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Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Check, Deals, and Authenticity Guide
The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” was originally created for the Michael Jordan Motorsports racing team to commemorate their 4th anniversary in 2006, existing as an ultra-rare friends and family exclusive. It was later released to the public in a slightly altered version in 2017. When it comes to copping iconic sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports, finding the best price and ensuring authenticity is key for savvy shoppers.
Retailer Comparison
The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” was released to the public on March 25, 2017, with an original retail price of **$190 USD**.
As this model is several years old, it is **no longer available at standard retail stores** like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or other authorized Jordan Brand retailers for its original price. If you see them listed as “new” on unfamiliar websites at or below the original retail price, it’s a significant red flag for counterfeit products. Your primary source for purchasing these sneakers now will be the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis
The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is a popular model, and its price on the resale market reflects this. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect on major resale platforms:
* **StockX:** Prices for a new, authenticated pair typically range from **$350 to $600+**, depending heavily on the shoe size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes command higher premiums.
* **GOAT:** Similar to StockX, new pairs generally fall in the **$380 to $650+** range. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be significantly cheaper, starting from around $200-$250 depending on condition and size.
* **eBay:** Prices on eBay can vary wildly. You might find new pairs listed from **$300 upwards**, but authentication is crucial here (eBay offers an “Authenticity Guarantee” service for many sneakers). Used pairs can be found for less, but condition and seller reputation are key.
**Factors Affecting Resale Prices:**
* **Size:** Common sizes might have more availability and slightly more competitive pricing, while less common sizes can be more expensive.
* **Condition:** Deadstock (DS) – brand new, unworn, with original box – commands the highest prices. Used pairs will vary based on wear and tear.
* **Authenticity Verification:** Platforms that offer robust authentication services (like StockX and GOAT, and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) provide peace of mind and often reflect that in the price.
* **Market Hype & Rarity:** While not the rarest Jordan 4, its clean colorway and history keep demand steady.
* **Seller Reputation:** On platforms like eBay, sellers with high positive feedback can often ask for slightly more.
Tips for Finding Deals
* **Compare Across Platforms:** Don’t settle for the first price you see. Check StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment stores.
* **Consider “Used” or “Pre-Owned”:** If you’re okay with sneakers that aren’t brand new, you can save a significant amount. Look for pairs in very good to excellent condition.
* **Set Price Alerts:** Some platforms allow you to set alerts for your desired size and price point.
* **Be Patient:** Prices can fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitoring the market might help you snag a pair during a slight dip.
* **Check Seller Ratings & Reviews:** Especially on eBay or smaller marketplaces, thoroughly vet the seller. Look for detailed photos and descriptions.
* **Factor in Fees:** Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing fees and shipping costs, so the listed price isn’t the final price.
* **Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Deals:** If a price seems exceptionally low for a new pair, it’s highly likely to be a scam or a counterfeit product.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Motorsports
Counterfeits of popular Jordans are common. Here are key things to check:
1. **Overall Shape and Proportions:**
* Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape wrong (too boxy or too flat) or the heel bump might be off. Compare with official Nike images or known authentic pairs.
2. **Stitching Quality:**
* Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Crooked lines, loose threads, or sloppy double stitching are red flags.
3. **Jumpman Logo:**
* **Tongue:** The Jumpman should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces (if visible). Proportions should be correct – no “lollipop” head or overly thick limbs. The stitching should be dense and clean.
* **Heel:** The Jumpman on the heel tab should also be well-proportioned and cleanly molded or stitched, depending on the AJ4 model variation. For the Motorsports, it’s a molded Jumpman.
4. **Tongue Tag Details:**
* The “Flight” script on the tongue should be clear and correctly styled. Check the font, spacing, and stitching around the tag. The information on the reverse side of the tag (production dates, factory codes) should be consistent with authentic pairs.
5. **Netting:**
* The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be cleanly cut and properly aligned. On fakes, the netting might be too rigid, too flimsy, or the diamonds might be misshapen or poorly cut. The angle of the netting relative to the lace crowns is also a good tell.
6. **”Wings” (Lace Support):**
* The plastic “wings” that hold the laces should be made of quality material and properly shaped. Fakes might use cheaper plastic that feels brittle.
7. **Midsole Paint Job:**
* Paint application on the midsole should be crisp and clean. Sloppy paint lines or bleeding colors are common on fakes.
8. **Box and Label:**
* The shoebox should be sturdy and the correct color. The label on the box should have accurate information: style code (308497-117 for the 2017 Motorsports), size, colorway, and barcode. Font and alignment should be perfect. Fakes often have typos or incorrect label formatting.
9. **Smell:**
* Authentic Nike sneakers have a distinct factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, overpowering chemical or glue smell due to cheaper materials.
10. **Insole and Footbed:**
* Check the printing on the insole (Nike Air or Jumpman logo). It should be crisp. Underneath the insole, the footbed stitching should be neat.
**When in doubt, it’s always best to purchase from reputable resale platforms that offer authentication services or consult with an expert.**
Conclusion
If you want the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports, remember they are not in regular shoe stores now. You have to buy them from other sellers online, like on sites called StockX or GOAT. These shoes can cost a lot, so look at different websites to find a good price. It’s super important to make sure the shoes are real and not fake. Check how they are sewn, look at the logos, and be careful if a price is too cheap. If you look carefully, you can find a real pair of these cool sneakers!
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