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Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Check & Finding Your Pair
Introduction
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ is a highly sought-after sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing. Originally a friends-and-family exclusive in 2006 for MJ’s racing team, it saw a wider public release in 2017, much to the delight of sneakerheads. Finding the best price for coveted sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports can save buyers a significant amount of money, making price comparison an essential step before purchasing.
Retailer Comparison
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ was originally released on March 25, 2017, with a retail price of $190 USD. As this release is from several years ago, they are no longer available at standard retail stores like Nike, Foot Locker, or Champs Sports at their original price. Any “new” pairs found at general retailers would be exceptionally rare and likely part of a special consignment or deadstock find, which is uncommon. For practical purposes, these sneakers are now primarily sourced through the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis
The resale market is where most individuals will need to look to acquire the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’. Prices here fluctuate based on condition, size, seller, and platform. Here’s a general overview:
- StockX: Prices for new, authenticated pairs typically range from $350 to $600+, depending heavily on the shoe size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes command higher premiums or, conversely, be slightly cheaper. The platform’s data shows a 52-week high of around $650 and a low near $300.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT are often listed in the $380 to $650+ range. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be found for significantly less, sometimes starting from $200-$300 depending on condition.
- eBay: eBay presents a wider spectrum of prices due to individual sellers. You might find new pairs listed from $330 to $700+. Used pairs can vary even more. eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program for sneakers over a certain price point adds a layer of security.
Factors Affecting Resale Prices:
- 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: Popular sizes (e.g., US 8-11) often have more stable pricing, while less common or highly demanded specific sizes can be more expensive.
- Authenticity & Seller Reputation: Verified authentic pairs from reputable sellers or platforms with authentication services (like StockX, GOAT, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) are priced higher but offer peace of mind.
- Original Box & Accessories: The presence and condition of the original box and any included accessories (like hangtags) can influence the price.
- Market Demand: General sneaker market trends and the specific popularity of this colorway keep prices robust.
Tips for Finding Deals
- Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitor prices for a while; you might catch a dip.
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t limit your search to one site. Check StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment stores or social media sneaker groups (with caution).
- Consider Used Pairs: If you’re okay with shoes that aren’t brand new, opting for a “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) or lightly used pair can save you a significant amount of money. Ensure detailed photos are provided.
- Make Offers/Bids: On platforms like eBay, you can make offers to sellers. On StockX, you can place a bid lower than the current lowest ask and wait for a seller to accept.
- Look for Sales & Promotions: Occasionally, resale platforms might offer discount codes or promotional events, though these are rare for specific high-demand shoes.
- Beware of Scams: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid sellers with little to no feedback, those asking for payment outside secure platforms, or those using blurry/stock photos.
- Factor in Fees: Remember to include shipping costs, sales tax, and platform fees (e.g., StockX processing fee) when comparing final prices.
Authenticity Guide
Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s can be tricky, as replicas are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here are some key areas to inspect:
- Overall Shape and Profile: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct shape. Compare the shoe’s silhouette, especially the toe box and heel, against pictures of confirmed authentic pairs. Fakes often get the “slope” of the toe box wrong or have a bulky heel.
- Stitching Quality: Retail Air Jordans have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a major red flag.
- Material Quality: The leather on the ‘Motorsports’ should feel premium and durable. The mesh netting on the side panels and tongue should be well-defined and made of quality plastic. Cheap-feeling materials are a giveaway.
- Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman logo on the tongue tag should be well-proportioned with clear details. Fingers should be distinct, and the “AIR” lettering beneath should be clean. The stitching should be dense.
- Heel: The Jumpman on the heel tab should also be well-defined and properly embossed/molded.
- Tongue Tag Details: Check the “FLIGHT” script below the Jumpman on the tongue. The font, spacing, and quality are important. On the reverse of the tongue tag, the text should be clear, correctly spelled, and use the right font.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should have clean-cut squares and be properly aligned. On fakes, the netting can be flimsy or misshapen.
- Box and Label: The shoebox itself should be sturdy. The label on the box should have the correct font, sizing information, style code (308497-117 for the 2017 Motorsports), and barcode. Mismatched or poorly printed labels are a warning sign.
- Smell: Authentic Nike shoes often have a specific factory glue smell. A strong, overwhelming chemical odor can indicate a replica.
- Insole: Check the printing on the insole. The logo should be crisp. Sometimes, the type of insole material or stitching underneath can also be an indicator.
When in doubt, refer to online legit check guides with detailed comparison photos or use a professional authentication service before purchasing from less reputable sources.
Conclusion
So, you want the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports? These are cool shoes, but they came out a while ago, so they cost more now than when they first sold in stores. You’ll usually find them on websites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay. It’s smart to look at prices on all these sites to find the best one. Be very careful to make sure you’re getting real ones, not fakes; look closely at pictures and how they are made. If you search carefully and are patient, you might find a good deal and be really happy with your new Jordans!
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