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Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89: Price Check & Buyer’s Guide
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ dropped in early 2016, offering a fresh take on a classic silhouette with a color scheme imagining what a player exclusive for Michael Jordan might have looked like during his Chicago Bulls days. For sneakerheads looking to add this pair to their collection, understanding the price landscape is crucial to making a smart purchase, as prices can vary significantly depending on where you look and the condition of the shoe.
Retailer Comparison: Original Price & Current Availability
Originally, the Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89” retailed for $190 upon its release on January 2, 2016. As a general release, it was available through major sneaker retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Champs Sports, as well as select boutique sneaker stores.
However, being a release from several years ago, these sneakers are no longer available at standard retail prices from these original outlets. They sold out quickly and have since transitioned entirely to the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis
The resale market is where you’ll exclusively find the Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89” today. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.
- StockX: Prices for new pairs typically range from $350 to $600+, depending heavily on the shoe size. More common sizes might sit in the $400-$500 range, while rarer or very popular sizes can command higher prices. Last sales often hover around the $380-$480 mark.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT are listed anywhere from $330 to over $650. Used pairs can offer significant savings, potentially ranging from $200-$350 depending on condition. GOAT provides detailed photos for used pairs, which is a plus.
- eBay: eBay is a more variable marketplace. You might find new pairs listed for similar prices as StockX and GOAT, but there’s also a wider range of used options. Prices can be competitive, but authentication is key. Expect new pairs from reputable sellers to be in the $350-$600 range. Used pairs can vary wildly from $150 (very worn) to $300+ (near new).
Factors affecting resale prices:
- Condition: Deadstock (DS – brand new, unworn, with original box) commands the highest prices. Used pairs depreciate based on wear and tear.
- Size: Extremely small or large sizes, or very common sizes, can sometimes be more expensive due to specific demand or rarity in that size.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from platforms like StockX and GOAT generally fetch higher, more stable prices.
- Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box in good condition, and any original tags or accessories, adds value.
- Market Fluctuations: Sneaker prices can ebb and flow based on trends, re-releases of similar colorways, or general market hype.
Tips for Finding Deals
Scoring a “deal” on a sought-after sneaker like the Alternate 89 requires patience and smart shopping:
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can vary between StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even sneaker-specific Facebook groups or forums.
- Consider Used or “VNDS” (Very Near Deadstock): If you plan to wear them, a pair that’s been lightly worn once or twice can save you a significant amount compared to a deadstock pair.
- Set Price Alerts: Some platforms allow you to set alerts for when a shoe in your size drops to a certain price.
- Look for Reputable Individual Sellers: Sometimes, individual sellers on eBay or forums might offer better prices than consolidated platforms, but this comes with higher risk if not vetted properly. Check seller feedback meticulously.
- Be Wary of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems unbelievably low, it’s often a scam or a counterfeit product.
- Factor in Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing, shipping, and authentication fees, which can increase the final price. eBay also has seller fees, which are often factored into the price.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89”
The Air Jordan 4 is a popular model for counterfeiters. Here are some key areas to check when trying to authenticate a pair of “Alternate 89s”:
- Box and Label:
- The box should be sturdy, with correct fonts, colors, and label information (style code: 308497-106).
- Check the production dates on the label and compare them with the official release window.
- Overall Shape and Proportions:
- Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of an AJ4. Fakes often have a clunky or misshapen toe box, or incorrect heel height.
- The “netting” on the side panels and tongue should be distinct and properly aligned.
- Stitching Quality:
- Authentic pairs have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often have sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching.
- Material Quality:
- The white leather upper should feel premium. Fakes often use cheaper, synthetic-feeling materials.
- The red accents should be the correct shade.
- Tongue Tag:
- The “Flight” script on the tongue tag should be clean and well-defined. The Jumpman logo should have correct proportions (no “lollipop” head or overly skinny arms/legs).
- Check the stitching around the tag.
- Heel Tab and Jumpman Logo:
- The Jumpman logo on the heel should be well-defined and properly embossed/stitched. Fakes often have poorly detailed or misshapen Jumpman logos.
- The heel tab itself should be the correct shape and material.
- Insole and Sizing Tag:
- The insole should have a clearly printed Nike Air logo or Jumpman (depending on the specific AJ4 release details).
- The sizing tag inside the shoe should have correct fonts, spacing, and information.
- The Smell Test:
- Authentic Nikes have a specific factory glue smell. Fakes often have a strong, harsh chemical odor.
- When in Doubt: Use a professional legit check service or compare extensively with known authentic pairs online.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 is a cool shoe, but it costs more now because it’s not new in stores. You can find it on sites like StockX or GOAT for around $300 to $600. Be very careful to buy real ones, not fakes. Look at the box, the stitching, and the Jumpman logo closely. If you really want these shoes, save your money and be smart when you look for a good price from a safe seller.
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