Air Jordan 4 Mars Blackmon: Price Check & Finding Your Pair

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Mars Blackmon’ is a retro release from 2006 that pays homage to the iconic advertising campaign featuring Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon. These kicks are a throwback to the original 1989 ‘Fire Red’ colorway, but with the special Mars Blackmon logo on the heel, making them a unique collector’s item. Finding the best price for sought-after sneakers like these can save you a significant amount of money, as prices can vary widely depending on where you look.

Retailer Comparison: Where Did They Originally Drop?

Originally released in 2006, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mars Blackmon’ had a retail price of around $115 USD. However, as these sneakers are long sold out from traditional retail stores like Foot Locker, Nike, or Finish Line, you won’t find them on their shelves today at that original price. Your main avenue for purchasing these grails will be the resale market, which we’ll dive into next.

Resale Market Analysis: What Are They Worth Now?

The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mars Blackmon’ currently lives. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.

Here’s a look at what you can expect on popular platforms:

* StockX: Prices for a new, deadstock (DS) pair typically range from approximately $350 to over $700+. The price fluctuates based on size availability and recent sales. For example, a common size like a US 10 might be around $450-$550, while less common or highly demanded sizes could be higher. Used pairs will vary significantly based on condition.
* GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers both new and used pairs. New pairs often mirror StockX pricing, perhaps slightly higher or lower depending on their inventory and seller asks. You might find new pairs listed from $380 to $750+. Used pairs can start from around $200 for well-worn examples, up to $400+ for pairs in excellent, near-new condition.
* eBay: eBay presents the widest range of prices and conditions. You can find anything from heavily used pairs for under $200 to pristine, new-in-box pairs asking for $600-$800 or more. It’s crucial to vet sellers and check for authenticity here.

Factors affecting resale prices:
* Condition: Deadstock (new with original box) commands the highest premium. VNDS (Very Near Deadstock) and gently used pairs follow.
* Size: Popular sizes (e.g., US 8-12) often have more listings but can also see high demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be rarer and pricier.
* Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box, retro card (if applicable), and any hangtags increases value.
* Authenticity Verification: Platforms like StockX and GOAT include an authentication process, which adds a layer of trust and can influence price.

Tips for Finding Deals on the Mars Blackmon 4s

Hunting for a deal on a classic like this takes patience and strategy:

1. Monitor Multiple Platforms: Don’t just stick to one site. Check StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment shops or social media sneaker groups (with extreme caution for the latter).
2. Be Patient & Track Prices: Prices can fluctuate. Set up alerts if possible or check back regularly. Sometimes sellers adjust prices if a pair isn’t moving.
3. Consider Used Condition: If you plan to wear them, a pair in 8/10 or 9/10 condition can save you hundreds compared to a deadstock pair. Always ask for detailed photos.
4. Look for “Best Offer” Options: On eBay, many sellers allow you to make an offer. A reasonable offer might just get accepted.
5. Factor in Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT have buyer fees, processing fees, and shipping costs. eBay also has shipping, and potentially import duties if buying internationally.
6. Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems unbelievably low, it’s often a scam or a fake. Always prioritize authenticity.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Mars Blackmon

With high resale values come fakes. Here are some key things to look for when trying to authenticate Air Jordan 4s, specifically thinking about the Mars Blackmon edition:

* Overall Shape and Stance: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct, somewhat sleek profile. Fakes can often look bulky, misshapen, or have an incorrect toe box shape (too boxy or too flat).
* Mars Blackmon Logo (Heel): This is a key feature. The silhouette of Mars on the heel should be crisp and well-defined. Compare it closely to images of authenticated pairs. The proportions and details matter.
* Stitching Quality: Nike’s stitching is typically neat, tight, and consistent. Sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a major red flag.
* Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo. The font, spacing, and proportions of the Jumpman (especially the fingers and feet) should be correct. The stitching around the tag should also be clean.
* Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be of good quality. On fakes, it might be too stiff, too flimsy, or the holes might be incorrectly sized or shaped. The direction of the netting matters too.
* Back Heel Tab: The quality of the plastic, the sharpness of the Jumpman logo (if present above the Mars logo area, though the Mars logo is primary here), and the overall construction.
* Midsole Paint Job: Check for clean paint lines on the midsole. Sloppy paint application or colors that seem off can indicate a fake.
* Box and Label: The box quality, font on the label, SKU/product code (308497-162 for this model), and sizing information should all match official Nike standards.
* Smell Test: Authentic Nikes often have a particular factory glue smell. Replicas might have a strong, harsh chemical odor.

When in doubt, get a second opinion from a trusted source or use a professional legit check service.

Conclusion: Is the Air Jordan 4 Mars Blackmon Worth It?

So, the Air Jordan 4 Mars Blackmon is a really cool old shoe that lots of people want. You can’t buy it in regular stores anymore. You have to look online where people sell shoes they’ve kept. The price can be very different, so look around. It’s super important to make sure the shoes are real and not fakes. Look at pictures very carefully. If you wait and look hard, you might find a good deal on these awesome sneakers for your collection!
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