Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Comparison and Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ is a highly sought-after sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing. Originally gifted to the 16 members of MJ’s racing team in 2006, a slightly altered version was released to the public in 2017, making it a significant piece for collectors and fans alike. Finding the best price for such a popular shoe requires a bit of research, as costs can vary significantly across different sellers.

Retailer Comparison

Originally, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ retailed for around $190 when it was released to the public in 2017. However, as a highly coveted model, it sold out quickly at traditional retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, and Champs Sports. Currently, you won’t find these sneakers sitting on shelves at standard retail stores for their original price. The primary way to acquire them now is through the resale market, as they are no longer in production or stocked by mainstream retailers.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ truly lives today. Prices here are driven by supply, demand, condition, and size. Here’s a general look at what you might expect on popular platforms (prices are approximate and can fluctuate daily):

StockX: Prices for a new, authenticated pair typically range from $350 to $550+, depending on the shoe size. More common sizes might hover in the mid-$400s, while less common or highly demanded sizes can push the price higher.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT can range from $380 to $600+. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can provide a more affordable option, starting from around $200+ depending heavily on condition and size.
eBay: eBay presents a wider spectrum of prices due to individual sellers. You might find new pairs listed anywhere from $300 to $600+. Used pairs vary even more. Authenticity can be a bigger concern on eBay, so purchasing from sellers with “Authenticity Guarantee” is highly recommended.

Factors affecting these prices include:

Condition: Deadstock (DS) or brand new in box (BNIB) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, with the price decreasing based on wear and tear.
Size: Very common sizes and very rare (small or large) sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to specific demand.
Authenticity Guarantee: Platforms like StockX and GOAT, and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service, provide peace of mind and can influence pricing.
Seller Reputation: Established sellers with positive feedback may price items slightly higher.

Tips for Finding Deals

Finding a “deal” on a hyped sneaker like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is relative, but here are some tips:

Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can vary between StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even local consignment stores or sneaker groups.
Consider Used Condition: If you plan to wear the shoes and don’t need them to be pristine, buying a pair in good used condition can save you a significant amount. Look for “VNDS” (Very Near Deadstock) or pairs with minimal wear.
Be Patient & Monitor Prices: Sneaker prices fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, watch the prices for a while. Sometimes, prices dip slightly.
Check Seller Ratings & Reviews: Especially on eBay, buy from reputable sellers with a strong history of positive feedback and authentic items.
Look for “Best Offer” Options: Some sellers on eBay allow you to make an offer, which could lead to a lower price.
Factor in Fees: Remember to include authentication fees, shipping costs, and potential sales tax when comparing final prices across platforms.
Local Sneaker Groups/Meetups: Sometimes you can find better deals locally by avoiding platform fees, but be extra cautious about authenticity.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Motorsports

The Air Jordan 4 is a commonly counterfeited shoe. Here are some general pointers to help you spot fakes (for the 2017 release, style code 308497-117):

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or overall stance wrong. Compare with confirmed real pairs online.
Stitching Quality: Nike’s quality control is generally high. Look for neat, consistent, and even stitching. Sloppy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a major red flag.
Tongue Tag: The Jumpman logo and “Flight” script on the tongue tag should be crisp and well-defined. The stitching around the tag itself should be clean. The proportions of the Jumpman are often off on fakes.
Heel Tab & Jumpman Logo: The Jumpman logo on the plastic heel tab should be cleanly molded and well-proportioned. The pull tab itself should be sturdy.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and lower tongue should be correctly angled and feel like quality material, not flimsy.
Midsole Paint Job: Paint lines should be clean and sharp. Messy paint application or bleeding colors can indicate a fake.
Box and Label: The box should be sturdy, with correct colors and branding. The label on the box should have accurate information (style code, size, barcode, colorway name). Font and spacing errors are common on fake boxes.
Smell: Authentic sneakers have a particular factory smell. Counterfeits often have a strong, overpowering chemical or glue smell due to cheaper materials.
Insole Details: Check the print quality of the Nike Air logo or Jumpman on the insole. It shouldn’t rub off easily.
“Wings”: The plastic lace crowns (wings) should be firm and well-attached.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to get a legit check from a reputable online sneaker community or authentication service before purchasing, especially from individual sellers.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports are really cool shoes. They cost a lot of money now because many people want them. To find a good price, look at different places that sell them. It’s very, very important to make sure you are buying real ones, not fake ones. So, take your time and be careful when you pick out these awesome sneakers.

“`