Air Jordan 4 “Messy Room”: Price Check & Deal Guide

Introduction: Welcome to the Playroom

The Air Jordan 4 Retro GS ‘Messy Room’ dresses the iconic silhouette in a playful design made for big kids. It draws inspiration from kids’ rooms, often found in a state of disarray, featuring a mix of materials and vibrant colors like French Blue, White, Gym Red, and Pearl White. The importance of price comparison cannot be overstated, especially for sought-after sneakers like these, as it helps ensure you get the best value for your money.

Retailer Comparison: What Did They Cost New?

The Air Jordan 4 “Messy Room” (Style Code: DR6952-400) was released on November 5, 2022, exclusively in kids’ sizing. The initial retail prices were:

Grade School (GS): $150
Preschool (PS): $90
Toddler (TD): $70

These sneakers were available through Nike’s SNKRS app and select Jordan Brand retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, and JD Sports. As is common with popular Jordan releases, they sold out very quickly at retail and are now primarily available on the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis: What Are They Worth Now?

Since the “Messy Room” 4s are no longer available at retail, buyers must turn to resale platforms. Prices here fluctuate based on size, condition (new/used), and the platform itself. Here’s a general look at current (as of late 2023/early 2024) pricing for new, deadstock pairs in GS sizes:

StockX: Prices for new GS pairs typically range from approximately $180 to $250+. The most common sizes tend to hover around the $200-$220 mark. Prices can be higher for less common or more sought-after GS sizes.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT lists new GS pairs generally between $190 and $260+. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can provide a more affordable option if you’re willing to accept pre-worn condition.
eBay: eBay presents a wider spectrum of prices, including new and used options. You might find pairs slightly below StockX or GOAT averages, but also significantly higher from some sellers. Diligence is key here to ensure authenticity and fair pricing.

Factors Affecting Resale Price:

Size: Specific GS sizes can be more in demand than others, influencing price.
Condition: Brand new, “deadstock” (DS) pairs with original boxing command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary greatly depending on wear and tear.
Platform Fees: Resale platforms like StockX and GOAT include authentication and processing fees, which are factored into the final price for the buyer.
Market Demand: While not the most hyped Jordan 4, its unique colorway and kid-exclusive nature maintain a steady interest among collectors and young sneaker enthusiasts.

Tips for Finding Deals on “Messy Room” 4s

Compare Across Platforms: Always check prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even consider sneaker-specific consignment shops or reputable social media marketplaces.
Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitor prices for a while; you might catch a dip or a seller looking for a quick sale.
Consider Used Pairs: If “brand new” isn’t a must, lightly used pairs in good condition can offer significant savings. Ensure you see detailed photos from the seller.
Look for “Best Offer” Options: On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers, potentially allowing you to negotiate a lower price.
Factor in Fees and Shipping: When comparing, always consider the total cost, including platform fees, taxes, and shipping.
Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price is drastically lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes or scams.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4s

Protecting yourself from counterfeit sneakers is crucial. While the “Messy Room” colorway has its unique material mix (corduroy, patent leather, nubuck), general Air Jordan 4 authentication points apply:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape (too bulky or too slim), heel height, and overall stance wrong.
Stitching Quality: Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Fakes often have messy, uneven, or frayed stitching.
Jumpman Logo: Examine the Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel. On fakes, the proportions might be off, fingers might be poorly defined (“lollipop hands”), or the basketball might be misshapen.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and lower tongue should be well-defined and correctly angled. On fakes, it can be flimsy, too wide, or incorrectly placed.
Tongue Tag Details: Check the “Flight” script and Jumpman on the outer tongue tag for correct font, spacing, and quality. The inner tongue tag (often with “AIR JORDAN” upside down) should also have clean text.
Heel Tab: The heel tab’s shape, the quality of the Jumpman logo (if present, some AJ4s have Nike Air), and the pull tab’s sturdiness are important.
Box and Label: The shoebox quality, color, and print should be high-quality. The box label should have correct font, sizing information, style code (DR6952-400 for GS), and barcode. Compare with images of authentic labels online.
Material Quality: The “Messy Room” uses varied materials. Fakes often use cheaper substitutes that don’t look or feel right. The blue corduroy, white leather, and patent leather accents should feel premium.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a specific factory glue smell. Counterfeits often have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor.
Buy from Reputable Sources: Stick to established resale platforms with authentication services (StockX, GOAT) or highly reputable consignment stores. If buying from individual sellers, do thorough research.

Conclusion: Are They Worth It?

The Air Jordan 4 “Messy Room” shoes are very colorful and fun, like a kid’s playroom. When they first came out, they cost about $150 for big kid sizes. Now, you usually have to buy them from other people, so they might cost more, maybe around $180 to $250 or a bit higher. If you want these shoes, look at different websites to find the best price. Make sure to buy real ones and not fakes by checking things like the sewing and the Jumpman picture. If you really like them and can find a good deal, they can be a cool pair of sneakers to own and wear.

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