Air Jordan 4 Military Black: Price Comparison and Finding the Best Deals

The Air Jordan 4 “Military Black” is a non-original but incredibly popular colorway of Michael Jordan’s fourth signature shoe, drawing inspiration from the original “Military Blue” colorway but swapping out the blue accents for a sleek black. With its clean look and high demand, finding the best price for these coveted sneakers requires a bit of research, and comparing prices is crucial for savvy shoppers looking to add this pair to their collection without overpaying.

Retailer Comparison

Originally released on May 21, 2022, the Air Jordan 4 Military Black had a retail price of $210 USD for adult sizes. They were available through Nike’s SNKRS app, major footwear retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, JD Sports, and select boutique sneaker stores. However, as a highly sought-after release, these sneakers sold out almost instantly at all authorized Jordan Brand stockists. This means that currently, your primary option for purchasing a new pair is the resale market, as retailers no longer have stock of this particular model at its original retail price.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where most sneakerheads will now turn to find the Air Jordan 4 Military Black. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are the main hubs. Prices on these platforms fluctuate based on supply, demand, size, and condition.

StockX: Prices typically range from around $380 to $550+ for new, authenticated pairs, depending on the size. The platform shows historical sales data, allowing you to see price trends.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs are generally in the same price bracket, $370 to $500+, with variations for rarer sizes. Used pairs can offer savings but depend heavily on condition.
eBay: Prices on eBay can vary more widely. You might find listings from individual sellers closer to the lower end of the resale market, but it’s crucial to check seller ratings and ensure authenticity (eBay now offers an authenticity guarantee program for many sneaker sales).

Factors affecting resale prices include:

Size: Common sizes might be slightly more competitive, while very small or very large sizes can sometimes command higher or lower prices depending on their specific rarity.
Condition: Brand new, “deadstock” (DS) pairs with the original box fetch the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, with the price reflecting the level of wear.
Authenticity Guarantee: Purchases made through platforms offering authentication services (like StockX, GOAT, and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) provide peace of mind and often stabilize pricing.
Market Hype & Rarity: While not a limited edition in the strictest sense, the high demand keeps prices significantly above retail.

Tips for Finding Deals

While “deals” are relative on such a hyped shoe, here are some tips:

Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can vary, and one platform might have a better deal for your specific size.
Set Price Alerts: Some platforms or apps allow you to set alerts for when a shoe in your size drops to a certain price point.
Consider Used (Carefully): If you don’t mind a slightly worn pair, you can often find significant savings. Ensure the seller is reputable and provides clear, detailed photos. Platforms like GOAT offer pre-verified used options.
Look for “Best Offer” Options: On eBay, some sellers allow buyers to make an offer. You might be able to negotiate a lower price.
Patience Pays: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. Sometimes, waiting a bit after a major restock (if one were to ever happen, which is unlikely for this model now) or during slower market periods can lead to slightly lower prices, though this is not guaranteed for highly popular models.
Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: Extremely low prices are a major red flag for counterfeit sneakers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s, including the Military Black colorway, is crucial. Here are some general points to check:

Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often have sloppy, frayed, or uneven stitching.
Jumpman Logo: Examine the Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel. On fakes, the proportions might be off, fingers might look like nubs (“lollipop hand”), or the basketball might be misshapen.
Tongue Tag: The “Flight” script and the overall quality of the tag details are important. Font, spacing, and stitching on the tag should be clean.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue should be properly angled and have a quality feel. On fakes, it can be too stiff or too flimsy, and the angle might be incorrect.
Heel Tab: The shape, material, and placement of the heel tab are key. The pull tab should be firm and the Jumpman logo (or Nike Air on some OG-inspired models) well-defined.
Shape & Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of the Air Jordan 4. Fakes often get the toe box shape (“boxy” or too slim) or the overall stance wrong.
Box & Label: The shoebox quality, label font, color codes, and information should match official releases. Compare the label details with confirmed authentic pairs online.
Smell: Authentic Nike shoes have a distinct factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical smell due to cheaper glues and materials.
Buy from Reputable Sources: The best way to avoid fakes is to buy from well-known resale platforms with robust authentication processes (StockX, GOAT, eBay Authenticity Guarantee) or highly trusted individual sellers with extensive positive feedback.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Military Black is a very popular shoe, so it costs more than when it first came out. You probably can’t buy it in regular stores now. You’ll need to check websites like StockX or GOAT, where prices can change, so look around. Always be super careful to make sure you’re getting real shoes and not fakes. If you do your homework, you can find a good pair and feel great about your new sneakers!

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