Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89: Price Check & Deal Hunter’s Guide

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ imagines what a player exclusive colorway for Michael Jordan might have looked like back in 1989. It features a premium white tumbled leather upper with striking Gym Red accents, creating a clean Chicago Bulls-inspired home colorway. Finding the best price for sought-after sneakers like these is important because it can save you a significant amount of money and ensure you’re getting good value.

Retailer Comparison

Originally released on January 2nd, 2016, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ retailed for $190. As this was a release from several years ago, it is no longer available at standard retail prices from major retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or Champs Sports. If you are looking to purchase a pair today, you will almost exclusively be looking at the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where most sneakerheads will find the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ today. Prices vary significantly based on several factors:

* Platforms:
* StockX: Prices for new, deadstock (unworn, with original box) pairs typically range from approximately $300 to $550+, depending heavily on size. More common sizes often hover in the $350-$450 range. StockX authenticates every pair sold on its platform.
* GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers both new and used pairs. New pairs often fall in a similar price bracket of $320 to $580+. Used pairs can be found for less, potentially starting around $200-$300, depending significantly on condition. GOAT also provides authentication services.
* eBay: Prices on eBay can be more varied. You might find new pairs from $300 upwards, and used pairs with a wider price spectrum. eBay now offers an “Authenticity Guarantee” service for many sneaker sales, which adds a layer of security. Without this, buyer diligence is paramount.

* Factors Affecting Price:
* Condition: New, deadstock pairs with the original box in good condition command the highest prices. Used pairs are cheaper, with the price decreasing based on wear and tear (creasing, sole wear, scuffs, original box condition).
* Size: Common men’s sizes (US 8-12) often have a stable market, but sometimes less common sizes (very small or very large) can be more expensive due to rarity or cheaper due to lower demand.
* Authenticity & Seller Reputation: Purchases from platforms with strong authentication processes (like StockX and GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) provide peace of mind and can influence price. Individual sellers with strong positive feedback may also price slightly higher.
* Market Fluctuations: Like any collectible, sneaker prices can fluctuate based on overall market trends, demand for specific Air Jordan 4 models, and even recent pop culture relevance.

Tips for Finding Deals

Finding the best price for the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ requires patience and smart shopping:

* Be Patient and Monitor: Prices fluctuate. Track the shoe on multiple platforms over a few weeks to get a sense of the average price for your size and desired condition.
* Consider Used Condition: If you’re okay with a pair that’s not brand new, you can save a significant amount. Look for “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) or lightly used pairs for a good balance of condition and price. Carefully examine photos and descriptions.
* Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set price alerts or make bids below the current ask. If a seller is willing to meet your price, you could snag a deal.
* Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely on just one source. Compare prices across StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment shops or Facebook groups (though exercise extreme caution with private sales).
* Look for Sales (Rare for Resale): While general sales are uncommon for specific hyped resale shoes, sometimes platforms offer promotional codes for reduced seller fees or a small discount, which might slightly impact the final price.
* Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price is drastically lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag. It could be a scam or a counterfeit product.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s is crucial, especially when buying from less regulated platforms. While services like StockX and GOAT authenticate, it’s good to know some basic checks:

* Overall Quality & Stitching: Authentic Air Jordans have high-quality materials and precise, even stitching. Fakes often have sloppy stitching, glue stains, and feel cheaper.
* Shape & Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of the Air Jordan 4. The toe box shape is a common giveaway on fakes – it might be too bulky or misshapen.
* Tongue Tag:
* The “Flight” script below the Jumpman should be clean and well-defined.
* The Jumpman logo itself should have correct proportions (no “lollipop” head, fingers defined).
* On the reverse of the tongue tag, the “AIR JORDAN” lettering should be neat and correctly spaced.
* Heel Tab & Jumpman: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-molded and detailed. The plastic of the heel tab should feel sturdy.
* Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the bottom of the tongue should be correctly sized, shaped, and of good quality plastic. It shouldn’t be too flimsy or have rough edges.
* Box & Label: The box quality, color, and printing should be consistent with official Nike/Jordan releases. The label on the box should have correct fonts, spacing, UPC code, and style number (308497-106 for the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89). Compare with images of authentic labels online.
* Smell: Authentic Nikes often have a distinct factory glue smell. Counterfeits may have a strong, overpowering chemical odor.
* Insole & Footbed: Check the printing on the insole (Nike Air logo). Underneath the insole, the stitching on the footbed should be neat.

Your Best Bet: When in doubt, purchase from established resale platforms that offer a robust authentication service.

Conclusion

So, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Alternate 89’ is a neat shoe that lots of people want. It came out a while ago, so you’ll mostly find it on sites where people resell shoes. Prices can be high or low depending on if it’s new, what size it is, and where you look. Always try to make sure you’re buying real ones, not fakes, by checking details or buying from safe places. Look around and be smart to get a good deal on these cool sneakers!
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