Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 Review: Pros, Cons, and Everything Between
When a new pair of Jordans hits the shelves, my sneaker radar goes off immediately. The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 caught my attention from day one, and after wearing them for several weeks, I’ve got some thoughts to share. Are they worth your hard-earned money? Let’s break it down.
First Impressions Matter
Opening the box, the classic red and white colorway immediately stands out. The Alternate 89 offers a “what if” scenario – what if Michael Jordan had this color option back in 1989? The premium leather upper feels substantial in hand, with the iconic mesh panels and plastic wing eyelets we’ve come to expect from the Jordan 4.
The red details pop against the white base, creating a clean look that pairs with almost anything. Not too flashy, not too plain. Just right for both casual wear and making a subtle statement.
Comfort: The Make-or-Break Factor
Let’s be honest: older Jordan models weren’t exactly known for comfort. The Alternate 89, however, strikes a decent balance. The Air unit in the heel provides good cushioning for everyday wear. Not running-shoe comfortable, but definitely better than many retro sneakers.
Break-in time is minimal – about 2-3 days of regular wear before the leather softens up. The padding around the ankle feels just right, and the overall fit runs true to size for most people.
Quality Check: The Pros
- The leather quality surpasses many recent Jordan releases
- Clean stitching throughout with very few flaws
- Colors match perfectly between pairs
- Solid construction that should last for years
- The red paint on the midsole stays put better than some other colorways
The Not-So-Great Parts
- The toe box creases fairly quickly
- Some pairs have minor glue stains along the midsole
- The insole could use more cushioning for long days
- Price point feels high for what you get
- Heavier than modern basketball sneakers
Everyday Wearability
Unlike some collector’s items that stay boxed up, the Alternate 89s work as daily shoes. The white/red combo fits with jeans, shorts, and even some casual office settings. They’re eye-catching without screaming for attention.
One thing to note: keeping them clean requires effort. The white leather shows dirt quickly, so invest in some good sneaker cleaner if you plan to wear these regularly.
Value for Money?
At the retail price of $190, these aren’t cheap shoes. Are they worth it? If you’re a Jordan fan who appreciates the heritage and design, yes. If you’re looking purely for performance or comfort, there are better options at lower prices.
The good news: the resale value typically holds steady or increases slightly over time, making these a relatively safe purchase from an investment standpoint.
Final Thoughts
The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 represents what Jordan Brand does best – creating classic silhouettes with thoughtful color blocking and decent materials. They’re not perfect, but they nail the essentials: looks, reasonable comfort, and versatility.
For collectors, they’re a must-have. For casual sneaker fans, they’re worth considering if the style speaks to you. Just keep those cleaning wipes handy – white shoes demand maintenance.
What’s your experience with the Alternate 89s? Drop a comment below with your thoughts or questions about these classics.
