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Introduction: The Iconic Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue
The Air Jordan 4 WNTR ‘Loyal Blue’ updates the iconic silhouette with a winterized construction, perfect for cold weather. Released in December 2019, this sneaker, often dubbed the “Winterized” or “WNTR” Air Jordan 4, features a striking Loyal Blue upper, accented with Black, White, and Habanero Red. Finding the best price for a coveted sneaker like the Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue can save you a significant amount of money, as prices can vary widely depending on where you look.
Retailer Comparison: Beyond the Original Release
The Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue was originally released with a retail price around $200. However, as this model was released in 2019, it is no longer available directly from Nike or standard authorized retailers at its original price. Your primary sources for purchasing these sneakers now will be resale platforms.
Resale Market Analysis: Where to Find Them Now
The resale market is where most sneakerheads will turn to find the Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue. Prices here are dynamic and influenced by supply, demand, condition, and size.
- StockX: Prices typically range from approximately $300 to $600+ depending on size and current market demand. For example, a common size like US 10 might be listed around $400-$450, while less common sizes or peak demand could push prices higher. StockX authenticates sneakers before shipping to the buyer.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs, with prices often in the $300-$650+ range. You might find a new pair in a popular size for around $420, while a used pair could be closer to $300-$350. They also have a robust authentication process.
- eBay: You can find a wide range of prices on eBay, sometimes lower, but it’s crucial to buy from reputable sellers with high ratings and utilize eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program when available. Prices can vary from $250 (for used or less popular sizes) to well over $500 for new, deadstock pairs.
Factors affecting resale prices:
- Condition: Deadstock (DS) or brand new pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper depending on wear.
- Size: More common sizes (e.g., US 9-11) may have more availability but also high demand. Less common or very large/small sizes can sometimes be pricier due to scarcity.
- Seller Reputation: Established sellers with positive feedback can often ask for slightly more.
- Authenticity Guarantee: Listings backed by an authenticity guarantee (like eBay’s) provide peace of mind and can influence price.
Tips for Finding Deals on Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue
Scoring a deal on a sought-after sneaker requires patience and strategy:
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can differ between StockX, GOAT, eBay, and other consignment marketplaces.
- Consider Used Pairs: If you don’t mind pre-owned, lightly used pairs can offer significant savings. Ensure the seller provides detailed photos and that the platform offers authentication for used goods.
- Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. Set up alerts if possible on resale sites to be notified of price drops for your size.
- Look for Offers: On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers, so you might be able to negotiate a lower price.
- Factor in Fees: Remember to include shipping costs, sales tax, and platform fees (like StockX’s processing fee) when comparing final prices.
- Beware of “Too Good to Be True”: Extremely low prices from unknown sellers are often a red flag for fakes.
- Check Local Consignment Shops: Sometimes local sneaker boutiques or consignment stores might have a pair, and you can inspect them in person and potentially avoid shipping fees.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue
Ensuring you’re buying an authentic pair is crucial, especially with a popular model like the Air Jordan 4. Here are some general tips for spotting fake Air Jordan 4s (always compare with known genuine pairs online):
- Box and Label: Check the box quality, label font, and product code (BQ3685-400 for the Loyal Blue). Misspellings or sloppy printing are red flags. The label should be firmly attached and straight.
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Fakes often have an incorrect stance, toe box shape (too bulky or too slim), or heel height. The Loyal Blue has a distinct winterized upper material – ensure it looks and feels right (durable, water-resistant synthetic, not cheap plastic or flimsy leather).
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Messy, frayed, or uneven stitching, especially around the midsole and upper panels, is a common sign of a fake.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the Jumpman logo on the tongue. Proportions should be correct (no “lollipop” head or overly skinny arms/legs), and the “Flight” script should be clean and well-defined. The underside of the tongue tag (“AIR JORDAN” upside down) should also be clearly stitched and legible.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-defined and properly embossed/molded. The pull tab itself should be sturdy and correctly shaped. The stitching around it should be clean.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the sides and tongue base should be correctly angled (typically diagonally downwards towards the front of the shoe) and of good quality. On fakes, it can be flimsy, too wide, or incorrectly positioned.
- Insole: Check the print quality on the insole (Jumpman logo). Sometimes the stitching underneath the insole (Strobel board) can also reveal poor craftsmanship on fakes.
- Smell: Authentic sneakers have a distinct factory smell (glues and materials). Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor due to cheaper materials and glues.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: The best way to avoid fakes is to stick to well-known resale platforms with authentication services (StockX, GOAT, eBay Authenticity Guarantee) or highly trusted individual sellers with a long history of positive feedback.
Conclusion: Is the Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue Worth It?
The Air Jordan 4 Loyal Blue is a very nice shoe that keeps your feet warm. You can’t buy it in normal shoe stores now because it’s older. You have to look on websites where people sell used or rare shoes. These shoes can cost a lot, maybe $300 or even more than $600. It’s good to look at different sites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay to find the best price. Make sure the shoes are real and not fakes by checking things like the stitching and the little logos. If you like them and can find a real pair for a good price, they are a great sneaker to have.
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