The Truth About Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue: My Honest Opinion
After 15 years of collecting sneakers, I’ve seen plenty of Jordan releases come and go. Some make my heart race; others leave me wondering what the design team was thinking. The Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue sits somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. Let me share my thoughts after wearing them for the past month.
First Impressions Matter
When I first opened the box, the rich blue tone caught my eye immediately. Not quite navy, not quite royal – the “Loyal Blue” colorway has a distinct depth that photographs don’t fully capture. The contrast with the black and white accents creates a balanced look that works with most outfits.
The quality? Typical mid-tier Jordan release. The leather isn’t premium by any means, but it’s not the stiff, plastic-feeling material we’ve seen on some other releases. It’ll break in nicely with regular wear.
Comfort: The Real Test
Jordan 4s were never known for comfort. The truth is, they’re basketball shoes from the late 80s, and technology has come a long way since then. The Loyal Blues follow this tradition – they’re okay for a few hours of walking, but I wouldn’t choose them for a day when I know I’ll be on my feet constantly.
The Air unit in the heel provides decent cushioning. The overall fit runs true to size, though slightly narrow in the toe box. If you have wider feet, you might want to go half a size up.
Styling Options
This is where the Loyal Blues shine. The colorway is versatile enough to work with jeans, joggers, and even some shorts. I’ve worn mine with:
- Black jeans and a white tee (classic look)
- Khaki pants and a blue button-up (surprisingly works for casual Friday)
- Gray joggers and a black hoodie (weekend comfort)
The blue is bold without being loud. It adds a pop of color without screaming for attention.
Value for Money
At the retail price of $210, these aren’t cheap shoes. Are they worth it? That depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a solid Jordan 4 colorway that isn’t as common as the Breds or White Cements but still has that classic appeal, yes. If you’re hoping for premium materials or exceptional comfort, you might feel a bit let down.
The resale market has these hovering slightly above retail, which tells me they’re appreciated but not generating massive hype.
Durability Concerns
After a month of regular wear, I’m seeing normal creasing on the toe box and minimal sole wear. The suede panels require some care – a soft brush helps maintain their look. The dark colorway hides dirt well, which is always a plus for everyday shoes.
One thing to watch: the paint on the midsole can chip over time. This happens with many Jordan 4s, and the contrast between the white midsole and blue upper means it might be more noticeable here.
My Final Verdict
The Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue is a solid 7.5/10 for me. Not a must-have grail, but definitely a quality addition to any collection. The colorway is the standout feature – unique enough to turn heads but versatile enough for regular wear.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it if you love Jordan 4s and want something in a blue colorway. If you’re new to the Jordan line, there might be better starter pairs with more history behind them.
What’s your take on the Loyal Blues? Are they in your collection or on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments!
