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Air Jordan 4 Military Blue: Price Comparison and Deals Guide
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ is one of the original and most beloved colorways of Michael Jordan’s fourth signature shoe. Originally released in 1989, the shoe made a highly anticipated return in May 2024, closely mirroring the original design with the coveted ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel. Given the immense popularity and hype surrounding this release, price comparison is crucial for sneakerheads looking to secure a pair at the best possible value.
Retailer Comparison
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ had a retail price of approximately $215 USD for adult sizes. Key retailers where these were slated to drop included:
- Nike SNKRS App
- Foot Locker
- Finish Line
- JD Sports
- Champs Sports
- Other select Tier 0 boutiques and sneaker shops
At launch, prices were consistent across these official retailers. The primary challenge wasn’t a difference in retail price, but rather securing a pair due to extremely high demand and limited stock. Most pairs sold out almost instantly upon release through raffles or first-come, first-served online drops.
Resale Market Analysis
If you missed out on the retail drop, the resale market is your next avenue. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are the most common places to find the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’. As of mid-2024, shortly after its release, prices on these platforms typically ranged from $280 to $450+, and can fluctuate based on several factors:
- Size: More common or popular sizes often command higher prices. Smaller or very large sizes might sometimes be slightly cheaper or more expensive depending on demand.
- Condition: “Deadstock” (DS) pairs – brand new, unworn, with original packaging – fetch the highest prices.
- Demand and Hype: Being an OG colorway with the “Nike Air” heel branding, the demand is exceptionally high, which directly inflates resale prices.
- Seller Reputation & Platform Fees: Prices can vary slightly between sellers, and platforms like StockX and GOAT include authentication and processing fees that add to the final cost.
- Time Since Release: Prices are often highest immediately after a sell-out. They might stabilize or even slightly decrease weeks or months later, but for such an iconic pair, a significant drop is unlikely in the short term.
Tips for Finding Deals
Scoring the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ at a good price, especially post-retail, requires patience and strategy. Here are some tips:
- Follow Sneaker News Accounts: Reputable sneaker news outlets and social media accounts often announce restocks (though rare for such hyped releases), or sometimes highlight under-the-radar local skate/sneaker shop drops.
- Enter All Raffles (Pre-Release): While the initial release has passed, for future drops, always enter as many legitimate online and in-app raffles as possible to maximize your chances at retail.
- Be Patient (Post-Release): Sometimes, resale prices can dip slightly a few weeks or months after the initial release hype. Monitor prices on resale platforms regularly.
- Local Consignment Shops & Sneaker Events: Check local sneaker consignment stores or attend sneaker events. You might find a seller willing to negotiate, but always prioritize authenticity.
- Trade: If you have other valuable sneakers, you might be able to trade for a pair, potentially saving you cash.
- Compare Resale Platforms: Don’t just check one resale site. Compare prices across StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even Facebook groups or dedicated sneaker forums. Remember to factor in shipping and authentication fees.
- Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true (e.g., significantly below the current resale average), it probably is. Stick to reputable sellers and platforms with buyer protection.
Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fakes
With high resale prices comes the unfortunate reality of counterfeit sneakers. The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ is a prime target for fakes. Here’s a general guide on what to look for (always compare with confirmed official images):
- Box and Labels:
- The box should be sturdy with correct colors and branding. Check the label for font accuracy, correct style code (FV5029-141 for the 2024 version), size, and barcode.
- Compare the UPC/EAN code on the box label with online databases if possible.
- Stitching: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Sloppy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a major red flag.
- Shape and Proportions:
- The overall silhouette, especially the toe box shape (not too bulky or too slim), heel bump, and tongue height, should match authentic pairs.
- The “wings” should be properly shaped and made of quality material.
- ‘Nike Air’ Branding:
- This is crucial for the 2024 retro. The ‘Nike Air’ on the heel tab should be cleanly embossed, with the correct font and spacing. The lettering should be well-defined.
- The ‘Nike Air’ on the insole should also be correctly printed.
- Tongue Tag:
- Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo on the outer tongue tag. Details should be crisp, and the Jumpman should have correct proportions.
- Check the tag on the reverse of the tongue for text quality and accuracy.
- Materials:
- The leather quality should feel premium and have the correct texture. Fakes often use cheaper, synthetic-feeling materials that might look or feel off.
- The netting on the side panels and tongue should be correctly sized and placed.
- Smell: Authentic sneakers have a distinct factory smell from the materials and adhesives. A strong, overpowering chemical or glue smell can sometimes indicate a fake.
- Sole Details: Check the outsole pattern, the Nike logo, and the star count/shape at the toe.
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: The best way to avoid fakes is to buy from authorized retailers or highly trusted resale platforms that offer robust authentication services (like StockX and GOAT). If buying from individual sellers, do thorough research and ask for detailed, clear photos.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is a very cool shoe. Lots of people want it. This makes it cost more money, especially if you buy it after it first comes out. Always try to buy from good stores or trusted sellers. If you buy it from someone else, make sure it’s a real Nike shoe. Check the box and how the shoe is made. This way, you can get the real deal and be happy with your sneakers!
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