The Air Jordan 4 was born on February 1, 1989, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Created for Michael Jordan's NBA championship season, it introduced for the first time the breathable mesh, the lateral "wings" panels, and the translucent TPU midsole. At MTHOR Shop, you get access to the full Air Jordan 4 range — OG retros, Travis Scott, Eminem and Off-White collaborations — every pair authenticated and shipped Europe-wide in 2 to 8 business days, with 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay.

Air Jordan 4: the sneaker that redefined the Jordan signature

When Tinker Hatfield took over from Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore on the Jordan project, he knew he had to push beyond the AJ3. For the 4, he designed the first basketball sneaker to feature a visible Air window, rounded plastic eyelets, and that leather structure connected by lateral straps that became the model's instant visual signature. The AJ4 was also the first Jordan distributed worldwide on launch, marking Jordan's transition from American icon to global phenomenon.

On court, Michael Jordan wore the AJ4 during "The Shot" — his game-winning buzzer-beater against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1989 playoffs — an image etched into NBA memory. Off court, Spike Lee featured it in the film Do The Right Thing the same year, anchoring the shoe in hip-hop, streetwear and cinema culture simultaneously.

The story of an icon: the colorways that defined the AJ4

Five original colorways dropped in 1989: White/Cement (which became White Cement), Black/Cement, Fire Red, Military Blue, and Bred (Black/Red). Each has been retro'd multiple times — 1999, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2020 — every retro generating frenzy among collectors.

The 2010-2020 period was marked by an explosion of collabs: Eminem signed the ultra-rare "Encore" friends-and-family in 2017, Travis Scott delivered the "Cactus Jack" Olive in 2018, then the Purple Cactus Jack in 2020 and the Lightning Friends-and-Family. Off-White and Virgil Abloh dropped the Sail / Black Sail double pack in 2020, instantly becoming one of the most coveted pairs of the decade.

On the women's side, the Seafoam, Vivid Sulfur, Frozen Moments and Pink Foam (also released in GS) iterations put the AJ4 back at the center of the women's sneaker game. The 2025 OG reissues — Bred Reimagined, White Cement Reimagined — cement its status as a timeless classic.

A visual signature recognizable among all

Three elements make the AJ4 instantly identifiable. First, the "wings" — those lateral triangular panels that hold the laces; they are stamped "Flight" on OG models and "Air Jordan" on certain retros. Second, the rounded plastic "speckle eyestays" that replace classic metal eyelets. Third, the visible Air unit in the heel, inherited from the AJ3 but reworked with a more pronounced lateral opening and a semi-transparent TPU midsole that exposes the cushioning mechanics.

The lateral breathable mesh, Hatfield's signature, allows the shoe to breathe during a game — a revolution in 1989 when nearly all basketball shoes were full leather. This technical detail directly inspired a decade of Jordan design and the majority of modern basketball sneakers.

The iconic models in the collection

Our selection covers OG retro colorways, limited editions, and all modern collaborations:

• OG retros: Bred (Black/Red), White Cement, Black Cat, Fire Red, Military Blue, Cool Grey, Thunder, Lightning, Toro Bravo, Pine Green, University Blue, Red Thunder, Industrial Blue, Frozen Moments, Yellow Thunder.
• Travis Scott collabs: Cactus Jack Olive (2018), Purple Cactus Jack (2020), Cactus Jack Lightning Friends & Family.
• Off-White x Virgil Abloh: Sail (2020), Black Sail (2020), Bred (2017).
• Eminem Encore: friends-and-family 2017, one of the rarest Air Jordan 4s in history.
• Women & GS: Seafoam (WMNS), Vivid Sulfur (WMNS), Pink Foam (WMNS & GS), Shimmer (WMNS).
• Hybrids & PS: Air Jordan 4 RM remastered 2024-2025, PS (kids) declensions on the major colorways.

Why buy your Air Jordan 4 at MTHOR Shop

MTHOR Shop specializes in authenticated premium sneakers. Every pair of Air Jordan 4 we ship goes through a strict verification protocol: UV inspection of glue and materials, microscope observation of stitching, comparison of the inner tag with manufacturer references, verification of the "wings" and eyelets, authentication seal before packaging. Your pair arrives in its original box, with all accessories, and an MTHOR certificate.

For shipping, you receive your order in 2 to 8 business days anywhere in Europe via DHL Express or Chronopost, with mandatory signature on delivery. Customs fees are covered by MTHOR Shop for all EU shipments. You have 14 days to make a return if the pair doesn't meet your expectations. 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay is available right at checkout without complications. Our French customer service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm to support you before and after your purchase.

FAQ — Air Jordan 4

1. How can I verify the authenticity of an Air Jordan 4?
On an authentic pair, the "wings" are perfectly symmetrical, the eyelets are hard plastic without burrs, the inner tag shows the correct size with the official color code and date of manufacture, and the lateral mesh has a regular weave. The TPU midsole must be translucent without bubbles. All Air Jordan 4 sold on MTHOR Shop are authenticated via UV lamp, microscope and reference comparison before sealed shipment.

2. What size should I take for an Air Jordan 4?
The AJ4 fits true to your usual Nike size. If you typically size up half a size for comfort, take your usual size; the lateral mesh provides comfortable elasticity. For women in GS (Grade School), generally count one and a half size below the EU adult size.

3. How long does MTHOR delivery take for an Air Jordan 4?
2 to 8 business days in Europe via DHL Express or Chronopost, mandatory signature on delivery. Customs fees are included for EU countries. A tracking notification is sent at every stage of the shipment.

4. Can I pay for my Air Jordan 4 in installments?
Yes, 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay, available right at checkout without paperwork or complications. Validation conditions are to be checked directly with the payment partner.

5. What are the rarest Air Jordan 4s in 2026?
The AJ4 Eminem Encore (2017) remains the most sought-after friends-and-family. The Travis Scott Cactus Jack Purple and Lightning F&F are also extremely scarce. The Off-White Sail and Black Sail (2020) reach high prices on the secondary market. MTHOR Shop lists pairs in stock as we authenticate them.

6. What's the difference between AJ4 OG, retro, Reimagined and RM?
OG are the 1989 versions. Retros are the later reissues (1999, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2019, 2020). Reimagined (2024-2025) are premium reissues with upgraded materials and special box. RM (Remastered) integrate higher-end material choices while keeping the original silhouette.

Going further

Also discover our Air Jordan selection, the Nike mother collection, and the original silhouette Air Jordan 1. To verify a pair's authenticity, see our dedicated authentication page and our how to recognize a real pair of sneakers guide.