# Howard University Gets the Royal Treatment: Air Jordan 4 PE Exclusive Look
Alright sneakerheads, grab your coffee and settle in because I’ve got something that’ll make your Monday morning a whole lot better. Last weekend, while doom-scrolling through my Instagram feed at 1 AM (as one does), I stumbled upon images of the upcoming Air Jordan 4 “Howard University” PE that’s set to make waves in 2025. And let me tell you—I nearly spilled my midnight snack all over my keyboard.
You know that feeling when you see a sneaker so clean that you immediately start calculating which bills you could skip paying to afford it? Yeah, that’s what happened here. Except, as I soon discovered, no amount of financial gymnastics will help because these beauties aren’t hitting retail shelves.
Navy Suede Dreams
The Howard University PE features a dark navy suede upper that reminds me of the night sky I used to stare at during college when I was supposed to be studying. It’s rich, deep, and looks incredibly touchable—the kind of texture that makes you want to reach through your screen.
The red accents pop against the navy backdrop like fireworks, creating a contrast that’s both bold and sophisticated. If these sneakers were a person, they’d be that friend who always looks effortlessly put-together while the rest of us are trying to figure out if our socks match.
I’m getting major flashbacks to the 2023 WNBA Air Jordan 4 “First Class” vibes here, but with a unique Howard twist that sets them apart. The first time I saw those WNBA 4s in person, I remember thinking they were criminally underrated. These Howard joints? They’re playing in a whole different league.
Details That Scream Exclusivity
Let’s talk about those golden hangtags featuring Howard’s crest—they’re like tiny pieces of jewelry for your sneakers. I’ve always been a sucker for a good hangtag (much to my wife’s confusion—”Why are you keeping all these tags in a shoebox?”), and these are definitely keepers.
The personalized lace dubraes with the university’s initials are another touch that’s got me smiling. It’s those little details that separate the good from the great in the sneaker world. When I spotted them, I had that same feeling I got when I found a perfectly ripe avocado at the grocery store last Tuesday—unreasonably excited.
There’s also a custom slogan tucked behind the tongue—one of those hidden details that not everyone will notice, but those who do will appreciate. It’s like finding that extra french fry at the bottom of the bag—unexpected but completely welcome.
The Controversy Corner
Not everyone’s feeling the love, though. I’ve seen some comments criticizing the understated branding, saying it doesn’t scream “Howard” loudly enough. To which I say—since when is subtlety a bad thing? In a world of in-your-face logos and name-dropping, there’s something refreshing about a design that whispers rather than shouts.
Besides, anyone who knows their stuff will recognize these kicks from a mile away. And isn’t that the point of a PE (Player Exclusive) anyway? These aren’t meant to be mass-produced for every Joe Sneakerhead on the block (sadly, including yours truly).
The Heartbreak: You Probably Can’t Have Them
Here comes the part that hurts worse than stubbing your toe on furniture at 3 AM—these beauties won’t be hitting retail. They’re strictly a PE, meaning they’re reserved for Howard University athletes, staff, and possibly a few lucky insiders.
I still remember the day I realized what “Player Exclusive” really meant. I was younger, more naive, and had my heart set on a pair of Oregon Ducks Jordan 5s. The crushing realization that no amount of website refreshing or line-waiting would get me those shoes was a sneakerhead coming-of-age moment.
But hey, that’s part of what makes the sneaker game so frustrating and yet so addictive. Some of the best pairs are the ones we can only admire from afar, through our screens, while eating yesterday’s leftover pizza in our sweatpants (or is that just me?).
Final Thoughts
These Howard University Air Jordan 4 PEs represent everything great about the culture—heritage, exclusivity, and impeccable design. While we regular folks will likely have to admire them from a distance, they’re a reminder of why we fell in love with sneakers in the first place.
Until next time, keep your laces tight and your hopes high. Who knows? Maybe Jordan Brand will surprise us with a general release version someday. A man can dream, right? Right?
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here, explaining to my partner why I need to set aside a small fortune “just in case” these miraculously become available to the public. Wish me luck!
