Air Jordan 4 Craft “Photon Dust”: Price Check & Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Craft – Photon Dust’ updates the iconic silhouette with an upgraded build, featuring a light grey leather upper with a shaggy suede forefoot overlay in a matching hue. Finding the best price for hyped sneakers like these can save you a significant amount of money, so it’s crucial to compare before you buy.

Retailer Comparison

The Air Jordan 4 Craft “Photon Dust” had an official retail price of $210 USD. They were released on February 11, 2023.

At launch, these sneakers were available through major retailers such as:

Nike SNKRS App
Foot Locker
Finish Line
JD Sports
Champs Sports
Select boutique sneaker stores

However, being a popular “Craft” iteration of a beloved Jordan model, these sneakers sold out very quickly at retail. This means that for most buyers looking to acquire a pair now, the primary option is the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

Once a hyped sneaker sells out at retail, its price is dictated by supply and demand on resale platforms. For the Air Jordan 4 Craft “Photon Dust,” you can typically find them on:

StockX: Prices often fluctuate but generally range from $230 to $350+ depending on size. The platform acts as a middleman, authenticating shoes before they reach the buyer.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs, with prices also varying by size and condition. Expect prices in a similar range to StockX, sometimes slightly higher for new, verified pairs.
eBay: A wider range of prices can be found here, including from individual sellers. While you might find slightly lower prices, the risk of encountering fakes can be higher if you don’t buy from reputable sellers with authenticity guarantees. Prices generally align with StockX and GOAT for authenticated pairs.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Size: Very common sizes (US 9-11) and very small or large sizes can sometimes command higher premiums.
Condition: “Deadstock” (DS) – brand new, unworn, with original box and accessories – will always be the most expensive. Used pairs will be cheaper, depending on wear.
Hype and Rarity: While not the most limited Jordan 4, its “Craft” detailing and clean colorway keep demand relatively high.
Seller Reputation & Authentication Fees: Platforms like StockX and GOAT include authentication in their service, which is factored into the price.

Tips for Finding Deals

Securing the Air Jordan 4 Craft “Photon Dust” at a “deal” price (below current market average) can be challenging, but here are some tips:

Monitor Resale Platforms Regularly: Prices can fluctuate. Setting up price alerts on StockX or GOAT for your size can notify you of dips.
Consider “Used” or “New Defect”: Platforms like GOAT allow listings for shoes that are new with slight defects or have been tried on, often at a lower price. Lightly used pairs can also offer significant savings if you don’t mind them not being box-fresh.
Look for Local Sneaker Groups/Consignment Shops: Sometimes, local Facebook groups or consignment stores might have pairs for sale, potentially avoiding platform fees. However, ensure you can authenticate them.
Be Wary of “Too Good To Be True” Deals: Extremely low prices, especially from unknown sellers or sketchy websites, are almost always a sign of fakes or scams.
Patience: For some sneakers, prices can dip a few months after release as initial hype dies down. However, for popular Jordans, they often hold or increase in value.
Check eBay Auctions: You might get lucky with an auction ending at a lower price, but be sure the seller is reputable and offers an authenticity guarantee if possible.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4s

Authenticating sneakers is a skill, but here are some general pointers for the Air Jordan 4. When in doubt, use a professional authentication service or compare with a known retail pair.

Box and Label:
- The box should be sturdy, with correct colors and font on the label. Check the style code (DV3742-021 for the Photon Dust) and barcode.
- Fakes often have flimsy boxes, incorrect fonts, or spelling errors on the label.
Overall Shape and Proportions:
- Authentic AJ4s have a distinct shape, especially the toe box and heel. Fakes often get this wrong, looking too bulky or too slim.
Stitching Quality:
- Genuine Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a major red flag.
Materials:
- The “Photon Dust” uses leather and suede. Feel the materials. Real leather and suede have a certain texture and quality that fakes often can’t replicate, using cheaper, synthetic-feeling materials.
- The suede on the “Craft” version should have a specific shaggy texture.
Tongue Tag:
- Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. The Jumpman should be well-proportioned with distinct fingers and shoelaces. The font of “Flight” should be correct.
- Check the stitching around the tag.
Netting:
- The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue should be properly cut and attached. On fakes, it can be flimsy, poorly cut, or have the wrong angle.
Heel Tab:
- The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be crisp and well-defined. The pull tab itself should be made of quality material.
Insole:
- Check the logo on the insole. It should be clearly printed. The insole itself should be well-made.
Smell:
- Authentic Nike shoes have a particular factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical smell due to cheap glues and materials.

If you’re buying from a platform like StockX or GOAT, they have their own authentication process, which adds a layer of security. For private sales, be extra vigilant.

Conclusion

Getting these cool Air Jordan 4 “Photon Dust” shoes means you’ll likely buy them from sellers online, not stores, because they sold out. They first cost $210. Now, prices on sites like StockX or GOAT can be higher, maybe $250 to $350, based on your shoe size and if they are brand new. To get a good deal, watch prices and be super careful about fakes. Look closely at how they’re sewn, the box they come in, and how the material feels to make sure they’re real. Being smart helps you get real Jordans and not pay too much!

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