Air Jordan 4 Military Blue: Price Guide, Deals & How to Cop

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ is one of the original and most beloved colorways of the iconic silhouette, first released in 1989. Its clean white leather upper, accented with Military Blue and Neutral Grey, has made it a timeless classic. With its highly anticipated return in May 2024, featuring the coveted ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel for the first time since its original release, sneaker enthusiasts are eager to secure a pair. This high demand means prices can vary significantly, making price comparison more important than ever to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Retailer Comparison

The official retail price for the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ (2024 release, style code FV5029-141) is set at $215 USD for men’s sizes. Other sizes have different retail prices:

GS (Grade School): $160 USD
PS (Preschool): $100 USD
TD (Toddler): $85 USD

These sneakers will be available on their official release date (May 4th, 2024) through major footwear retailers, including:

Nike SNKRS App: The primary destination for Nike/Jordan releases. Expect a draw or LEO (Let Everyone Order) drop.
Foot Locker: Often holds raffles via their FLX Rewards program.
Finish Line & JD Sports: Typically use a raffle system for high-demand releases.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: May have limited stock, often via online draws.
Other boutique sneaker stores: Many smaller sneaker shops will also receive stock, usually conducting their own local or online raffles.

For a highly anticipated release like the ‘Military Blue’ Air Jordan 4s, expect them to sell out almost instantly at retail price. Most successful purchases at retail will be through winning raffles or being very quick on drop day.

Resale Market Analysis

Given the immense popularity and iconic status of the ‘Military Blue’ colorway, the resale market will be the primary source for many who miss out on the retail drop. Prices on resale platforms are dictated by supply and demand.

Key platforms include:

StockX: Prices fluctuate based on bids and asks. Expect men’s sizes to range from $280-$450+ in the weeks following the release, depending on size popularity. Prices are often highest immediately after release and may settle slightly over time, or rise if demand remains very strong.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, offering new and used pairs with authentication. Prices will be comparable, potentially slightly higher for “instant ship” options.
eBay (with Authenticity Guarantee): eBay has stepped up its sneaker game with an authentication service. You might find a slightly wider range of prices, but always ensure the “Authenticity Guarantee” badge is present for valuable sneakers.

Factors affecting resale prices:

Hype and Demand: This is an OG colorway, so demand is extremely high.
Size: More common men’s sizes (US 8-12) often see the highest volume and can command premium prices. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to lower production numbers.
Condition: Deadstock (DS) pairs – brand new, unworn, with original box and accessories – will fetch the highest prices.
Release Exclusivity/Stock Numbers: If production numbers are lower than anticipated, resale prices will climb.
Time Since Release: Prices are often volatile immediately after release. They might dip slightly as more pairs hit the market, but for an iconic shoe like this, they are likely to appreciate over the long term, especially for unworn pairs.

Tips for Finding Deals

Securing the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ at retail is the best deal, but it’s challenging. Here are some tips:

Enter All Raffles: Sign up for as many raffles as possible through retailer apps (Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker, Finish Line, JD Sports) and local sneaker boutiques.
Follow Sneaker News Accounts: Follow reputable sneaker news accounts on social media (e.g., @SneakerNews, @SoleRetriever, @J23app on X/Twitter) for real-time updates on release procedures, raffle links, and restock alerts.
Join Cook Groups (with caution): Some sneaker enthusiasts join paid “cook groups” that provide detailed release information and sometimes automated purchasing tools. These can be effective but also costly and complex.
Be Patient (on Resale): If you miss out at retail, sometimes waiting a few weeks or months *after* the initial hype can lead to slightly lower resale prices as the market settles. However, for a classic like this, prices may also steadily climb.
Look for Slightly Used Pairs: If you plan to wear them, a pair that’s been worn once or twice (VNDS – Very Near Deadstock) can sometimes be found for a bit less than deadstock on platforms like GOAT or eBay.
Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true, especially from an unknown seller or website, it almost certainly is. Stick to reputable retailers and resale platforms with strong authentication processes. Avoid direct deals through social media unless you are highly confident in the seller’s legitimacy.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’

With high demand comes the proliferation of fakes. Here are some key areas to check when authenticating Air Jordan 4s:

Overall Quality and Craftsmanship: Authentic pairs have precise stitching, high-quality materials (the white leather should feel premium, nubuck on the toe wrap should be smooth), and a solid construction. Fakes often have sloppy stitching, glue stains, and use cheaper-feeling materials.
Box and Label:
- The box should be sturdy with correct branding. The label on the box should have crisp, clear printing, with the correct style code (FV5029-141 for men’s), size, colorway name, and barcode. Compare fonts and spacing to official images.
‘Nike Air’ Branding: This is crucial for the 2024 retro.
- Heel Tab: The “Nike Air” logo on the heel tab should be well-defined, with correct font, thickness, and spacing. The rubber tab itself should be well-molded.
- Insole: The “Nike Air” logo on the insole should also be accurately printed. On fakes, it might rub off easily or have incorrect proportions.
- Outsole: The “Nike” wordmark on the outsole should be sharp.
Tongue Tag:
- The “Flight” script underneath the Jumpman logo on the tongue exterior should be clean and well-stitched. The Jumpman itself should have correct proportions (no “lollipop” head or overly skinny/thick limbs).
- The reverse side of the tongue tag (with “AIR JORDAN”) should also have neat stitching and correct font.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be properly cut and angled. On fakes, it can sometimes be too stiff, too flimsy, or have misshapen diamonds.
Toe Box Shape: Authentic Air Jordan 4s have a distinct, somewhat sleek toe box shape. Fakes often have a bulky, boxy, or overly flat toe box.
Lace Wings/Crowns: The plastic “crowns” or lace holders should be well-molded. The number of lace holes should be correct (typically 9 holes per wing section on an AJ4).
Smell: While subjective and harder to judge online, authentic Nikes have a particular factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical or glue odor.
Purchase Source: The most reliable way to ensure authenticity is to buy from authorized retailers or highly reputable resale platforms like StockX, GOAT, or eBay (with Authenticity Guarantee), as they have their own authentication processes.

If in doubt, consult online legit check guides with detailed comparison photos or seek opinions from trusted sneaker communities.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is a very cool shoe that lots of people want. It costs about $215 in regular stores, but it’s hard to get there. If you buy it from other people online, it will probably cost more money. Always make sure the shoe is real by looking closely at how it’s made, like the stitching and the logos. It’s best to buy from safe stores or websites. Good luck trying to get your own pair!

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