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Air Jordan 4 Military Blue: Price Check & Buyer’s Guide (2024)
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Military Blue’ makes its return in 2024, bringing back the OG colorway with the original Nike Air branding on the heel for the first time since its 1989 debut. This highly anticipated release has sneakerheads eager to cop a pair. For sneaker enthusiasts looking to secure a pair, comparing prices is crucial to ensure you’re getting a fair deal and not overpaying, especially with such a sought-after item.
Retailer Comparison: Getting Them at MSRP
The official retail price for the Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue” (2024) was set at $215 USD for men’s sizes, with corresponding prices for GS (Grade School), PS (Preschool), and TD (Toddler) sizes ($160, $100, and $85 respectively).
Major retailers that stocked the shoe upon its release on May 4, 2024, included:
- Nike SNKRS App
- Foot Locker
- Finish Line
- JD Sports
- Champs Sports
- And various other boutique sneaker stores.
At these official retailers, the price was consistently $215 (for men’s). The biggest challenge here wasn’t a price difference between retailers, but securing a pair at all due to high demand and limited stock. Most releases sell out within minutes, often through raffles or a “first-come, first-served” online drop.
Resale Market Analysis: The Price of Hype
Once official retailers sell out, the resale market becomes the primary source for a_ndividuals still looking to purchase the Air Jordan 4 “Military Blue.” Prices here are dictated by supply and demand.
Popular resale platforms include:
- StockX: As of late May/early June 2024, prices typically range from approximately $260 to $350+ depending on the size. Popular sizes often command higher prices.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, prices for new pairs hover in the $270 to $380+ range. GOAT also lists used pairs, which can be slightly cheaper.
- eBay: Prices on eBay can vary more widely, with some sellers offering competitive prices, while others might list higher. Authenticity Guarantee programs help, but buyers should still be cautious.
Factors affecting resale prices:
- Size: Common men’s sizes (8-12) often have more buyers, but very small or very large sizes can sometimes be rarer and thus more expensive.
- Condition: “Deadstock” (brand new, unworn, with original box) commands the highest prices.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs are worth more.
- Market Hype & Time: Prices can be very high immediately after a sell-out. Sometimes they stabilize or even dip slightly weeks or months later, though for iconic models like the Military Blue, they often gradually increase over time.
Tips for Finding Deals
Finding “deals” on highly sought-after sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is challenging, but here are some tips:
- Enter Retail Raffles: This is your best shot at paying MSRP. Follow sneaker news sites and retailer social media for raffle announcements.
- Be Patient (Sometimes): For some general releases, resale prices might dip a few weeks after the initial hype. However, for truly iconic colorways, this is less common.
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one resale site. Prices can vary.
- Look for Reputable Sellers: On platforms like eBay, check seller ratings and reviews.
- Consider Slightly Used: If you plan to wear them, a pair that’s VNDS (Very Near Deadstock) or lightly used can save you money on platforms like GOAT or eBay. Ensure authenticity.
- Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid suspicious websites or sellers with no history.
- Local Sneaker Groups: Sometimes you can find fair deals in local Facebook groups or at sneaker conventions, but always meet in safe, public places and be very thorough with legit checks.
Quick Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fakes
The Air Jordan 4 is a commonly counterfeited shoe. While fakes are getting better, here are some general areas to inspect. For a definitive check, use a professional authentication service or app.
- Box and Label: Check the box quality, label font, spelling, and style codes. Compare with images of authentic boxes online.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent stitching. Messy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a red flag.
- Shape and Proportions: The overall silhouette, toe box shape, and height of the tongue should match authentic pairs. Fakes often get these details wrong.
- Material Quality: The leather (or nubuck/suede on other colorways) should feel premium. The netting on the side panels and tongue should be well-defined.
- Logos and Branding:
- Nike Air on Heel: For the 2024 Military Blue, this is crucial. Check the font, placement, and quality of the “Nike Air” branding.
- Jumpman on Tongue: Examine the Jumpman logo’s proportions. Fakes often have a “butt crack,” disproportionate limbs, or a poorly defined ball.
- Tongue Tag (Inside): Check the font and text on the inverse of the tongue tag.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes often have a distinct factory glue smell. Fakes may have an overly strong chemical odor or no distinct smell.
- Insole: Check the printing on the insole and the stitching underneath it (if visible).
- Price: Extremely low prices from unofficial sources are a major red flag.
- Source: Always try to buy from reputable retailers or trusted resale platforms that offer authentication.
Conclusion: Is the Military Blue AJ4 Worth It?
Getting the Air Jordan 4 Military Blue can be tricky. These shoes are popular! They cost a set price in big stores, but often sell for more money later from other people. Always check different places to find the best price. Make sure your shoes are real and not fakes. If you love these sneakers, do your homework to get a good pair!
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