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Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey: Scoring Your Pair Without Overpaying
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Cool Grey’ first graced sneaker culture in 2004, quickly becoming a sought-after classic. Its 2019 retro brought the iconic colorway back to a new generation of fans, maintaining its status as a highly desirable sneaker. With such high demand, finding the Air Jordan 4 ‘Cool Grey’ at a fair price can be a challenge. That’s why comparing prices across different sellers is super important to make sure you’re getting a good deal and not overpaying.
Retailer Comparison: The Original Drop
When the Air Jordan 4 “Cool Grey” retroed in 2019, its retail price was typically around $190-$200 USD. Major sneaker retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, Nike’s SNKRS app, and select boutique sneaker stores stocked the shoe. However, due to its immense popularity, it sold out almost instantly. Finding this sneaker at its original retail price today is virtually impossible unless a retailer uncovers old stock, which is highly unlikely.
Resale Market Analysis: Where the Action Is
Since the Air Jordan 4 “Cool Grey” is no longer available at retail, the resale market is your primary option. Here’s a look at pricing on popular platforms:
- StockX: Prices typically range from $350 to $600+ for new, deadstock pairs, depending heavily on size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes command higher premiums due to scarcity.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs often fall in the $380 to $650 range. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be a more affordable option, with prices varying significantly based on condition (e.g., $250-$450 for good condition used pairs).
- eBay: Prices on eBay can be more volatile. You might find auctions or “Buy It Now” listings. New pairs generally align with StockX and GOAT prices, but it’s crucial to check seller reputation and authenticity. Used pairs can sometimes be found for slightly less, but diligence is key.
Factors affecting resale prices include:
- Size: Common sizes often have more availability but also high demand. Less common or highly sought-after sizes (e.g., very small or very large) can be pricier.
- Condition: New, deadstock (DS) pairs with the original box command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary based on wear and tear.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms are more expensive but offer peace of mind.
- Market Fluctuations: Sneaker prices can change based on overall market trends, hype, and restock rumors (though unlikely for this model now).
Tips for Finding Deals on Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey
Scoring a deal on a hyped shoe like the Cool Grey 4s takes patience and strategy:
- Be Patient & Monitor Prices: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. Set up price alerts on platforms like StockX or GOAT if possible.
- Consider Used or VNDS: If you don’t need a brand new, box-fresh pair, “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) or lightly used pairs can offer significant savings. Ensure you see detailed photos.
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just stick to one resale site. Check prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment shops.
- Look for Less Popular Sizes (If it’s yours): Sometimes, slightly less common sizes might have slightly lower demand and thus, price.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Deals: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average, it’s often a red flag for fakes or scams.
- Buy from Reputable Sellers: Check seller reviews and ratings, especially on platforms like eBay.
- Factor in Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing fees, buyer premiums, and shipping costs, so factor those into the final price.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Cool Greys
With high prices come counterfeit sneakers. Spotting fakes can be tricky, but here are some general pointers for the Air Jordan 4:
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the authentic silhouette. Fakes often have an off or “chunky” shape, especially around the toe box and heel.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Messy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a common sign of a fake.
- Materials: The “Cool Grey” features a nubuck upper. Authentic nubuck has a distinct soft, slightly velvety feel. Fakes might use cheaper, stiffer materials.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the Jumpman logo and the “Flight” script on the tongue. The Jumpman should be well-defined. The font, spacing, and placement of the “Flight” script are crucial.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue should be consistent and properly aligned. On fakes, it can be flimsy, too wide, or poorly cut.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be crisp and well-molded. The pull tab itself should feel sturdy.
- Box and Label: Check the box quality, the printing on the label (font, SKU number, sizing information), and ensure it matches details of an authentic pair. The SKU for the 2019 Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey is 308497-007.
- Smell: Authentic sneakers have a particular factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor due to cheaper glues and materials.
When in doubt, use authentication services offered by platforms like GOAT, or get a legit check from experienced sneakerheads online before purchasing from less established sellers.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan 4 Cool Grey is a really cool shoe that lots of people want. This means it costs more money now. You probably can’t find it in regular shoe stores anymore. You have to look online at places like StockX or GOAT. The price can change a lot, so look at different websites. Make sure the shoes are real because there are fakes out there. If a price looks too cheap, be very careful. Good luck finding your pair of these awesome sneakers!
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