Air Jordan 4 Military Blue: Price Comparison & Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ is an iconic sneaker, first released in 1989 and designed by Tinker Hatfield, celebrated for its clean aesthetics and historical significance in the Jordan line. Price comparison is crucial for sneaker enthusiasts because it helps them find the best possible deals, avoid overpaying, and ensure they are getting value for their money, especially for highly sought-after models like this one.

Retailer Comparison

The official retail price for the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ (2024 retro, style FV5029-141) was $215 USD for men’s sizes. It was also available in Grade School (GS), Preschool (PS), and Toddler (TD) sizes at lower price points.

Major retailers that stocked or were expected to stock the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ at retail price include:

Nike SNKRS App: The primary source, usually via a draw or LEO (Let Everybody Order) drop.
Foot Locker: Often holds raffles or first-come, first-served releases online and in-store.
Finish Line & JD Sports: Similar to Foot Locker, with app reservations and online releases.
Champs Sports: Another key footwear retailer.
Select Boutique Sneaker Stores: Stores like Kith, Concepts, A Ma Maniere, etc., often receive limited stock.

Differences: The main difference at the retail level is availability. Due to extremely high demand, these sneakers sell out almost instantly at their $215 retail price. Most retailers use raffle systems to manage demand, meaning acquiring them at retail is largely down to luck.

Resale Market Analysis

Given the quick sell-out at retail, most buyers will turn to the resale market. Here’s a look at pricing on popular platforms (prices are approximate and can fluctuate daily, and vary by size):

StockX: As of late May 2024, prices for men’s sizes typically range from $280 to $400+ USD. Smaller, more common sizes tend to be at the lower end, while very large or very small sizes, or more popular sizes, can command higher prices.
GOAT: Prices are comparable to StockX, often with new pairs listed between $290 and $420+ USD. GOAT also lists used pairs, which can be a more affordable option if you’re willing to accept some wear.
eBay: A wider range of prices can be found, from slightly above retail for less sought-after sizes to significantly higher for popular ones. Buyer diligence is key here to ensure authenticity and seller reputation. Expect prices in a similar ballpark to StockX and GOAT for new, authenticated pairs.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Hype and Demand: The ‘Military Blue’ is a beloved original colorway, driving high demand.
Limited Supply: While a general release, production numbers still don’t meet total demand.
Size Popularity: Common men’s sizes (US 8-11) often have high volume but also high demand. Less common sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to scarcity.
Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs vary based on wear.
Seller Reputation & Platform Fees: Reputable sellers and platform authentication services add to the cost but provide peace of mind.

Tips for Finding Deals

Securing Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ at a good price requires strategy and patience:

Follow Sneaker Accounts & Retailers on Social Media: Turn on notifications for release dates, restocks, and raffles.
Enter as Many Raffles as Possible: This increases your chances of copping at retail.
Be Patient (Post-Release): Sometimes, resale prices can dip a few weeks or months after the initial hype if the market gets saturated or demand wanes slightly. This isn’t guaranteed for highly popular models, though.
Consider Used Pairs: If you don’t mind pre-worn sneakers, platforms like GOAT or eBay can offer significant savings for pairs in good condition.
Check Local Consignment Shops: You might find a fair deal locally, and you can inspect the shoes in person.
Look for Undercutters: On platforms like eBay, some sellers might list slightly below the market average to make a quick sale.
Beware of Scams: If a deal looks too good to be true (e.g., significantly below retail on a sold-out shoe), it probably is. Stick to reputable platforms or sellers.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s is crucial, especially when buying from less regulated platforms. Here are key areas to inspect:

Box and Label:
- Check the box quality, print clarity, and correct label information (style code, size, colorway, UPC).
- The font, spacing, and placement on the label should be consistent with authentic pairs.
Stitching:
- Genuine Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often have sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching.
Material Quality:
- Authentic Air Jordan 4s use premium leather and materials. Fakes may use cheaper, plastic-feeling leather or flimsy netting.
- The “wings” and heel tab should feel sturdy.
Shape and Proportions:
- Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette. Fakes often have an incorrect toe box shape (too bulky or too slim), wrong height, or overall clunky appearance.
Tongue Tag and ‘Flight’ Script:
- The Jumpman logo and “Flight” script on the tongue tag should be well-defined and correctly proportioned. Stitching around the tag should be clean.
- Check the back of the tongue for the “AIR JORDAN” upside-down tag; lettering should be clear.
Heel Tab and Jumpman/Nike Air Logo:
- The 2024 ‘Military Blue’ retro features “Nike Air” on the heel. Ensure the logo is well-defined, correctly embossed/molded, and proportioned. The pull tab itself should be made of quality rubber/plastic.
Insole:
- Check the print quality of the Nike Air logo or Jumpman on the insole. It shouldn’t rub off easily on authentic pairs. Look at the stitching underneath the insole if possible.
Smell:
- Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical glue smell.
Buy from Reputable Sources:
- The best way to avoid fakes is to buy from authorized retailers or trusted resale platforms that offer authentication services (like StockX and GOAT).

When in doubt, compare the sneakers to pictures from official Nike sources or reputable sneaker blogs. There are also many legit check guides and videos online specific to the Air Jordan 4 model.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is a cool shoe that lots of people want. It costs about $215 in regular stores, but they sell out super fast. If you buy them from other people online, they can cost a lot more, maybe $280 to $450 or even higher. To find a good price, look for sales, try contests, and be super careful you don’t buy a fake shoe. Always check if the shoe looks real and buy from sellers you trust. It takes effort, but finding these sneakers can be really exciting!

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