Air Jordan 4 Black Cat: Price Comparison and Finding the Best Deals

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” is a highly coveted sneaker known for its sleek, all-black design, inspired by one of Michael Jordan’s many nicknames. First released in 2006 and then re-released in 2020, its stealthy aesthetic has made it a timeless classic among sneaker enthusiasts. With such high demand and limited availability, finding these sneakers at a reasonable price can be a challenge, making price comparison and deal-hunting essential for any prospective buyer.

Retailer Comparison

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” had an original retail price of around $190-$200 when it last launched in 2020. However, due to their immense popularity and the passage of time since the last release, these sneakers are **long sold out at standard retail stores** like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or other authorized Jordan Brand stockists.

You will not find them available for their original retail price directly from these major retailers anymore. Any listings claiming “retail price” from unknown shops should be approached with extreme caution, as they are likely to be scams or selling counterfeit products. The primary market for these sneakers is now the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where most collectors and enthusiasts will need to turn to acquire a pair of Air Jordan 4 “Black Cats.” Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.

Popular resale platforms include:

StockX: Prices for new, authenticated pairs typically range from $450 to $700+, depending on size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes be outliers.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs often mirror StockX pricing, perhaps slightly higher or lower depending on the day and size. Used pairs can vary widely, from $300 upwards, based on condition.
eBay: Prices on eBay can be more varied. You might find some deals, but there’s also a higher risk of encountering fakes if you’re not careful. Authenticity Guarantee services on eBay have improved buyer confidence. Expect prices for authenticated new pairs to be in the $450-$700+ range, with used options potentially lower.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn, with original box) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, with the price decreasing based on the level of wear and tear.
Size: More common sizes (US 8-11) often have higher demand and can sometimes be more expensive, though very small or very large sizes can also fetch premiums due to scarcity.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms or sellers are more expensive. The peace of mind that comes with authentication (like StockX, GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) is priced in.
Seller Reputation: Established sellers with positive feedback may price their items slightly higher.
Market Fluctuations: Sneaker prices can ebb and flow based on current trends, re-releases of similar models, or general market hype.

Tips for Finding Deals

While “cheap” is relative for such a hyped shoe, here’s how to potentially save some money:

Be Patient: Monitor prices across different platforms. Sneaker prices can fluctuate.
Consider Used Pairs: If you don’t mind a shoe that’s been lightly worn, you can save a significant amount. Always ask for detailed photos of used sneakers.
Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t just stick to one resale site. Compare prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment shops or sneaker groups (with caution).
Look for Reputable Sellers with Offers: On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers. You might be able to negotiate a slightly lower price.
Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Prices: If a price is significantly lower than the market average, it’s highly likely to be a scam or a counterfeit product.
Factor in Fees: Remember to include shipping costs, sales tax, and platform service/authentication fees when comparing final prices.
Follow Sneaker Accounts: Sometimes, sneaker news accounts or deal aggregators will highlight specific listings or price drops, though this is rare for highly sought-after pairs like the Black Cats.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Black Cats

With high resale values come many fakes. Here are key areas to inspect:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the silhouette of an authentic Air Jordan 4. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or overall stance wrong.
Material Quality: The “Black Cat” features a nubuck upper. Genuine pairs will have a soft, quality feel. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer materials that look and feel off.
Stitching: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching on fakes.
Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman logo on the tongue tag should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoelaces. The “Flight” script should also be crisp. Proportions are key.
- Heel: The molded Jumpman on the heel tab should be sharp and well-defined. Fakes often have a less detailed or misshapen logo.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be consistent in its pattern and material. On fakes, it can be too wide, too narrow, or made of flimsy material.
Tongue Tag (Back): The “AIR JORDAN” lettering on the upside-down tag on the back of the tongue should be clean and well-spaced.
Box and Label: The box quality, color, and label details (font, SKU, sizing information) should match official Nike/Jordan standards. Cross-reference the SKU (CU1110-010 for the 2020 release) online.
Insole: Check the Jumpman logo on the insole. It can wear off quickly on fakes. The quality of the insole material itself can also be an indicator.
Smell: This is a classic tell. Fakes often have a strong, overpowering chemical or glue smell due to cheaper manufacturing processes.

When in doubt, purchase from platforms that offer authentication services (StockX, GOAT, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) or have the sneakers legit-checked by a professional service or knowledgeable community before purchasing from an individual seller.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat is a super cool shoe, but it’s not easy to find for its old store price. Most people sell them for more money on websites. You should look at different online shops to see who has the best price. Always be very careful to make sure the shoes are real and not fakes. If you search well and are smart, you can find your awesome pair of Black Cats!

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