Air Jordan 4 Columbia: Price Comparison and Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 “Columbia,” originally released in 1999, was one of the first Retro+ colorways, meaning it wasn’t an OG colorway but a new take on the classic model. Later retroed in 2015 under the name “Legend Blue,” this sneaker features a premium white tumbled leather upper with Midnight Navy and Legend Blue accents. When you’re looking to buy popular sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Columbia, prices can be very different depending on where you look. Comparing prices helps you get the best deal and make sure you’re paying a fair amount.

Retailer Comparison

The Air Jordan 4 Columbia (or Legend Blue as it was known in its 2015 re-release) is not a sneaker you can currently walk into a standard retailer like Foot Locker, Finish Line, or Nike stores and buy off the shelf for its original retail price. The 2015 release had a retail price of around $190.

Since this model was a limited release years ago, purchasing it “new” today means you will be looking almost exclusively at the resale market. There are no authorized retailers currently stocking this shoe for its original price.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where most seekers of the Air Jordan 4 Columbia will need to turn. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are popular destinations.

* **StockX:** Prices for a new, authenticated pair of the Air Jordan 4 “Legend Blue” (2015) on StockX typically range from approximately **$400 to $700+ USD**, depending heavily on size. The average sale price often hovers around $500-$550.
* **GOAT:** Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs often fall within a comparable **$400 to $750+ USD** range. Used pairs can be found for less, depending on condition, sometimes starting around $250-$350 for well-worn pairs.
* **eBay:** eBay presents a wider spectrum, including new and used pairs from various sellers. Prices can be highly variable. You might find new pairs listed anywhere from **$380 to $800+ USD**, while used pairs can range from **$200 to $500+ USD** based on condition and seller reputation. More caution is needed on eBay to ensure authenticity.

**Factors Affecting Resale Prices:**
* **Condition:** Deadstock (DS) or brand new, in-box pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs depreciate based on wear and tear.
* **Size:** More common or popular sizes often have higher demand and thus higher prices. Extremely small or large sizes can also sometimes be more expensive due to lower production numbers.
* **Original Box & Accessories:** Having the original box in good condition, and any original accessories, adds value.
* **Authenticity:** Verified authentic pairs are crucial. Platforms like StockX and GOAT include authentication in their process, which is reflected in the price.
* **Market Fluctuation:** Sneaker prices can change based on hype, new releases, and overall market trends.

Tips for Finding Deals

Finding a “deal” on a sought-after shoe like the Air Jordan 4 Columbia often means paying a fair resale price rather than an overly inflated one.
* **Compare Across Platforms:** Don’t rely on a single source. Check prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment shops or Facebook groups (with extreme caution).
* **Consider Used:** If you’re okay with a pair that’s not brand new, you can save significantly. Look for pairs listed as “VNDS” (Very Near Deadstock) or lightly worn. Always ask for detailed photos.
* **Be Patient & Set Alerts:** Prices can fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitor prices over time. Some platforms allow you to set price alerts for specific sizes.
* **Check Seller Ratings & Reviews:** On platforms like eBay, always check the seller’s feedback and history.
* **Look for Local Sneaker Conventions or Groups:** Sometimes you can find better deals in person or through local enthusiast groups, where you might avoid platform fees. However, authentication becomes your responsibility.
* **Beware of “Too Good To Be True”:** If a price is significantly lower than all other listings, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes or scams.
* **Factor in Fees:** Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing fees, and eBay might have shipping costs or import duties if buying internationally.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s is crucial to avoid getting scammed, especially when buying from less regulated marketplaces. Here are key areas to inspect:
1. **Overall Shape and Proportions:** Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or overall stance wrong. Compare with photos of confirmed retail pairs.
2. **Stitching Quality:** Nike’s quality control is generally high. Look for neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Messy, loose, or uneven stitching is a bad sign.
3. **Jumpman Logo:**
* **Tongue:** The Jumpman should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoelaces. Fakes often have a “lollipop” head, disproportionate limbs (e.g., skinny arm, overly thick leg), or a flat/undefined butt.
* **Heel:** Similar scrutiny applies. The proportions should be correct.
4. **Tongue Tag:** The “Flight” script and Air Jordan lettering on the tongue tag should be clean and precise. Check the font, spacing, and overall quality of the print. The tag on the reverse side should also have clear, correct text.
5. **Netting:** The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue base should be properly cut and aligned. On fakes, it might be too stiff, too flimsy, or poorly shaped.
6. **Midsole Paint Job:** The paint lines on the midsole should be crisp and clean. Sloppy paint application or bleeding colors are red flags.
7. **Heel Tab:** The heel tab should be made of quality material and the “Nike Air” or Jumpman logo should be cleanly molded. The pull tab itself should have the correct texture and flexibility.
8. **Box and Label:** The shoebox itself should be sturdy. The label on the box should have the correct font, SKU (product code – for the 2015 Columbia/Legend Blue, it’s 314254-107), size, and barcode. Compare it to images of authentic labels online.
9. **Smell:** Authentic Nikes have a particular factory smell. Fakes often have a strong chemical or glue odor due to cheaper materials.
10. **Insole:** Check the printing on the insole (e.g., Nike Air logo) and the construction of the insole itself.

When in doubt, seek a “legit check” from reputable online sneaker communities or authentication services before purchasing, especially from individual sellers.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Columbia is a cool shoe, but you can’t buy it new in regular stores anymore. You have to look on websites like StockX or GOAT where people resell them. The price can be high, from a few hundred to many hundreds of dollars, based on size and if they are new. Always check different sites to find a good price. Make sure the shoes are real by looking at the stitching, the Jumpman guy, and the box. If you do your homework, you can get these awesome sneakers and be happy with your buy.
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