streets, the Jordan 4 left an indelible footprint in culture as a symbol of cool, success, and sneaker obsession.

Legacy:

The Air Jordan 4’s legacy in the sneaker world is secure as one of the all-time greats. It’s a staple of Jordan Brand’s retro lineup – fans eagerly anticipate each re-release of classics like the “Bred” (last retroed in 2019 with OG Nike Air branding) or “White Cement” (retroed in 2016). New colorways and limited editions keep it in the spotlight, too – everything from the “Toro Bravo” red suede 4s to the collaborative UNDFTD olive pair have showcased the model’s versatility. Collaboration-wise, the AJ4 has some of the most coveted partnerships: Eminem’s uber-rare editions, Travis Scott’s “Cactus Jack” 4s, and even a luxe reptilian collab with Pinnacle all speak to its enduring appeal. Sneaker lore is also rich with the AJ4 – for instance, Jordan Brand released a special “Cavs” colorway in 2012 to commemorate The Shot vs. Cleveland, turning a rival team’s colors into a tribute to MJ’s greatness. Little touches like that keep the storytelling alive. In hindsight, the Air Jordan 4 is remembered not just for its on-court pedigree, but for solidifying the Air Jordan line as a cultural force. It proved that the hype of the AJ3 was no fluke – Jordans were here to stay, and each model could bring something new. Decades later, the sight of those mesh panels and heel tabs still gets sneakerheads excited, and the AJ4 continues to influence sneaker design and ignite nostalgia in equal measure.