Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat”: Price Comparison and Finding Your Pair

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ is an iconic sneaker known for its stealthy, all-black colorway, originally released in 2006 and retroed in 2020. With its enduring popularity and sleek design, it has become a must-have for many collectors and enthusiasts. Given its high demand, finding the best price for the Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ can be challenging, making price comparison essential for savvy sneakerheads looking to add this gem to their collection without overpaying.

Retailer Price Check: Where to Buy New?

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” (2020 retro) had an original retail price of around $190. However, as a highly sought-after release, these sneakers sold out almost instantly upon release from official retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, and other authorized Jordan Brand stockists.

Currently, you will not find the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” available for its original retail price from these stores. Your primary avenue for purchasing a new pair will be the resale market.

Deep Dive: The Resale Market for Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat”

The resale market is where most people will look to acquire a pair of Air Jordan 4 “Black Cats” today. Prices here are significantly higher than the original retail and can vary widely. Here’s a look at typical price ranges on popular platforms (prices are approximate and fluctuate based on size and condition, as of late 2023/early 2024):

StockX: Expect prices for new pairs to range from approximately $450 to $700+, depending heavily on size. Popular sizes often hover in the $500-$600 range.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs can be found from around $480 to $750+. GOAT also offers used pairs, which might start from $300+ depending on condition and size.
eBay: Prices can be more varied. You might find listings for new pairs starting from $400, but it’s crucial to vet sellers carefully. eBay offers an “Authenticity Guarantee” service for many sneaker sales, which provides an extra layer of security.

Factors influencing resale prices include:

Size: Common sizes might be slightly cheaper than very small or very large sizes, which can command a premium due to lower production numbers.
Condition: Deadstock (DS) – brand new, unworn, with original box and accessories – pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs vary based on wear and tear.
Authenticity Verification: Platforms like StockX and GOAT include authentication in their process, which can add to the buyer’s confidence and the price.
Market Hype & Demand: The “Black Cat” is a universally loved colorway of a popular Jordan model, keeping demand consistently high.
Seller Reputation and Location: Established sellers might price higher, and international shipping/import fees can affect the final cost.

Score Your Kicks: Tips for Finding the Best Deals

While “deals” on such a hyped shoe are relative, here’s how to be smart about your purchase in the resale market:

Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices and fees (like processing, shipping, import duties) can differ.
Consider “Used” or “VNDS” (Very Near Deadstock): If you plan to wear them, a slightly used pair from a trusted seller on GOAT or eBay (with good photos and description) can save you significant money.
Be Patient (Sometimes): While prices for grails like these rarely drop significantly, sometimes sellers adjust prices. Setting up price alerts on platforms can be helpful.
Look for Reputable Sellers: On platforms like eBay, check seller reviews, ratings, and return policies. Prioritize sellers offering eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.
Factor in All Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing/authentication fees and shipping costs to the final price. eBay may have sales tax.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True”: If a price is drastically lower than the market average for a new pair, it’s highly likely a scam or a counterfeit product.
Local Consignment Shops & Sneaker Events: Sometimes you can find pairs at local sneaker consignment stores or sneaker conventions. This allows you to inspect the shoe in person, but prices can vary.

Real vs. Fake: How to Spot Counterfeit Air Jordan 4 “Black Cats”

Protect yourself from fakes, especially when buying from less regulated marketplaces. Here are key things to check on the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat”:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape (too bulky or too slim), heel height, or tongue shape wrong.
Stitching Quality: Real pairs have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Messy, loose, frayed, or uneven stitching is a major red flag.
Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces. The “Flight” script underneath should be crisp.
- Heel: The molded Jumpman on the heel tab should be sharp and of good quality plastic/rubber. Proportions are key.
Tongue Tag (Inner): The “AIR JORDAN” lettering on the underside of the tongue tag should be clean, with correct font and spacing.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and lower tongue should be of good quality, correctly angled, and properly cut. On fakes, it can be flimsy, too wide, or poorly attached.
Midsole Paint Job: The all-black midsole should be cleanly finished. Any smudges, unevenness, or poor paint quality can be an indicator.
Box and Label: The shoebox should be sturdy, with correct colors and logos. The label on the box should have accurate information (style code CU1110-010 for the 2020 retro), font, and barcode. Compare with images of retail boxes online.
Smell: A very strong chemical or glue smell, different from the typical “new shoe” scent, can often indicate a counterfeit pair made with cheaper materials.
Price: Again, if the price for a “new” pair is significantly below the established resale market rate, be extremely cautious.

When in doubt, consider using professional authentication services or seeking opinions from knowledgeable sneaker communities online with clear, detailed photos.

Final Thoughts

The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat is a very cool shoe. But, it costs a lot of money now because it’s popular. You need to look carefully at different places to find the best price. Always make sure the shoes are real and not fakes. If you check everything, you can get these awesome sneakers and be happy with them.

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