The Jordan 4 - A Deep Dive
When it comes to sneakers, there are few that enjoy the cult-like following of the Jordan 4. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1989, the Jordan 4 has been retroed by Nike numerous times over the last 30 years - and each release has been highly anticipated (and often sold out) among sneakerheads. But what is it about this particular sneaker that makes it so popular? In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the history and design of the Jordan 4 - and explore why this shoe continues to be one of the most sought-after sneakers on the market.
Photo By: Will Breen
Tinker Hatfield's Encore
Tinker Hatfield is a legendary Nike designer, and as the mastermind behind the iconic Air Jordan 3, he became an even more renowned figure in the world of sneakers. His creative design for the Jordan 3 whipped up a revolution in the industry and propelled him to be one of Nike's most revered designers ever. It's no surprise then that Nike tapped him to help design its newest model, demonstrating their faith in his ability to create something remarkable yet again. The design of the Jordan 4 is one of the pinnacles of Tinker’s accomplishments.Jordan 4 and "The Shot"
Michael Jordan's game 5 buzzer-beater against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs is an iconic moment in basketball history. The 'Shot' has since immortalized MJ's once-in-a-lifetime talent and clutch moments. Of course, one can't deny the impact of his fashion at the time, particularly the famous Bred Jordan 4s that he was rocking when he hit the shot. That’s why for many years after, people clamored for limited Jordans as a tribute to MJ's greatness.Collabs
Jordan 4 sneakers have witnessed a resurgence of cool after Nike’s collaborations with various celebrities and popular streetwear brands. Notable partnerships include Off-White, by Virgil Abloh; A Ma Maniere, an Atlanta-based luxury boutique; and Wahlburgers restaurant group co-owned by Mark Wahlberg. The different renditions show how resurgences in sneaker culture can make classic models look completely different, yet still achieve widespread acclaim. These collaborations are sure to maintain the reputation of the Jordan 4 model for years to come. Photo By: Will Breen
The Jordan 4 Doesn't Get Old
The Jordan 4 has become a classic over time and is popular among sneakerheads and casual fans. This iconic sneaker has been retroed many times since its original debut back in 1989. It only seems to be gaining in popularity as well; with every new re-release of the shoe, they keep flying off the shelves. It's definitely one of the most recognizable silhouettes throughout the entire history of shoes thanks to its unique design and features such as airbag cushioning, mesh side paneling, visible air sole unit, and of course that unmistakable ‘wings’ which give this classic shoe its signature style.Feature Photo By: Daniel Go
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