Okay, here’s a blog post about the Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89” prices and deals, formatted for WordPress.
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Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89: Price Check & Buyer’s Guide
Released in early 2016, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ reimagines what Michael Jordan’s player exclusives might have looked like. It’s part of the ‘Alternate Collection,’ envisioning colorways MJ could have worn during his Bulls era if player exclusives were more common back then. When buying sought-after sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89,’ price comparison is crucial. Prices can vary significantly between retailers and across different platforms, so doing your homework can save you a considerable amount of money.
Retailer Comparison
The Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89” was originally released on January 2, 2016, with a retail price of around $190 USD. As this was a limited release from several years ago, it is no longer available at standard retail stores like Nike, Foot Locker, or Finish Line at its original price. Any “new” pairs found at general retailers would likely be through consignment sections or special partnerships, priced at resale market values.
Therefore, direct retailer price comparison for new, at-retail-price pairs is not applicable for this model in the current market. The primary source for acquiring these sneakers now is the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis
The Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89” is a popular model on resale platforms. Here’s a general look at pricing trends (note: prices fluctuate based on size, condition, and seller):
- StockX: Prices typically range from approximately $350 to $600+ for new, deadstock pairs, depending on the size. More common sizes might sit in the $400-$500 range, while less common or highly demanded sizes can go higher.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT are often listed between $380 and $650+. Used pairs can be found for less, potentially starting around $200-$300 depending on condition.
- eBay: Prices on eBay show a wider variation. You might find new pairs listed anywhere from $300 to $700, and used pairs with a broader spectrum of prices based on wear and tear. Always vet sellers carefully on eBay.
Factors affecting resale prices include:
- Condition: Deadstock (DS) or brand new, unworn pairs with the original box command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary greatly based on the level of wear.
- Size: Extremely small or large sizes, or very popular common sizes, can sometimes fetch higher prices due to supply and demand.
- Authenticity & Original Packaging: Verified authentic pairs with the original box and any included accessories (like hangtags) are more valuable.
- Market Hype & Rarity: While not the rarest AJ4, its unique “Alternate” story and clean colorway keep demand relatively steady.
- Seller Reputation & Platform Fees: Prices might be slightly higher on platforms that offer authentication services due to included fees.
Tips for Finding Deals
Scoring a “deal” on a shoe released years ago mostly means finding the best possible price on the resale market. Here are some tips:
- Patience is Key: Monitor prices across different platforms. Prices can fluctuate, so don’t rush into the first listing you see.
- Consider Used Pairs: If you’re okay with sneakers that aren’t brand new, you can find significant savings on lightly used or “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) pairs. Always ask for detailed photos.
- Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t limit your search to just one site. Compare StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment shops or social media sneaker groups.
- Look for “Best Offer” Options: On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers, potentially allowing you to negotiate a lower price.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes or scams.
- Factor in Fees and Shipping: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing/authentication fees and shipping costs, which can add a significant amount to the final price.
Authenticity Guide
Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s requires attention to detail. The “Alternate 89” is a target for counterfeiters. Here are key areas to check:
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often have a bulky or misshapen toe box, incorrect heel shape, or a poorly proportioned tongue.
- Stitching Quality: Real Jordans feature neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a common sign of a counterfeit.
- Tongue Tag:
- The Jumpman logo should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoelaces.
- The “Flight” script underneath should be crisp and correctly spaced.
- The back of the tongue tag should have the “AIR JORDAN” upside down, neatly stitched.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be correctly cut and have a quality feel. On fakes, it might be too stiff, too flimsy, or poorly aligned. The holes should be distinct.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-molded and centered. The “AIR” text (if present on the model, though the Alternate 89 has the Jumpman) should be clean. The pull tab itself should feel sturdy.
- Midsole Paint Quality: Paint on the midsole should be clean and evenly applied, without bleeding or smudging.
- Box and Label: The shoebox should be sturdy. The label on the box should have the correct style code (308497-106 for the Alternate 89), size, color information, and barcode. Fonts and spacing should be correct. Typos are a dead giveaway.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a specific factory glue smell. Fakes often have a strong, harsh chemical odor.
- When in Doubt: Compare with photos of confirmed authentic pairs from reputable sources. If buying from an individual, ask for many clear, detailed photos from all angles. Consider using a legit check app or service.
Conclusion
So, you want the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’? That’s cool! They cost more now than when they first came out. Look at different places like StockX or GOAT to see prices. Always check if the shoes are real so you don’t get a fake. Being careful helps you find good shoes and save your money!
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