Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Nailing the Best Price & Dodging Fakes

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ was originally created in 2006 for the Michael Jordan Motorsports racing team, making it an exclusive pair not available to the public. A retro release in 2017 finally brought the iconic colorway to the public, featuring a premium white leather upper with Varsity Blue and Black accents. Comparing prices is crucial for sneaker enthusiasts to ensure they get the best value for their money, especially for sought-after models like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports, as prices can vary significantly across different platforms and sellers.

Retail Price vs. Current Market

When the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ (2017 retro) was released, its retail price was typically around $190 USD. However, as this model is no longer available directly from primary retailers like Nike or Foot Locker at its original price, we must look at the resale market to understand current pricing.

It’s important to note that finding these “new” from a traditional retailer at the original price is highly unlikely today. Most new pairs are found on resale platforms.

Resale Market Deep Dive

The resale market is where most sneakerheads will find the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports today. Prices here are dynamic and influenced by several factors:

StockX: Prices for a new (deadstock) pair typically range from $350 to $550+ depending on size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes command higher premiums. The average sale price hovers around $400-$450 for common sizes.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs often fall in the $380 to $600+ range. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be a more affordable option, often starting from $200+ depending on condition and size.
eBay: Prices on eBay vary widely. You might find new pairs listed from $300 to $600+, and used pairs can be found for less. Authenticity can be a bigger concern here, so buying from reputable sellers with strong feedback and utilizing eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program (where available) is crucial.

Factors influencing resale price:

Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn, with original box) commands the highest price. Used pairs vary based on wear and tear – photos and detailed descriptions are key.
Size: Common sizes (US 8-11) tend to have more availability but also high demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be pricier due to scarcity.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from platforms like StockX and GOAT (or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) are generally trusted and priced accordingly.
Seller Reputation: Established sellers with positive feedback can often ask for slightly more due to the trust they’ve built.
Market Hype & Scarcity: As a popular and relatively limited colorway, its value holds well and can fluctuate with overall sneaker market trends and demand.

Score Your Kicks: Tips for Finding Deals

Be Patient: Sneaker prices fluctuate. Monitor listings over time if you’re not in a rush.
Consider Used: If you don’t mind pre-worn, you can save significantly. Look for pairs in good condition (e.g., “VNDS” – Very Near Deadstock or 9/10 condition).
Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely on just one source. Compare prices across StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment shops or social media groups (with caution).
Look for Sales/Offers: While rare for highly sought-after pairs, some platforms or sellers might run occasional promotions or accept best offers.
Negotiate (Where Possible): On platforms like eBay, some sellers are open to offers below their asking price.
Buy from Reputable Sellers: Prioritize sellers with high ratings, positive reviews, and clear photos to avoid scams and ensure authenticity.
Factor in Fees: Remember to include platform fees (buyer premiums), shipping costs, and potential import duties/taxes in your total cost calculation.

Spotting Fakes: Your Authenticity Checklist

Ensuring you’re buying an authentic pair of Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is crucial. Fakes have become increasingly sophisticated. Here are key areas to inspect:

Overall Shape & Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of an Air Jordan 4. Fakes often have a clunky or misshapen toe box, incorrect panel cuts, or a “widow’s peak” on the toe cap that is too pronounced or poorly shaped.
Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Messy, loose, double, or uneven stitching, especially around panels and the midsole, is a red flag.
Materials: The 2017 Motorsports features quality white leather. Fakes might use cheaper, plastic-feeling materials that crease unnaturally. The netting on the side panels and tongue should be firm, well-defined, and angled correctly.
Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script – it should be clean, sharp, and correctly spaced. The Jumpman logo on the tongue should have well-defined fingers, shoe laces, and proportions (no “lollipop” head or overly thin/fat limbs). The stitching around the tag should be precise.
Heel Tab Jumpman: The Jumpman logo on the heel should be well-molded with clear details, not blurry or poorly defined. Its placement and proportions are key. The “AIR” lettering beneath it should be crisp.
Box and Label: The box should be sturdy, with correct colors and printing quality. The label details (style code, size, barcode, colorway name) should match the shoe and be free of spelling errors or fuzzy printing. The style code for the 2017 Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is 308497-117.
Sole Details: The star pattern on the toe of the outsole should be sharp and well-defined. The Jumpman logo on the outsole should be clean. The paint application on the midsole should be neat.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory smell. A strong chemical or overwhelming glue smell can indicate a fake.
Price: If a deal seems too good to be true for a new pair (e.g., significantly below the $300 mark), it almost certainly is a fake.

When in doubt, use online legit check services or compare your potential purchase with photos and videos of confirmed authentic pairs from reputable sources and sneaker reviewers.

Final Thoughts: Getting Your Motorsports

The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports are cool shoes! They cost a lot now, maybe $350 to $600 or even more. This is much more than when they first came out. You can find them on websites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay. Always check if they are real shoes and not fakes. Look closely at how they are sewn and the little Jumpman picture. Be careful and buy from good sellers who people trust. If you look hard and are patient, you might find a good deal. Happy shoe hunting!

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