“`html
Air Jordan 4 Fire Red: Price Check & Finding Your Pair
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Fire Red’ is one of the original and most beloved colorways of Michael Jordan’s fourth signature shoe, first hitting shelves in 1989. This iconic sneaker has seen several retro releases, with the latest in 2020 closely mirroring the original design. With its enduring popularity, finding a pair at a good price is key for many sneakerheads. Price comparison is crucial because the cost can vary wildly depending on where and when you look, especially given its high demand and limited availability at retail.
Retailer Comparison
The most recent retro of the Air Jordan 4 ‘Fire Red’ was released in November 2020, with an official retail price of $200 USD for adult sizes. Key retailers included:
- Nike (SNKRS app)
- Foot Locker
- Finish Line
- JD Sports
- Champs Sports
- Select boutique sneaker stores
As expected with such a popular release, these sneakers sold out almost instantly at retail. Finding them now at their original retail price from these stores is highly unlikely unless a surprise restock occurs, which is rare for a shoe released years ago.
Resale Market Analysis
Due to selling out at retail, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Fire Red’ (2020) is predominantly available on the resale market. Prices here are significantly higher than the original retail price and fluctuate based on several factors.
Key resale platforms and typical price ranges (for new, deadstock pairs in common adult sizes):
- StockX: Prices generally range from $350 to $550+. Prices vary daily based on bids and asks, and also differ significantly by shoe size.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs can be found from around $380 to $600+. GOAT also lists used pairs, which can be a more affordable option if you don’t mind pre-worn condition.
- eBay: Prices on eBay can be more varied. You might find new pairs in a similar range to StockX and GOAT, but there’s also a wider selection of used pairs. Authenticity can be a greater concern, so always check seller ratings and eBay’s authenticity guarantee program.
Factors affecting resale prices:
- Size: More common sizes often have more availability but can also see higher demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes command premium prices due to scarcity.
- Condition: New, deadstock (DS) pairs with original boxing command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary based on wear and tear.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms are more expensive.
- Market Hype & Scarcity: As an OG colorway, the ‘Fire Red’ maintains strong demand.
- Seller Reputation: Established sellers with good feedback may price slightly higher.
Tips for Finding Deals
While “deals” are relative on the resale market for such a hyped shoe, here are some tips:
- Be Patient: Monitor prices over time. Sometimes, prices can dip slightly.
- Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set alerts for when a shoe in your size reaches a certain price.
- Consider Used: Lightly used pairs can offer significant savings. Ensure you get detailed photos and buy from reputable sellers or platforms with buyer protection.
- Check Local Consignment Shops: Sometimes you can find good prices locally and inspect the shoe in person.
- Follow Reputable Sneaker Accounts: Occasionally, sneaker news accounts or resellers might announce deals or price drops, though rare for this specific model now.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Prices: Extremely low prices are often a red flag for counterfeit sneakers or scams.
Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fake Air Jordan 4 Fire Reds
With high resale prices come counterfeit sneakers. Here are some key areas to check on an Air Jordan 4, specifically the 2020 ‘Fire Red’ retro:
- Box and Label:
- The box should be sturdy. Check the label for correct font, style code (DC7770-160 for the 2020 retro), size, and barcode. Misspellings or blurry printing are red flags.
- Overall Shape and Proportions:
- Familiarize yourself with the authentic AJ4 silhouette. Fakes often have incorrect toe box shapes (too boxy or too slim), a poorly shaped heel, or incorrect tongue height.
- “Nike Air” on Heel Tab:
- The 2020 retro features “Nike Air” on the heel. The font, spacing, and placement should be precise. The ‘E’ in NIKE should align correctly with the ‘AIR’. The texture of the heel tab itself is also important.
- Tongue Tag and Jumpman Logo:
- The Jumpman logo on the tongue should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces. The “Flight” script underneath should be neat. Check the stitching on the back of the tongue label.
- Stitching:
- Authentic Jordans have clean, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Messy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a common sign of a fake.
- Netting:
- The plastic netting on the sides and lower tongue should be properly angled and have a quality feel. On fakes, it might be too stiff, too flimsy, or angled incorrectly.
- Materials and Smell:
- Authentic pairs use quality leather. Fakes often use cheaper materials that might feel plastic-like or have a strong chemical smell.
- Insole:
- Check the “Nike Air” branding on the insole. Font and placement are key. The underside of the insole might also have specific markings.
When in doubt, compare with photos from reputable sources or use a professional authentication service before purchasing from less established sellers.
Conclusion
Getting Air Jordan 4 Fire Reds is super cool! These shoes can cost a lot of money, more than when they first came out. Look at prices in different online stores like StockX or GOAT to see what they cost now. Always be careful to buy real ones, not fakes, by checking things like the box, the Nike logo, and how they are made. If you find a good, real pair, you’ll have some awesome sneakers to wear!
“`
