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Air Jordan 4 Black Cat: Price Comparison and Deals Guide
Introduction
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ is a highly sought-after sneaker known for its all-black colorway, inspired by one of Michael Jordan’s nicknames. Originally released in 2006 and retroed in 2020, it remains a fan favorite for its sleek, monochromatic design. When looking to purchase coveted sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Black Cat, price comparison is crucial as costs can vary significantly across different sellers and platforms.
Retailer Comparison
The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat originally retailed for around $190-$200 upon its 2020 re-release. However, due to its immense popularity and limited availability, finding it at standard retail price today is nearly impossible. Major retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, and Champs Sports sold out instantly. Therefore, your primary sources for purchasing these sneakers now are resale platforms.
Here’s a look at typical price ranges you might find on major resale markets (prices fluctuate based on size, condition, and demand as of late 2023/early 2024):
- StockX: New pairs typically range from $450 to $700+. Prices vary significantly by size, with common sizes often being more expensive. The platform shows an average sale price often hovering around the $500-$600 mark.
- GOAT: New pairs often list between $480 and $750+. Used pairs can sometimes be found starting from $350+, depending on condition and size. GOAT also shows a similar price range to StockX for new pairs.
- eBay: Prices can be highly variable. You might find listings from $400 to $800+. It’s crucial to look for listings with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee to ensure you’re getting a legitimate product. Prices here can sometimes be slightly lower if you catch a good auction or “Buy It Now” deal from a reputable seller.
Note: These prices are estimates and can change daily. Always check the platforms directly for the most current pricing for your specific size.
Resale Market Analysis
The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat commands a high price on the resale market for several reasons:
- High Demand & Iconic Status: The all-black colorway is exceptionally versatile and timeless, making it a staple for collectors and casual wearers alike. Its stealthy aesthetic is widely appealing.
- Limited Supply: Even with the 2020 retro, the production numbers did not meet the overwhelming global demand. This scarcity naturally drives up prices.
- Nostalgia Factor: The original 2006 release built a legendary status. The 2020 re-release capitalized on this nostalgia while introducing the iconic design to a new generation of sneaker enthusiasts.
- Condition and Size: Deadstock (DS) pairs – brand new, unworn, with original packaging – fetch the highest prices. Popular sizes (e.g., US 8-11) often see the most price competition. Used pairs will be lower, with price heavily dependent on wear and tear.
- Market Trends & Hype: The overall sneaker market’s health and specific trends around Air Jordan 4s can influence its price. It’s a consistently “hyped” shoe, meaning demand remains strong.
Tips for Finding Deals
While “cheap” is relative for a shoe like the Black Cat, here are some tips to potentially save some money or secure a pair more effectively:
- Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set alerts or make bids. If a seller lists a pair at your bid price, or the market price drops to your alert level, you’ll be notified.
- Consider Used Pairs: If you’re comfortable with pre-owned sneakers, GOAT and eBay (especially with Authenticity Guarantee) offer used options that can be significantly cheaper than deadstock. Always scrutinize photos and descriptions carefully.
- Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. While major drops are rare for such a popular shoe, slight dips can occur. Patience can sometimes pay off.
- Check Local Consignment Shops: Reputable local sneaker consignment stores might have pairs. You can inspect them in person and sometimes negotiate prices.
- Beware of “Too Good to Be True”: If a price seems dramatically lower than the market average, especially from an unknown or unverified seller, it’s highly likely a scam or a counterfeit product.
- Follow Reputable Sneaker News Sources: While a restock of this specific model is highly unlikely now, staying informed about general sneaker market news and potential future releases (or even similar all-black models) is always beneficial.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Black Cats
With high resale prices, the market is unfortunately flooded with fakes. Here are key areas to inspect. When in doubt, always try to buy from platforms that offer robust authentication services.
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the silhouette of an authentic Air Jordan 4. Fakes often have an incorrect toe box shape (too boxy or too slim), heel height, or overall stance. Compare with official Nike images or known authentic pairs.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans feature neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often exhibit sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching, especially around the midsole, upper panels, and tongue.
- Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: Examine the Jumpman logo carefully. On authentic pairs, the fingers are distinct, the basketball has proper texture/lines, and the legs aren’t too thin or overly thick. The “Flight” script below it should be clean and well-defined.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman on the plastic heel tab should also be well-defined, with no rough edges or blurry features.
- Materials: The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat primarily uses a distinct nubuck material. Authentic nubuck has a soft, slightly shaggy texture. Fakes might use cheaper, flatter suede, or a synthetic material that feels off.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be correctly angled (often diagonally) and have a quality feel. On fakes, it can be flimsy, too stiff, or incorrectly aligned (e.g., running straight horizontally/vertically).
- Tongue Tag (Inside): The “AIR JORDAN” text on the upside-down tag inside the tongue should be clearly printed, with correct font, spacing, and no bleeding.
- Box and Label: The shoebox quality, color (often a black and cement print box for this era), and label details are crucial. Check for correct font, SKU number (CU1110-010 for the 2020 retro), sizing information, and barcode. Fakes often have typos, incorrect label formatting, or flimsy boxes.
- Smell: This is a common, albeit subjective, tell-tale sign. Fakes often have a strong chemical or glue smell due to cheaper manufacturing processes and materials. Authentic pairs have a more neutral factory smell.
- Insole: Check the print quality of the Jumpman logo on the insole and the material/construction of the insole itself. The glue pattern underneath can also be an indicator.
The best advice: If you’re not an expert authenticator, it’s safest to purchase from reputable platforms like StockX, GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program. These services have sneakers verified by professionals before they are shipped to you, significantly reducing the risk of buying a fake.
Conclusion
Getting Air Jordan 4 Black Cats is really cool, but they can cost a lot of money. It’s smart to look around at different stores and websites to find the best price. Most importantly, always make sure you’re buying real ones and not fakes. If you are careful and do your homework, you can find a great pair of these awesome sneakers to wear and enjoy!
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