Air Jordan 4 Military Blue: Price Check & Deal Hunter’s Guide

Introduction

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ is one of the original and most beloved colorways of Michael Jordan’s fourth signature shoe. Originally released in 1989, the 2024 retro brings back the coveted ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel for the first time since its initial launch. Finding the best price for sought-after sneakers like these is crucial, as costs can vary significantly across different sellers, and knowing where to look can save you a good chunk of change.

Retailer Comparison

When the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ (FV5029-141) was released on May 4th, 2024, the official retail price was set at $215 for adult sizes. Key retailers where they were initially available (or may appear during restocks) include:

Nike SNKRS App
Foot Locker
Finish Line
JD Sports
Champs Sports
Other authorized Jordan Brand stockists and boutiques.

At this point, most, if not all, official retailers have sold out of their initial stock at the $215 retail price. The primary way to acquire them now through these channels would be via a surprise restock, which is rare but possible.

Resale Market Analysis

Once sold out at retailers, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ immediately hits the resale market. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, size, and condition. Popular platforms for resale include:

StockX: As of mid-2024, prices typically range from approximately $250 to $380+ depending on the size. Common sizes often hover around the $280-$320 mark.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, with new pairs (Deadstock) often listed in the $260 to $400+ range. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be slightly cheaper but vary greatly in price based on condition.
eBay: Prices can vary wildly on eBay. You might find authenticated pairs (with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) in a similar range to StockX and GOAT, perhaps $250-$400+. Non-authenticated pairs might be listed lower, but carry a higher risk of fakes.

Factors influencing resale prices include:

Hype and Nostalgia: The ‘Military Blue’ is an OG colorway with significant history, driving high demand. The return of ‘Nike Air’ branding further boosts its appeal.
Size Availability: Extremely common or very rare sizes can sometimes command slightly different price points.
Condition: Deadstock (DS) – brand new, unworn, with original box and accessories – will always fetch the highest prices.
Market Fluctuations: Prices can change daily based on sales volume and seller/buyer activity.

Tips for Finding Deals

Securing the Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’ at a favorable price requires diligence:

Monitor Restocks: Follow sneaker news accounts (e.g., @SoleRetriever, @SNKR_TWITR on X/Twitter) and retailer social media for any surprise restock announcements.
Local Consignment Shops: Physical sneaker consignment stores might have pairs. Prices vary, but you can inspect them in person. Negotiating might be possible.
Sneaker Conventions: Events like Sneaker Con can be a place to find pairs, but always be prepared to authenticate.
Patience on Resale Platforms: Sometimes, prices on resale sites can dip slightly a few weeks or months after the initial release hype. Set price alerts if possible.
Buy Slightly Used: If you don’t mind a pair that’s been worn lightly, platforms like GOAT offer used options that are authenticated and can be significantly cheaper than deadstock.
Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable sellers and platforms with buyer protection. Avoid direct messages on social media from unknown sellers offering incredible deals.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Military Blue

With high demand comes the risk of counterfeits. Here are key areas to check when trying to authenticate a pair of Air Jordan 4 ‘Military Blue’:

Box and Label:
- The box should be sturdy with correct colors and branding. Check the label for correct style code (FV5029-141 for men’s), size, font, and barcode. Compare with official images.
- Misspellings or poor print quality are red flags.
Overall Shape and Proportions:
- Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or overall stance wrong. Compare side-by-side with a confirmed real pair or official Nike images.
Stitching Quality:
- Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching on fakes.
“Nike Air” Branding on Heel:
- This is a key feature of the 2024 retro. The lettering should be well-defined, correctly spaced, and embossed cleanly. The texture of the heel tab itself should feel premium.
Tongue Tag:
- The “Flight” script and Jumpman logo on the outside of the tongue should be crisp. The “AIR JORDAN” lettering on the inside of the tongue tag should also be clear and well-stitched.
Netting/Mesh:
- The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be properly cut and angled. On fakes, it can be too stiff, too flimsy, or poorly aligned.
Materials and Leather Quality:
- Authentic pairs use quality leather that feels and looks premium. Fakes often use cheaper, synthetic-feeling materials.
Insole:
- Check the print quality of the Nike Air logo on the insole. It should be sharp. The insole itself should fit perfectly.
Smell:
- Authentic sneakers have a particular new shoe smell. Counterfeits often have a strong, harsh chemical or glue odor.
Purchase Source:
- Always prioritize buying from authorized retailers or highly reputable resale platforms that offer robust authentication services (like StockX, GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee).

If unsure, consider using a professional legit check service or consulting online sneaker communities with detailed photos.

Conclusion

So, the Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is a really cool shoe that many people want. Prices can be very different depending on where you look, often higher than the original store price. It’s important to be careful and buy real sneakers, not fakes. Shopping smart and knowing what to look for can help you get these awesome kicks without getting ripped off!

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