Air Jordan 4 Bordeaux: The Good, The Bad, and The Honest Truth
The sneaker world is buzzing again, and this time it’s about the Air Jordan 4 Bordeaux. After wearing these kicks for two weeks straight, I’m ready to share my unfiltered thoughts. No sugar-coating here—just real talk about what works and what doesn’t with these new Jordans.
First Impressions Matter
Opening the box, I was hit with that classic Jordan smell (sneakerheads know exactly what I’m talking about). The rich wine-colored leather—officially called “Bordeaux”—makes these shoes stand out immediately. Not too loud, not too quiet. Just right.
The color is mature. Different. A welcome change from the usual suspects in my collection. It pairs surprisingly well with jeans, khakis, and even some shorts. Versatility points earned.
Quality Check
Let’s talk construction. The leather quality is… decent. Not the premium feel of older Jordans, but certainly better than some recent releases. There’s minimal glue staining around the midsole—a common issue with mass-produced sneakers these days.
The stitching is clean throughout. No loose threads or uneven lines. The iconic mesh on the side panels sits flush against the upper. Small details matter when you’re dropping $200+ on footwear.
Comfort Level: Mixed Feelings
Here’s where things get complicated. The Air Jordan 4 was never designed as a comfort shoe. That’s the honest truth. These aren’t your modern ultralight, cloud-walking sneakers.
After a full day of wear, my feet felt it. The Air unit in the heel does its job, but the forefoot lacks cushioning. Breaking them in helps somewhat, but don’t expect miracle comfort transformations.
For casual wear? Fine. For all-day standing or walking? You might want to look elsewhere.
The Bordeaux Color: Hit or Miss?
The wine-inspired shade is the main selling point here. It’s different from the typical red Jordans we’ve seen before. More subtle. More grown-up.
But it also presents a challenge: matching. The Bordeaux tone isn’t quite burgundy, isn’t quite purple. It sits somewhere in between, making color coordination slightly tricky.
That said, it’s this uniqueness that makes these shoes special. They stand out in a collection without screaming for attention.
Durability Concerns
Two weeks isn’t enough to fully judge longevity, but I’ve noticed the color is sensitive to scuffs. The lighter-colored midsole shows dirt quickly, requiring regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh.
The nubuck portions need careful handling—water spots show easily on this material. A good protector spray is a must-have accessory for these.
The Bottom Line
Are the Air Jordan 4 Bordeaux worth adding to your collection? If you’re a Jordan fan looking for something different without going extreme, yes. The colorway offers a nice balance between statement and subtlety.
If you’re seeking ultimate comfort or worry-free durability, you might want to think twice.
Price-wise, they sit at the standard Jordan 4 point—expensive, but in line with what we’ve come to expect.
My final take? A solid 7.5/10. Not the greatest Jordan 4 ever made, not the worst. Just an honest, good-looking sneaker with some minor flaws that most fans can live with.
What’s your take on the Bordeaux colorway? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear if they’ve made it into your rotation or if you’re passing on these.
