Before You Buy Air Jordan 4 Industrial Blue: My Honest Review
I’ve been a sneakerhead for as long as I can remember. When the Air Jordan 4 Industrial Blue was announced, my notifications blew up with messages from friends asking if I’d be adding them to my collection. After wearing them for three weeks, I’m ready to share my thoughts – the good and the not-so-good – to help you decide if they’re worth your money.
First Impressions
Opening the box, I was struck by the color. The industrial blue is deeper in person than in promotional photos. It’s a shade that works with jeans, joggers, or shorts – pretty much anything in your wardrobe. The contrast between the blue and the white midsole creates a clean look that feels both fresh and classic.
The shoe follows the iconic Jordan 4 silhouette we all know. High-quality leather throughout. Solid construction. The mesh panels add breathability without compromising the shoe’s structure. Nothing revolutionary here, but that’s not a bad thing when the original design is this good.
Comfort and Fit
Let’s talk comfort. I wore these for a full day of running errands, and my feet felt fine afterward. The Air cushioning in the heel does its job well. They run true to size for me, though if you have wider feet, you might want to go up half a size.
One thing to note: like most Jordan 4s, there’s a short break-in period. The first two wears felt a bit stiff around the ankle, but by the third time, they had loosened up nicely. Give them time.
Quality Check
For the $210 price tag, the quality is solid but not perfect. The stitching is clean throughout most of the shoe. The materials feel premium when you touch them. But I did notice some minor glue stains where the midsole meets the upper on one shoe. Not noticeable unless you’re looking closely, but worth mentioning.
The color seems durable so far. Three weeks in, including one light rain shower, and there’s no fading or discoloration. The blue maintains its richness even after several wears.
Styling Versatility
This is where the Industrial Blue really shines. The colorway is bold enough to stand out but neutral enough to pair with almost anything. I’ve worn mine with:
- Black jeans and a white tee (my favorite combo)
- Blue denim and a gray hoodie
- Olive cargo pants
- Even khaki shorts for a casual weekend look
The blue works with so many colors that you won’t struggle to match them with your clothes.
The Not-So-Great
I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t mention a few downsides. The toe box creases fairly quickly – I noticed the first creases after just two wears. This happens with most leather sneakers, but it seemed to show up faster on these.
Also, they’re not the most breathable shoes I own. On a hot day, my feet did get pretty warm. The mesh panels help, but they’re still a primarily leather sneaker.
Are They Worth Buying?
At $210 retail (and likely more on resale sites), these aren’t cheap. But they combine style, relative comfort, and the status of being a Jordan 4. If you’re looking for an everyday sneaker that makes a statement without being too loud, the Industrial Blue delivers.
For Jordan collectors, this is an easy yes. For casual sneaker fans who just want one nice pair, there are more comfortable options at this price point, but few with this level of style versatility and cultural weight.
My final take: If you love the color in photos, you’ll love it even more in person. And if you’re on the fence, remember that Jordan 4s tend to hold their value well if you keep them in good condition.
What do you think of the Industrial Blue colorway? Drop a comment below if you’ve picked up a pair or are thinking about it!
