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Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Comparison and Deals Guide
Introduction: The Legend of the Motorsports 4s
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsport’ was originally created for Michael Jordan’s Motorsports racing team back in 2006. It was a highly exclusive pair, gifted to the 16 members of the team. In 2017, a general release version, slightly different from the original, hit the shelves, delighting sneakerheads with its clean white, black, and game royal blue colorway. Finding the best deal on coveted sneakers like these can save you a significant amount of money, as prices can vary wildly depending on where you look. A little research goes a long way in the sneaker game, especially for a pair with such a unique backstory.
Retailer Comparison: Where to Look (and What to Expect)
Since the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsport’ was released in March 2017 with a retail price of $190, finding them at original retail price from authorized Nike retailers like Foot Locker or Finish Line is now virtually impossible. These sneakers have long sold out from primary retailers. Therefore, your main avenues for purchasing a pair will be resale marketplaces. While you won’t find them at standard retail, understanding the original price point helps contextualize current market values.
Resale Market Analysis: Navigating the Aftermarket
The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsport’ predominantly trades. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.
- StockX: As of late 2023 / early 2024, prices for new (deadstock) pairs typically range from around $380 to $550+, depending heavily on the shoe size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes deviate from this range. The platform authenticates sneakers, adding a layer of security.
- GOAT: GOAT offers both new and used pairs. New pairs are often priced similarly to StockX, perhaps $400 to $600+. Used pairs can vary significantly based on condition, starting from around $250 for well-worn pairs up to $400+ for pairs in near-new condition. GOAT also has an authentication process.
- eBay: eBay presents the widest range of prices and conditions. You might find new pairs listed anywhere from $350 to $600+, and used pairs can be found for less. eBay has an “Authenticity Guarantee” program for many sneaker sales, which helps, but buyers should still be diligent.
Factors Affecting Resale Prices:
- Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn, with original box) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs decrease in value based on wear and tear.
- Size: More common sizes (e.g., US 8-11) often have more stable pricing, while less common or highly demanded sizes can be more expensive.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms fetch higher prices.
- Market Fluctuations: Sneaker prices can change based on trends, re-releases of similar colorways, or influencer endorsements.
Tips for Finding Deals:
Securing the best price on Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ requires patience and strategy:
- Monitor Prices: Keep an eye on listings across multiple platforms. Prices can fluctuate.
- Consider Used: If you don’t mind pre-owned, lightly used pairs can offer significant savings. Ensure you see detailed photos of the actual pair.
- Look for Offers/Bids: On platforms like eBay, you might be able to negotiate with sellers or win auctions at a lower price.
- Local Sneaker Groups/Consignment Shops: Sometimes local sneaker communities or consignment stores offer better deals as they might avoid platform fees. Exercise caution and ensure authenticity.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Prices: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average, it’s often a red flag for a counterfeit product or a scam.
- Factor in Fees: Remember to include platform fees, shipping costs, and potential import duties if buying internationally.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Motorsports
Counterfeits are a major issue in the sneaker world. Here are some general tips for spotting fake Air Jordan 4s (specific details can vary, always compare with known authentic pairs):
- Box and Label: Check the box quality, color, and the information on the label (style code, size, UPC). Fonts should be correct and crisp. The style code for the Air Jordan 4 Motorsport (2017) is 308497-117.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Messy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a common sign of a fake.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. The proportions of the Jumpman should be correct, and the stitching around the tag should be clean.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be properly cut and aligned. On fakes, it might be too thin, too wide, or poorly attached.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-defined and embossed correctly. The shape and material of the tab itself are also important.
- Overall Shape and Profile: Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of the Air Jordan 4. Fakes often get the toe box shape, height, or overall stance wrong.
- Smell: Authentic Nike shoes have a particular factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical or glue smell.
- Insole: Check the printing quality of the logo on the insole and the material of the insole itself.
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: Using platforms with authentication services (like StockX or GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) significantly reduces the risk.
When in doubt, consult online legit check guides specific to the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsport’ or seek opinions from trusted sneaker communities.
Conclusion: Are They Worth It?
The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports are super cool shoes that lots of people really want. They came out a while ago, in 2017, so you can’t buy them in regular shoe stores now. You have to find them from special sellers online. The price can change a lot based on the shoe’s size and if it’s brand new or used. It’s really important to make sure you’re getting real ones and not fakes. So, look around at different places to find a good price before you decide to buy these awesome sneakers.
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