Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic”: Getting Your Pair
The Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic” is set to celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, potentially featuring a sophisticated color palette like Photon Dust, Gray, and Metallic Gold accents. These highly anticipated sneakers blend performance heritage with Parisian flair, making them a must-have for collectors and fans alike. With high demand expected for limited releases like this, comparing prices is crucial for sneakerheads looking to secure a pair without overpaying.
Retailer Price Comparison
The official retail price for the Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic” (Style Code: FQ7928-001) is expected to be around $225 USD. You should expect to find them at this price upon release at major authorized retailers, including:
- Nike SNKRS App
- Foot Locker
- JD Sports
- Finish Line
- Champs Sports
- Select boutique sneaker stores
While the retail price is generally consistent across these stores, the main challenge isn’t the price difference but securing a pair at all. These sneakers are expected to sell out extremely quickly due to high demand. Being prepared for the drop on release day (currently anticipated for July/August 2024) across multiple platforms is key.
Resale Market Analysis
If you miss out on the retail release, the resale market is your next option. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are popular choices for finding sold-out sneakers. However, expect prices here to be significantly higher than the original $225 retail price.
Several factors influence resale prices for the Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic”:
- Hype and Demand: Being tied to the Olympics and a popular silhouette like the AJ4 drives up demand.
- Size Availability: More common sizes often have slightly lower resale prices than rarer, very small or very large sizes.
- Condition: New, unworn pairs (deadstock) command the highest prices.
- Market Fluctuations: Prices can change daily based on supply, demand, and current trends.
Early listings and post-release prices could range anywhere from $300 to $500+, depending on the factors above. Always check multiple platforms to compare current market rates before purchasing.
Tips for Finding Deals and Avoiding Scams
Finding the Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic” for a good price requires strategy and caution:
- Be Ready for Retail: Your best chance for the lowest price is buying directly from retailers on release day. Know the exact date and time, use multiple devices if possible, and enter raffles beforehand via retailer apps (SNKRS, Foot Locker, etc.).
- Follow Sneaker Accounts: Follow sneaker news accounts and retailer accounts on social media (Twitter, Instagram) for release reminders, raffle links, and potential restock alerts.
- Compare Resale Prices: If buying resale, check prices for your size across StockX, GOAT, and eBay to find the best current offer. Factor in shipping and authentication fees.
- Wait (Risky): Sometimes, resale prices dip slightly a few weeks after the initial release hype cools down, but this isn’t guaranteed for highly sought-after pairs.
- Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid deals through social media DMs or unfamiliar websites.
- Check Seller Reputation: On platforms like eBay, check the seller’s feedback and ratings. Stick to established platforms with buyer protection and authenticity guarantees (like StockX and GOAT).
- Use Secure Payment: Always use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services or credit cards, which offer some level of fraud protection.
Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fakes
The popularity of Air Jordans means counterfeits are common. Here’s how to increase your chances of getting an authentic pair of Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic”:
- Buy from Reputable Sources: The safest way is to buy directly from authorized retailers or trusted resale platforms with authentication processes (StockX, GOAT).
- Check the Box: Examine the shoebox quality, label details (style code FQ7928-001, size, colorway), and overall construction. Fakes often have flimsy boxes or incorrect label information.
- Overall Shape and Stance: Authentic Jordan 4s have a distinct shape and profile. Compare the shoe’s silhouette to official Nike images. Fakes often get the heel bump or toe box shape wrong.
- Stitching Quality: Look for clean, consistent, and straight stitching throughout the shoe. Messy, uneven, or loose threads can be red flags.
- Tongue Tag: Inspect the Jumpman logo and the “Flight” script on the tongue tag. Details should be sharp and well-defined. The proportions of the Jumpman are often wrong on fakes.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue base should be properly cut and placed. On fakes, the netting material might feel cheap, or the squares might be incorrectly sized or angled.
- Heel Tab: Check the Jumpman or Nike Air logo on the heel tab for correct placement, proportions, and quality. The shape and material of the tab itself are also important.
- Materials and Smell: Authentic Jordans use quality materials. Fakes might feel cheap or plasticky. A very strong chemical smell (different from the normal “new shoe” glue smell) can indicate a counterfeit.
- Compare to Official Photos: Use official images from Nike or reputable sneaker sites as a reference when checking details.
When in doubt, consider using a professional legit check service before purchasing from less established sellers.
Conclusion: Are They Worth It?
The Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympic” looks like a great shoe. They celebrate the big games in Paris! Getting them for the store price of $225 is the best deal, but they will sell super fast. If you miss out, you can find them on sites like StockX or GOAT, but they will cost more money. Be sure to check prices on different sites. Always be careful to buy real shoes, not fakes. Look closely at the box, the stitching, the logos, and how the shoe is made. Good luck finding your pair of these cool Olympic Jordans!