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Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Chasing a Classic Without Overpaying
Originally released in 2017, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ is a tribute to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing. It features a white leather upper with black and game royal accents, reminiscent of the colors of MJ’s racing team. Comparing prices for popular sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports can save you a significant amount of money. With so many sellers, knowing where to look and what to look for is key to getting a fair deal.
Retailer Comparison: Where Have They Gone?
Since the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports had its initial release back in 2017, you’re unlikely to find them sitting on the shelves at standard retail prices from major chains like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or JD Sports. These retailers primarily stock current and upcoming releases. For a shoe this age, your primary source will be the resale market.
At its original release, the retail price for the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports was $190.
Resale Market Analysis: The Main Event
The resale market is where you’ll find the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports today. Prices here are driven by supply, demand, condition, and size. Here’s a look at current approximate prices on popular platforms (as of late 2023/early 2024 – prices can fluctuate daily!):
- StockX: Prices typically range from $350 to $550+ depending on size and current bids/asks. For example, a common size like US 10 might average around $400-$450. StockX authenticates sneakers, providing a level of buyer confidence.
- GOAT: You’ll find new pairs often starting from $400 up to $600+. Used pairs can be found from around $250+ depending on condition and completeness (e.g., original box). GOAT also offers authentication.
- eBay: Prices vary wildly on eBay. You might find deals, but also a higher risk of fakes if not careful. Look for reputable sellers with good feedback and listings that offer eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee.” Sold listings for authentic pairs generally show prices from $300 to $500+.
Factors Affecting Resale Prices:
- Condition: “Deadstock” (DS) means brand new, unworn, with the original box and all accessories. These command the highest prices. Used prices vary significantly based on wear, tear, and cleanliness.
- Size: Common men’s sizes (US 8-11) tend to have good availability but also high demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be rarer and thus more expensive, or conversely, less in demand and slightly cheaper.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from platforms like StockX or GOAT, or through eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, are generally more trusted and can fetch higher prices.
- Seller Reputation: Established sellers with positive reviews often price slightly higher due to the trust they’ve built.
- Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box in good condition, and any original tags or accessories, adds value.
- Market Fluctuations: Sneaker prices can change like stocks, influenced by trends, re-releases of similar models, or even celebrity sightings.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
- Be Patient: Prices fluctuate. Monitor listings over time if you’re not in a rush.
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices for the same size and condition can vary.
- Consider “Used” or “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS): If you plan to wear them, a pair that’s been tried on or worn lightly can be significantly cheaper than a DS pair and still be in excellent condition. Ensure you see detailed photos.
- Look for “Best Offer” Options: On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers, allowing for negotiation.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price is drastically lower than everywhere else for a “new” pair, it’s often a red flag for a fake or a scam.
- Factor in Fees: Remember to include shipping costs, sales tax, and platform fees (like StockX buyer processing fees or GOAT’s fees) in your total cost calculation.
- Local Marketplaces: Sometimes, local sneaker groups on Facebook or local consignment stores might have deals, but authentication becomes even more critical.
Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fake Air Jordan 4 Motorsports
Protecting yourself from counterfeit Air Jordan 4s is crucial. While a professional authenticator is best, here are some general tips to help you spot potential fakes (it’s always good to compare with known authentic pairs online):
- Overall Quality and Stitching: Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often have sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitches.
- Materials: The white leather on an authentic pair should feel premium and have a certain texture. Fakes might use cheaper, stiffer, or more plastic-feeling materials. The blue and black accents should be the correct shade and finish.
- Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: Pay close attention to the Jumpman logo on the tongue tag. Proportions should be correct – fakes often have a “pregnant” Jumpman, oddly shaped limbs, or undefined fingers. The stitching around the patch should be clean.
- Heel: The Jumpman on the heel tab should also be well-defined and proportionate.
- Tongue Tag Details:
- Front: The “Flight” script below the Jumpman should be clearly printed/stitched and correctly styled.
- Back: Check the text on the reverse of the tongue tag. Fonts, spacing, and spelling should be precise.
- Box and Label: The box itself should be sturdy. The label on the box should have the correct style code (308497-117 for the 2017 Motorsports), size, colorway, and barcode. Fonts should be consistent with official Nike labels. Fakes often have flimsy boxes or poorly printed/inaccurate labels.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be correctly angled, pliable yet firm, and cleanly cut. On fakes, the netting might be too stiff, too flimsy, or poorly aligned.
- Midsole Paint Job: The paint application on the midsole, especially where colors meet, should be crisp and clean on authentic pairs. Fakes might have messy paint lines or bleeding colors.
- Heel Tab Shape: The plastic heel tab should have a distinct shape and the pull tab should be correctly proportioned.
- Insole: Check the logo on the insole. It should be clearly printed. The material and construction of the insole itself can also be an indicator.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory glue smell. Fakes often have a strong, harsh chemical odor.
- “Wing” Eyelets: The plastic “wings” that hold the laces should be made of quality plastic, not feel brittle, and be securely attached.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: The best way to avoid fakes is to buy from trusted platforms with robust authentication processes (StockX, GOAT, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) or well-known consignment shops with a strong reputation.
When in doubt, seek a professional legit check service or compare extensively with detailed photos of confirmed authentic pairs online.
Conclusion: Your Hunt for the Motorsports
So, you want the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports? These cool shoes came out a while ago, so you won’t find them in regular stores like new shoes. You’ll need to look online at places where people sell old shoes. Prices can be very different, so check a few places to see who has the best deal. Make sure you’re getting real ones and not fakes, because fakes look bad and fall apart. Look around, be smart with your money, and you might find a good deal on these awesome kicks!
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