The Truth About Air Jordan 4 Infrared: My Honest Opinion
I’ve been a sneakerhead for over 15 years now, and there’s something special about the buzz that surrounds a new Jordan release. The Air Jordan 4 Infrared had that same energy when it dropped, but does it live up to the hype? After wearing mine for several months, I’m ready to share my real thoughts.
First Impressions Matter
Opening the box, the colorway immediately catches your eye. The combination of black, cement grey, and those infrared accents creates a striking look that’s both bold and wearable. Not too flashy for everyday use, but with enough pop to turn heads. The infrared details hit just right against the darker base.
The build quality? Solid. Nike hasn’t always been consistent with their Jordan retros, but these feel well-made. The materials aren’t premium-premium, but they’re good enough that I don’t feel shortchanged. The leather quality is decent – not butter-soft, but it holds up well during regular wear.
Comfort: The Real Test
Let’s talk about what matters for daily wear: comfort. The Jordan 4 was never the most comfortable silhouette in the lineup, and the Infrared version doesn’t change that. The Air unit provides decent cushioning, but these aren’t the shoes I reach for when I know I’ll be on my feet all day.
After about 4-5 hours of continuous wear, you’ll start to feel it. Not painful, just not as comfortable as modern basketball shoes or lifestyle sneakers with newer cushioning tech. A fair trade-off for the style, in my opinion.
Styling Versatility
Where these shoes really shine is their versatility. The black base makes them easy to pair with almost anything. Jeans, joggers, shorts – they work with most casual outfits. The infrared accents add just enough color without limiting what you can wear them with.
I’ve worn mine with all-black fits to let the infrared pop, and with more colorful outfits where they serve as a grounding element. They’re surprisingly adaptable for a shoe with such a distinct color accent.
Are They Worth The Price?
At retail, the Air Jordan 4 Infrared was priced at $210. Is that reasonable? For the cultural significance and wearability, I’d say yes. But only if you’ll actually wear them. These aren’t the rarest Jordans out there, so buying purely as an investment might not pay off huge dividends.
The resale prices have stayed relatively close to retail, hovering around $240-280 depending on size. This actually makes them more accessible than many other Jordan releases that skyrocket in the aftermarket.
The Bottom Line
The Air Jordan 4 Infrared isn’t perfect. The comfort could be better, and some might wish for more premium materials at this price point. But they nail what matters most: a classic silhouette with a fresh colorway that’s easy to wear.
If you’re on the fence, I’d recommend grabbing a pair if you can find them near retail. They’ve become one of my go-to shoes for casual outings, and the colorway feels modern while respecting the classic Jordan 4 design.
Not every sneaker needs to be a grail or a statement piece. Sometimes a solid, wearable design with just the right touch of color is exactly what your rotation needs. The Air Jordan 4 Infrared fits that bill perfectly.
