Air Jordan 4 Pale Citron Review: Pros, Cons, and Everything Between
I’ve worn a lot of sneakers in my day. Some good, some bad, and some that left me wondering why I spent my hard-earned money on them. Today, I’m breaking down the Air Jordan 4 Pale Citron – a shoe that’s been turning heads since its release.
First Impressions Matter
When I first pulled these sneakers from the box, the color caught my eye immediately. The Pale Citron colorway offers a subtle yet eye-catching vibe that works with almost anything in your wardrobe. Not too loud, not too quiet. Just right.
The material quality feels solid in hand. Jordan Brand didn’t cut corners here. The leather is smooth, the mesh panels are properly placed, and the overall build quality feels like it will last.
Comfort: The Make-or-Break Factor
Let’s be honest – even the best-looking shoes become closet decorations if they hurt your feet. After wearing the Pale Citrons for several weeks, I can tell you they’re surprisingly comfortable for a Jordan 4.
The Air cushioning in the heel does its job well. Walking around all day? No problem. The padded collar prevents that dreaded ankle rubbing many sneakers cause after hours of wear.
One thing to note: they do run slightly narrow. If you have wider feet, you might want to go up half a size.
The Good Stuff
- Versatile colorway that pairs with nearly everything
- Quality construction that should hold up over time
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
- True to the classic Jordan 4 silhouette fans love
- Decent traction on most surfaces
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Price point is steep at $200+ retail
- Runs narrow (size up if you’re between sizes)
- Slightly heavier than some modern basketball shoes
- The pale color shows dirt easily
- Limited breathability during hot weather
On-Court Performance
While most people buy Jordan 4s for style, I tested them on the basketball court too. They’re not bad for casual play, but I wouldn’t recommend them for serious competition. The support is good, but they lack the responsiveness of modern performance basketball shoes.
The traction works well on clean indoor courts but struggles a bit on dusty surfaces. You’ll find yourself wiping the soles frequently if you play on less-than-pristine courts.
Styling Options
This is where the Pale Citron colorway really shines. The neutral base with subtle color pops works with just about everything. Jeans and a t-shirt? Perfect. Joggers and a hoodie? Absolutely. Even shorts in the summer look great with these kicks.
The versatility factor here is high. Few sneakers can transition from casual to slightly dressed up as smoothly as these do.
The Bottom Line
The Air Jordan 4 Pale Citron isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid addition to any sneaker collection. The combination of classic design, decent comfort, and extremely wearable colorway makes it worth considering.
Are they worth the retail price? If you’re a Jordan fan or sneaker collector, yes. If you’re just looking for a comfortable, stylish shoe and don’t care about the brand heritage, you might find better value elsewhere.
After several weeks of regular wear, these have earned a regular spot in my rotation. Not my favorite Jordan 4 colorway of all time, but certainly one I’m happy to own and wear.
