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Air Jordan 4 Ginger: Unpacking Price & Finding Your Pair
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Ginger’ takes inspiration from rugged workwear, featuring a premium leather upper entirely finished in a rich wheat color. Released back in October 2016, this distinctive colorway has become a sought-after item for collectors and casual wearers alike. Understanding the price landscape is crucial for collectors and enthusiasts looking to add this coveted pair to their rotation without overpaying.
Retailer Comparison: A Look Back
The Air Jordan 4 “Ginger,” also known as the “Wheat,” was originally released on October 29, 2016, with a retail price of $190. As this release is several years old, it is no longer available through primary retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, or other official sneaker stores at its original price. Any “new” pairs found would be through the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis: Where to Find Them Now
The Air Jordan 4 “Ginger” primarily circulates on resale platforms. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
- StockX: Prices typically range from approximately $350 to $600+, depending heavily on size and condition (new/deadstock). Popular sizes may command higher prices.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs can be found in the $380 to $650+ range. GOAT also offers used options, which can be more affordable, often starting from $200-$300 depending on wear and tear.
- eBay: Prices on eBay are highly variable. You might find auctions or “Buy It Now” listings ranging from $250 (for well-used pairs) to over $600 (for new, rare sizes). Buyer diligence is crucial here due to the higher risk of fakes.
Factors affecting resale prices include:
- Condition: Deadstock (DS) or brand new pairs with original boxing command the highest prices. Used pairs vary based on the level of wear.
- Size: More common sizes (US 8-11) might 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 reputable platforms will always be more expensive than unverified listings.
- Seller Reputation: Established sellers with good feedback can often ask for slightly more.
Tips for Finding Deals on Air Jordan 4 Ginger
Scoring a deal on a sought-after sneaker like the AJ4 Ginger requires patience and strategy:
- Monitor Multiple Platforms: Don’t just stick to one resale site. Check StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even sneaker-specific Facebook groups or forums regularly.
- Consider Used Pairs: If you’re okay with shoes that aren’t brand new, opting for a lightly used pair can save you a significant amount. Platforms like GOAT clearly list used options with detailed photos.
- Be Patient for Price Drops: Resale market prices can fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, set up price alerts (if available on the platform) or watch listings over time.
- Look for Negotiation Opportunities: On platforms like eBay or in private sales, don’t be afraid to make a reasonable offer.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Prices: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes.
- Factor in Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing, shipping, and authentication fees on top of the listed price. eBay may have sales tax and shipping costs.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Gingers
With high resale values come the risk of counterfeit sneakers. Here are some general tips for spotting fake Air Jordan 4s, which apply to the “Ginger” colorway:
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Pay attention to the toe box shape (not too bulky or too slim), the heel bump, and the overall stance.
- Stitching Quality: Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching on fakes.
- Leather Quality: The “Ginger” is known for its premium wheat leather. It should feel supple and high-quality. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer materials that might have a strong chemical smell.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. The font, spacing, and proportions of the Jumpman should be precise.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and lower tongue should be properly cut and have a specific angle. Fakes often have sloppy netting.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-defined with clear fingers. The “AIR” text below it should be crisp.
- Box and Label: Check the box quality and the information on the label (style code, size, barcode). Compare it with images of authentic boxes online. Fakes often have typos or incorrect label details.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a particular factory smell. Counterfeits often have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor due to cheaper glues and materials.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Your best defense is to buy from trusted platforms that offer authentication services (like StockX and GOAT) or highly reputable individual resellers.
Conclusion: Is the Air Jordan 4 Ginger Worth It?
The Air Jordan 4 Ginger is a cool shoe, but it’s old, so you can’t find it in regular stores. You’ll have to look on websites where people sell their own sneakers. The price can be very different, from not too much for used ones to a lot for new ones. Always be careful to make sure you’re buying real ones and not fakes. If you really like how they look and can find a good pair, they are a great sneaker to own!
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