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And as we know now, Mr. Hatfield and Nike have more than mastered this task. The Nike Air Jordan 4 started exactly where the Air Jordan 3 left off: establishing the Air Jordan series as the coolest and most important sneakers on the planet. Countless fanatics have already come to love and appreciate it, and they can’t seem to imagine the sneaker scene without this one-off. To stay up to date with the latest news on this iconic sneaker, be sure to download our free Grailify app!

Nike Air Jordan 4 - The Basics about the Legend

The AJ4 was originally released in 1989 and debuted in four colourways, which were released throughout the year. These were strongly inspired by the colour schemes of the predecessor, which is why there are clear parallels to them. Accordingly, we got to see two white-based Bulls colourways known as White/Cement and Fire Red, among others. In addition, the Black/Cement and Military Blue versions were also dropped at that time. These OG colourways looked simply wonderful and take you right back to the '80s.

Nike Air Jordan 4 - A Big Challenge

Living up to the expectations after the gigantic Air Jordan 3 was no doubt anything but easy. But if anyone was up to the task, it was certainly none other than Tinker Hatfield. And one thing we can tell you is that he did a damn good job! The design of the fourth model is not all that different from the Air Jordan 3, because it also relies on a medium height and a visible Air-Sole. However, the Nike Air Jordan 4 is made even lighter and more streamlined than its popular predecessor. The absolute recognisable feature is the grid on the tongue and the side panels of the shoe. Of course, the unique lacing system with the unmistakable "Wings" is not to be missed, which is supposed to provide even better stability. This was actually the birth of the "Flight" concept in the Air Jordan series!

Hardly Any New Technology and Yet Such a Success?

The Air Jordan 4 has not introduced any innovative technology, but that wasn't absolutely necessary in the first place. Everything about the AJ4 is already highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. As already mentioned, the sneaker is designed in the typical mid-top style and equipped with the proven, visible Air-Sole. However, with the AJ4, additional air is placed in the front area of the shoe to offer improved support. The special Wings lacing system also provides several eyelets for maximum customisation. Furthermore, a large pull loop promises an especially easy slip into the sneaker. With the introduction of the Bred colourway on the AJ4, the soft nubuck leather has been used more and more and should therefore also find its place on other models.

Michael Jordan Again as the Perfect Marketer of the Nike Air Jordan 4

As it is usual for the Air Jordan series, its legendary namesake was responsible for a lot of hype with the model. During the 1988–89 NBA season, MJ accordingly wore his latest model and was able to achieve his best season to date during this period. It turned out to be a while before the Chicago Bulls finally dominated the court, but that didn't change the popularity of the Air Jordan 4 and its wearer.

Especially in the playoffs, Michael managed to showcase the sneaker better than ever. We are talking about the epic game-winning moment in the fifth game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jordan landed the decisive shot in the final seconds of the match and silenced the entire arena — a legendary shot that would go down in the NBA history books and usher in the era of the Chicago Bulls. Constant companions during this epic moment were, of course, Michael's Nike Air Jordan 4, which were able to set the scene for this incredible hit better than any other sneaker!

All these unforgettable images finally earned a spot for the Air Jordan 4 in the sneaker world and prepared a golden future for it. We've already been treated to a lot of sexy releases, and it's all thanks to Jordan himself. May many more colourways be given to us!