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The Hunt for Air Jordan 4 Pure Money: A Price Guide
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Pure Money’ originally graced the sneaker world in 2006, with a highly anticipated retro release in 2017. This iconic sneaker is renowned for its crisp, all-white leather upper complemented by metallic silver accents on the eyelets and Jumpman branding. Finding the best price for sought-after sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Pure Money can save you a significant amount of money, especially as they are no longer available at standard retail prices.
Retailer Price Check: Then and Now
When the Air Jordan 4 Pure Money last released in 2017, its retail price was approximately $190 USD. However, as a highly coveted and older release, you won’t find these sneakers sitting on the shelves of major retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, or Finish Line at their original price. They are long sold out through official channels.
This means your primary route to copping a pair is the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis: What to Expect
The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 Pure Money truly lives now. Prices can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Platform:
- StockX: As of late 2023 / early 2024, prices for new (deadstock) pairs typically range from $450 to $700+ depending on size. StockX authenticates every pair, which provides peace of mind.
- GOAT: Similar pricing to StockX for new pairs, often with options for used pairs at slightly lower prices (e.g., $300-$500 for good condition used). GOAT also offers authentication.
- eBay: Prices can be more varied. You might find a deal, but authentication is crucial (eBay now offers an authenticity guarantee on many sneaker sales). Expect prices from $350 (for used or less popular sizes) to over $700 for new pairs.
- Size: More common sizes (US 8-11) often fetch higher prices due to greater demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be cheaper, or conversely, rarer and more expensive.
- Condition: Brand new (deadstock) with the original box will always be the most expensive. Used pairs will vary based on wear and tear, presence of original box, and overall cleanliness.
- Authenticity & Seller Reputation: Verified authentic pairs from reputable sellers or platforms with strong authentication processes command higher prices.
- Hype and Demand: As a classic and clean colorway, demand for the Pure Money 4s remains consistently high, keeping prices elevated.
Tips for Finding Deals (and Avoiding Scams)
Looking for the best possible price? Here are some tips:
- Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set alerts for specific sizes and desired price points. You’ll be notified if a seller lists a pair at or below your target.
- Consider “Used” or “Very Near Deadstock (VNDS)”: If you’re okay with a pair that’s been tried on or worn lightly, you can often save a considerable amount. Ensure you see detailed, clear photos of the actual pair.
- Be Patient: Prices can fluctuate. Sometimes waiting, especially outside of major hype periods (which is less of a factor for an older release like this), can pay off.
- Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely on just one source. Compare prices across StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment stores or social media marketplace groups (with extreme caution for the latter).
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average (e.g., $150 for a “new” pair), it’s a major red flag for fakes or scams.
- Buy From Reputable Sources: Stick to well-known platforms with buyer protection and robust authentication services. Read seller reviews carefully.
- Use Secure Payment: Always use payment methods that offer buyer protection, like PayPal Goods & Services or credit cards. Avoid direct bank transfers or apps like Zelle with unknown sellers.
Spotting Fakes: Your Authenticity Checklist
With high prices come the counterfeiters. The Air Jordan 4 is a frequently replicated model. Here’s a quick guide to help you spot fake Air Jordan 4 Pure Money sneakers:
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the authentic silhouette from official images or trusted sources. Fakes often have a clunky or misshapen toe box, incorrect heel shape, or a “widow’s peak” on the toe cap that is too pronounced or poorly cut.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic pairs have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Messy, uneven, frayed, or loose threads are red flags.
- Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: Check the Jumpman. Look for clean lines, correct proportions (no “lollipop” head, skinny arms, or undefined fingers). The “Flight” script underneath should be clear and well-defined.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman here should also be well-defined with metallic silver finish. Poorly molded or painted logos are suspect.
- Tongue Tag Details: On the reverse of the tongue tag, the “AIR JORDAN” lettering should be crisp and correctly spaced. The font and stitching quality matter.
- Material Quality: The white leather on genuine Pure Money 4s should feel premium and relatively soft. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer, or plastic-like leather. The metallic silver eyelets should be cleanly finished.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be correctly angled (often diagonally) and have a quality feel. On fakes, the netting might be too stiff, flimsy, or the holes improperly sized or shaped.
- Midsole and Outsole: Check for paint job quality on the midsole. The star pattern on the toe of the outsole should be well-defined. The Jumpman on the outsole should be clear.
- Box and Label: The box should be the correct style for the 2017 release. The box label should have correct fonts, spacing, and SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) number (308497-100). Misspellings or sloppy printing are bad signs.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory glue smell. A strong, overpowering, or unusual chemical odor can indicate a fake.
When in doubt, use professional authentication services (many resale platforms offer this) or compare extensively with known authentic pairs online, focusing on high-resolution images and videos from reputable reviewers.
Final Thoughts on Your Pure Money Purchase
The Air Jordan 4 Pure Money is a super cool, all-white shoe. But it can cost a lot of money because many people want it. It’s smart to look for good prices on safe websites where they check if shoes are real. You might save money if you buy shoes that someone wore just a little bit. Always try to make sure your shoes are the real deal and not fakes. Then you can be happy with your awesome new kicks!
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