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. Here, we’ll take a look at the top 20 best Air Jordan 4 colourways of all time.
1. Air Jordan 4 Retro “Bred”
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. Boasting a timeless black and red colourway, originally released in 1989, it’s become a coveted sneaker among collectors.
2. Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue”
One of the best sneakers of 2024, this OG colorway hasn’t dropped since 2012, and the wait was worth it. From the white leather upper to the military blue accents and Nike Air branding, this pair is a must-have for any Jordan enthusiast.
3. Air Jordan 4 “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
4. Air Jordan 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.
5. Air Jordan 4 “11Lab4 Red”
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.
6. Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 NRG “Denim”
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.
7. Union x Air Jordan 4 “Guava Ice”
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.
8. Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail”
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.
9. 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. Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat”
This Jordan 4 features a black nubuck suede upper with corresponding accents, complemented by black hardware, netting, and outsoles.
11. Air Jordan 4 Retro “Doernbecher”
Isiah Scott’s Superman AJ4s are widely regarded as one of the best designs from Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle Program. The style has black uppers with laser detailing, neon green accents, and, of course, the Superman logo front and centre on the tongue.
12. Undefeated x Air Jordan 4
Undefeated was the first Jordan collaborator to put their own spin on the Jordan 4 silhouette (or any Jordan model for that matter). Back in 2005, the brand drew inspiration from Mike’s green and orange MA-1 flight jacket and combined those colours into an unforgettable sneaker look.
13. Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green”
The Nike SB Jordan 4 is widely regarded as one of the best sneaker collabs of 2023. The look adds skate-ready accents to a white leather Jordan 4 with grey suede mudguards and green accents. These may just be a modern classic.
14. Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red”
The “Fire Red” colourway has long been a favourite in the Air Jordan 4 lineup. Probably because it’s hard to fault the sneaker’s simple yet stylish white, black, and red colour combo.
15. Air Jordan 4 “Thunder”
Jordan Brand introduced the “Thunder” and “Lightning” colourways to the Jordan 4 silhouette back in 2006. While the yellow “Lightning” pair definitely brings a pop of colour, the black “Thunder” design is the more versatile (and therefore more wearable) of the two.
16. Air Jordan 4 “Bred Reimagined”
Sure, this is technically just a repeat of the famed “Bred” colourway, but materials make all the difference. The “Reimagined” edition sports leather uppers in place of the standard nubuck. Some fans even prefer the all-leather uppers to the original look.
17. KAWS x Air Jordan 4
Artist and designer Brian Donnelly didn’t mess around when it came to his 2017 Jordan 4 collab. He paired embossed suede uppers (covered in KAWS’ signature Mickey Mouse-esque hands) with hairy suede quarter panels and glow-in-the-dark outsoles. The design is still regarded as one of the best Jordan 4 collaborations of all time.
18. Air Jordan 4 “Pure Money”
There’s nothing cleaner than a pair of all-white sneakers. The Jumpman team delivered a classic look with the “Pure Money” Jordan 4s. The sneaker sports white leather uppers with hits of Chrome on the eyelets and heel branding. Sure, you might need to double up on the cleaning, but it’s all worth it.
19. Air Jordan 4 “Cool Grey”
The “Cool Grey” is a fan-fav colourway, so adding it to the Jordan 4 silhouette just makes sense. These kicks were released in 2004 and feature the slightest hint of yellow on the branding and air unit in the sole. It’s a simple but stylish look you can’t really go wrong with.
20. Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4 “Black Chrome”
Eminem teamed with workwear brand Carhartt and the Jumpman Label to conceive these extremely exclusive Jordan 4s in 2015. The kicks are covered in Carhartt’s signature canvas material and feature Eminem’s hockey mask and E logos on the heel. A limited number of pairs were auctioned off on eBay, while the rest made it into the hands of Eminem’s close friends and family. It’s still a grail among many sneakerheads even today. To learn more about other amazing Air Jordan 4 sneakers, visit: 23 Jumpman Street
