What I Really Think About Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined
I still remember the first time I saw the original Air Jordan 4 “Bred” back in 1989. I was just a kid with my nose pressed against a store window, dreaming of one day owning those black and red beauties. Fast forward to 2023, and here we are with the Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined – a fresh take on a true classic. After spending two weeks with these shoes, I’ve got thoughts. Many thoughts.
The Look: Old School Meets New School
The moment I took these out of the box, I noticed the aged midsole. That yellowish tint? Intentional. Nike wanted to give us that vintage feel right out of the gate. Smart move. It saves us the waiting time of natural aging we’d normally go through with fresh sneakers.
The black premium leather upper feels much better than I expected. It’s soft but seems durable – a step up from some recent Jordan releases. The red accents pop just right against the black, creating that classic Bulls colorway that never goes out of style.
Comfort: Better Than the Original
Let’s be honest – older Air Jordans weren’t always the most comfortable shoes for all-day wear. The Reimagined version addresses this. The Air cushioning feels responsive, and I’ve worn them for 8+ hours without the usual “get these off my feet” feeling that sometimes comes with retro sneakers.
The fit runs true to size for me. Snug but not tight. Just right for both casual wear and actually playing ball (yes, I tested them on court too – old habits die hard).
Quality Control: A Few Issues
Not everything is perfect. My pair had some minor glue stains where the midsole meets the upper. Nothing major, but at a $210 price point, I expect better attention to detail. I’ve seen similar comments in online reviews, so it wasn’t just my pair.
The “Nike Air” heel tab is well-executed though – a detail purists will appreciate compared to the Jumpman logo on some previous retros.
How They Compare to the OGs
As someone who owned the original release, the Reimagined version feels like a worthy successor. The intentional aging gives them character without looking fake. The materials are actually better than the original, which tended to crack with heavy wear.
The silhouette remains unchanged – the same chunky midsole and distinctive side netting that made the Jordan 4 an icon are preserved perfectly.
Worth the Money?
At $210 retail, these aren’t cheap. The resale market has them going for $240-$300 depending on size. Are they worth it? If you’re a Jordan collector or have a special connection to the Bred colorway, yes. The quality and comfort improvements make them a solid investment.
For casual sneaker buyers looking for just one nice pair? There might be more versatile options at a lower price point.
Final Thoughts
The Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined manages to honor the past while making meaningful improvements. The aged aesthetic works surprisingly well, the comfort is better than expected, and they pair with almost anything in your wardrobe.
Despite some minor quality issues, these have earned a regular spot in my rotation. They’re not just display pieces – they’re meant to be worn. And wear them I will, continuing a love affair with this silhouette that started over 30 years ago.
What do you think about the Bred Reimagined? Are you a fan of the pre-aged look, or do you prefer your sneakers fresh and clean? Drop a comment below!
