Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89: The Good, The Bad, and The Honest Truth
I still remember the day the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 dropped. Standing in line with other sneakerheads, coffee in hand, wondering if these kicks would live up to the hype. After owning them for years now, I can finally share my unfiltered thoughts on these controversial Jordans.
Let’s get real about the Alternate 89s – they’re not perfect, but they definitely have their charm. As someone who’s worn them through countless city walks, basketball games, and casual outings, I’ve developed quite the love-hate relationship with these shoes.
What Makes the Alternate 89 Special?
The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 represents what could have been in Michael Jordan’s early career. The white leather base with red accents offers a fresh take on the classic silhouette that first appeared in 1989. Unlike other retros, these weren’t a direct recreation of a vintage colorway but rather an alternate universe design.
The quality of the leather on these? Actually pretty good. Soft yet durable, it has aged nicely on my pair. The red details pop without being too flashy, making these surprisingly wearable with many outfits. That’s not something you can say about every Jordan colorway.
The Not-So-Great Parts
Time for some honesty. The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 has its issues. First, the comfort level isn’t amazing. The Air unit feels less responsive compared to newer models. After a full day of wearing them, your feet will definitely know it.
Another drawback? The white leather shows dirt like nobody’s business. I’ve spent more time cleaning these than almost any other sneaker in my collection. If you’re planning to keep them pristine, be prepared for regular maintenance.
The red accents have also shown some fading over time, especially on the midsole. This isn’t unusual for Jordans, but it’s worth noting if you’re thinking about a purchase.
How They Compare to Other Jordan 4s
In the world of Jordan 4s, the Alternate 89 sits somewhere in the middle of the pack. They lack the historical significance of the Bred or White Cement colorways, but they offer more character than some of the newer releases.
Their price point on the resale market reflects this middle-ground status. You can usually find them for less than the iconic colorways, making them a solid option if you want to add a Jordan 4 to your collection without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy These Shoes?
The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 makes sense for several types of sneaker fans:
- Jordan collectors looking to fill out their Jordan 4 lineup
- Fans of red and white color combinations
- People who appreciate the 80s basketball aesthetic
- Sneakerheads on a budget (relatively speaking)
However, if you’re seeking the most comfortable Jordan or a low-maintenance shoe, you might want to look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
After years of owning the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89, my verdict is this: they’re a solid B-grade Jordan. Not the greatest of all time, but far from disappointing. They bring a clean, versatile look to the table with decent quality materials, though they require some care to keep looking good.
Would I buy them again? Yes, but with tempered expectations. They’re not the shoes I reach for when comfort is the priority, but when I want that classic Jordan look without wearing the same colorway everyone else has – the Alternate 89 delivers.
What’s your experience with the Alternate 89? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
