Air Jordan 4 Black Cat Review: Pros, Cons, and Everything Between
I still remember the day my first pair of Air Jordan 4 Black Cats arrived at my doorstep. That matte black box with the iconic Jumpman logo made my heart race a little faster. Five years and hundreds of wears later, I think it’s time I shared my honest thoughts about one of Jordan Brand’s most sought-after all-black sneakers.
The Black Cat Basics
The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat is exactly what the name suggests – a completely black version of the classic AJ4 silhouette. First released in 2006 and then retroed in 2020, these shoes feature an all-black nubuck upper with matching plastic wing eyelets, mesh panels, and midsole. The monochromatic look is what makes these sneakers special, letting the iconic Air Jordan 4 shape speak for itself.
What I Love About Them
Let’s start with the obvious – they go with everything. The all-black design means these shoes work with any outfit, any season. I’ve worn mine with jeans, shorts, sweats, and even with dress pants to casual office days. They never look out of place.
The quality of the nubuck on the 2020 retro is notably good. It has a premium feel that many other Jordan releases seem to miss. The material is thick enough to avoid rapid creasing but soft enough to be comfortable from the first wear.
Comfort-wise, the Air Jordan 4 platform provides decent cushioning. The Air unit in the heel still performs well for daily wear, even if it’s not as advanced as newer basketball shoe technology. For a sneaker designed in the late 1980s, they hold up remarkably well for all-day wear.
The Not-So-Great Parts
No shoe is perfect, not even the Black Cats. The all-black colorway shows dust and lint like nothing else. I find myself wiping them down often, as even the smallest speck of dust stands out against the dark nubuck.
Speaking of the nubuck, it requires maintenance. Without regular cleaning and protection, the material can lose its richness and appear dull. I learned this the hard way after getting caught in an unexpected rain shower.
Another issue worth noting is the toe box creasing. After regular wear, the front of the shoe develops noticeable creases. It’s normal for most sneakers, but on the Black Cats, these creases seem more visible against the uniform color.
Sizing and Fit Tips
The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat runs true to size for most people. I wear a US 10 in most Nike shoes, and my Black Cats fit perfectly. The silhouette offers decent width, making them comfortable for people with slightly wider feet.
One thing to note: they feel a bit stiff during the first few wears. Give them about a week of regular use, and they’ll mold to your feet nicely.
Value and Availability
Here’s where things get tricky. The retail price for the 2020 release was $190, but their popularity has driven resale prices much higher. On the secondary market, expect to pay between $400-$700 depending on your size and the condition of the shoes.
Are they worth it? If you’re a serious sneaker collector or specifically love the AJ4 silhouette, yes. For casual sneaker fans, the price tag might be hard to justify when there are other great all-black options available for less.
Final Thoughts
The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat deserves its legendary status. The combination of the iconic silhouette with the sleek all-black treatment creates a sneaker that’s both timeless and versatile. Despite a few drawbacks and the high resale price, they remain one of my favorite pairs to this day – a true staple in any serious sneaker collection.
