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

[Image of Air Jordan 4 Black Cat]

Introduction

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” is a highly sought-after sneaker, first released in 2006 and re-released in 2020, inspired by one of Michael Jordan’s nicknames due to his stealthy, feline-like movements on the court. Its all-black nubuck suede upper and iconic silhouette make it a timeless classic. When hunting for such a popular and often elusive sneaker, price comparison becomes crucial for sneakerheads and casual buyers alike, ensuring you get the best possible value without overpaying or falling victim to inflated prices.

Retailer Comparison

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” (2020 retro) originally retailed for approximately $190 USD. However, upon its release, it sold out almost instantly from official retailers like Nike.com, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and other major sneaker boutiques.

Currently, finding the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” at its original retail price is virtually impossible unless a surprise restock occurs, which is highly unlikely for this model. Therefore, the primary market for purchasing these sneakers now is the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where most individuals will need to turn to acquire the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat.” Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.

StockX: Prices for a new, deadstock pair typically range from $400 to $700+, depending on the size. More common sizes often sit in the $450-$550 range, while less common or highly demanded sizes can push the price higher. StockX authenticates every pair sold on its platform.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs generally align with StockX prices, ranging from $420 to $700+. Used pairs can be found for less, sometimes starting around $300-$350, depending heavily on condition. GOAT also authenticates sneakers.
eBay: Prices on eBay can vary wildly. You might find listings ranging from $350 to $800+. While eBay has an authenticity guarantee program for many sneakers, buyers should still exercise caution, check seller ratings, and scrutinize listings carefully.

Factors affecting resale prices:

Size: Extremely small or large sizes, or very common sizes, can sometimes fetch higher prices due to rarity or demand.
Condition: “Deadstock” (DS) means brand new, unworn, with the original box and accessories. These command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary based on wear and tear.
Hype and Popularity: The “Black Cat” is a highly popular and iconic colorway, keeping its demand consistently high.
Authentication: Purchases from platforms with robust authentication (like StockX and GOAT) often have slightly higher baseline prices due to the service provided, but offer peace of mind.

Tips for Finding Deals

Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. Unless you need them immediately, monitor prices for a while.
Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Compare prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment shops or Facebook groups (with extreme caution).
Consider Used (VNDS/PDS): If you plan to wear them, a “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) or “Pass as Deadstock” (PDS) pair can save you significant money. Ensure you see detailed photos.
Look for Bids/Offers: On platforms like StockX, you can place a bid lower than the current ask and wait for a seller to accept. On eBay, you might be able to make an offer.
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.
Follow Sneaker Influencers/News: While rare for this specific shoe, occasionally, information about small restocks or deals might surface.
Factor in Fees: Remember to include processing fees, shipping costs, and potential import duties (if applicable) when comparing final prices.

Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fakes

With high resale prices come counterfeit versions. Here are key areas to check when trying to authenticate Air Jordan 4 “Black Cats”:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the authentic silhouette. Fakes often have a clunky or misshapen toe box, or incorrect heel shape.
Material Quality: The genuine “Black Cat” features a rich, black nubuck suede. Fakes often use cheaper materials that feel stiff, look dull, or have an inconsistent texture.
Stitching: Authentic pairs have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching on fakes. The netting on the side panels and tongue should be well-defined.
Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman logo should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces. The proportions should be correct. Fakes often have “lollipop head” Jumpmen or stubby arms. The “Flight” script underneath should be crisp.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should also be clean and well-molded.
Tongue Tag (Inside): The “AIR JORDAN” lettering on the upside-down tag inside the tongue should be clear and correctly spaced.
Sockliner and Insole: Check the quality of the print on the insole (Jumpman logo). The sockliner material should feel appropriate.
Box and Label: The box quality, color, and label details (font, spacing, UPC code) should match authentic Jordan 4 boxes from that era. Compare with verified images online.
Smell: This is subjective, but fakes often have a strong chemical or glue smell that differs from authentic pairs.
Sole Details: The stars on the toe of the outsole should be well-defined. The Jumpman logo on the outsole should be clean.

When in doubt, use authentication services like CheckCheck App or consult reputable legit checking forums online before purchasing from less established sellers.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat is a cool shoe, but it costs a lot more now than when it first came out. You need to look at different websites like StockX or GOAT to see the prices. Be super careful to make sure you’re buying real ones, not fakes. If you search smart, you might find a good deal for these awesome sneakers.

“`