Air Jordan 4 Industrial Blue: Price Check & Buyer’s Guide
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Industrial Blue’ brings back a beloved OG colorway of the legacy silhouette, closely mirroring the original 1989 ‘Military Blue’ design. For sneaker enthusiasts eager to add this iconic pair to their collection, price comparison is crucial to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal and authentic kicks.
Retailer Comparison: The Original Drop
The Air Jordan 4 “Industrial Blue” (also referred to by its heritage name, “Military Blue”) officially released on May 4, 2024, with a retail price of $215 USD for men’s sizes. Key retailers that stocked the shoe at launch included:
- Nike SNKRS App
- Foot Locker
- JD Sports
- Finish Line
- Other select Jordan Brand stockists.
As is common with highly anticipated Jordan releases, the “Industrial Blue” sold out extremely quickly at retail price. Finding them directly from these retailers now is highly unlikely, meaning most buyers will need to turn to the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis: What Are They Going For Now?
On major resale platforms, the price for the Air Jordan 4 “Industrial Blue” varies based on size, condition (typically deadstock – brand new, unworn), and market demand. Here’s a general look:
- StockX: Prices generally range from approximately $240 to $350+. The “ask” prices can fluctuate daily. Popular sizes tend to be on the higher end of this spectrum.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT are listed from around $230 to $360+. GOAT also lists used pairs, which can sometimes be found for slightly less.
- eBay: Prices on eBay can vary more widely, with listings from individual sellers. You might find pairs from $230 up to $400+ depending on seller reputation, authenticity guarantees (look for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service), and whether it’s an auction or “Buy It Now.”
Factors affecting resale prices:
- Hype and Demand: This is a very popular, classic colorway, driving demand up.
- Size Availability: Common sizes (US 8-11) often see the most price stability or slight premiums. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to scarcity.
- Authenticity & Seller Reputation: Verified authentic pairs from reputable sellers or platforms with authentication services command higher, more reliable prices.
- Time Since Release: Prices can fluctuate. Sometimes they dip slightly after the initial release rush, but for iconic models, they often gradually increase over time.
Tips for Finding Deals & Avoiding Scams
- Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX allow you to set alerts for when a pair hits your desired price.
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can differ.
- Consider “Slightly Used”: If you don’t mind a pair that’s been worn lightly, GOAT and eBay offer pre-owned options that can save you money. Ensure they still come with authentication.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Prices: If a deal seems significantly cheaper than the market average, especially on less regulated platforms, it’s a major red flag for fakes.
- Check Seller Reviews: On platforms like eBay, always vet the seller’s feedback and history.
- Patience: Sometimes, waiting a bit after the initial hype can lead to slightly better prices, though this isn’t guaranteed for such a popular model.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4s
With high resale values, counterfeit sneakers are unfortunately common. Here are some general tips for spotting fake Air Jordan 4s (it’s always best to compare with photos of authentic pairs from reputable sources):
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Fakes often get the silhouette wrong. The toe box might be too bulky, or the heel shape might be off.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often have sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo. The font, spacing, and the Jumpman’s proportions should be precise. The stitching around the tag should also be clean.
- Heel Tab: The “Nike Air” branding on the “Industrial Blue” should be well-defined, correctly embossed/printed, and centered. The shape and material of the heel tab itself are also key.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be made of quality material and be properly aligned. On fakes, it can be flimsy or incorrectly angled.
- Box and Label: The box quality, font on the label, SKU number (FV5029-141 for this model), and barcode should match official Nike standards. Fakes often have flimsy boxes or incorrect label details.
- Smell: This might sound odd, but fake sneakers often have a strong, distinct chemical smell due to cheaper glues and materials. Authentic Nikes have a more neutral factory smell.
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: The best way to avoid fakes is to buy from trusted retailers or resale platforms that offer robust authentication services (like StockX, GOAT, and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee).
Conclusion: Is it Worth the Price?
The Air Jordan 4 Industrial Blue is a really cool shoe. Lots of people want it. When it first came out, it cost $215. Now, you find it on websites like StockX or GOAT. The prices there are more, like $240 to $350, or even higher. Look carefully to find a good deal. Make sure the shoes are real, not fake. Check how they are sewn and look at the logos. If you love these sneakers, getting a real pair for a good price will be awesome!
“`