Air Jordan 4 Rare Air Review: Pros, Cons, and Everything Between

I’ve been eyeing the Air Jordan 4 Rare Air for months now, and finally pulled the trigger last week. After wearing them daily and putting them through their paces, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on these sought-after kicks.

First Impressions Matter

Opening the box, I was immediately struck by the premium materials. The leather quality feels substantial – not the stiff, plastic-like covering you sometimes get with other sneakers. The colorway is bold yet wearable, with just enough flash to turn heads without screaming for attention.

The shoe’s silhouette remains true to the classic Jordan 4 design we’ve loved for decades, but with subtle tweaks that make the Rare Air edition stand out from standard releases.

Comfort: The Good and Not-So-Good

Let’s talk comfort – because what good is a beautiful shoe if you can’t wear it all day? The Air Jordan 4 Rare Air features the expected Air cushioning in the heel, which provides decent impact protection. For casual wear, these shoes feel good enough.

However. There’s a break-in period. The first two days left me with slight discomfort around the ankle collar. The leather is sturdy and needs time to soften and mold to your foot. By day three, things improved considerably.

The shoe runs true to size but feels slightly narrow in the toe box. If you have wider feet, you might want to consider going up half a size.

Build Quality and Durability

At this price point ($200+), you expect excellence. The stitching is mostly clean, with only minor flaws that you’d need a magnifying glass to spot. The sole connection is solid with no visible glue stains – an issue that sometimes plagues even premium sneakers.

After a week of wear, including one rainy day, the shoes have held up well. No color transfer, no premature creasing beyond what’s expected. The sole shows minimal wear signs, suggesting these will last for years with proper care.

Style Versatility

The Jordan 4 Rare Air works with more outfits than I initially expected. They pair naturally with jeans and joggers, but also don’t look out of place with shorts or even casual chino pants. The colorway is distinctive without limiting your wardrobe options.

One small note: the tongue height is slightly taller than standard Jordan 4s, which changes the pant-to-shoe interaction a bit. Not a negative, just something to be aware of when styling.

Value for Money

Are they worth the price tag? If you’re a serious sneaker fan, yes. The quality justifies the cost, and the limited availability means they’ll likely hold their value better than general releases.

For casual buyers simply looking for comfortable, stylish sneakers, there might be better options at lower price points. These are as much a collector’s item as they are functional footwear.

Final Thoughts

The Air Jordan 4 Rare Air delivers on most fronts. Outstanding materials, solid construction, and timeless style make these a worthy addition to any sneaker collection. The minor comfort issues during break-in and the slightly narrow fit are small complaints against an otherwise excellent shoe.

Would I buy them again? Absolutely. They strike that perfect balance between staying true to the classic Jordan 4 design while offering something fresh enough to justify the purchase even if you already own other colorways.

If you’re on the fence about grabbing a pair, I’d recommend taking the leap – before they become even harder to find at retail prices.