Hunting for the Air Jordan 4 Fear: A Price and Deals Guide

A Legendary Sneaker: The Air Jordan 4 Fear

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Fear’ was released as part of the iconic ‘Fear Pack’ in August 2013, alongside an Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 5. Its design features a stunning black, white, and cool grey upper with distinctive speckled detailing, drawing inspiration from the “Be Legendary” marketing campaign and Michael Jordan’s renowned ability to instill fear in his opponents. When looking to acquire such a coveted pair, price comparison is crucial for sneaker collectors. Especially for rare and sought-after models like these, prices can vary significantly across different sellers and platforms, making it important to do your homework.

Retailer Comparison: A Look Back

Originally released in 2013, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Fear’ had a retail price of approximately $175 USD. However, being a release from over a decade ago, finding these sneakers at their original retail price from authorized retailers is no longer possible. They are now exclusively available on the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis: Where to Find the Fear

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Fear’ is a highly sought-after sneaker, and its price on the resale market reflects its rarity and demand. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect on popular platforms (prices as of late 2023/early 2024, subject to change and varying by size/condition):

StockX: Prices for new, authenticated pairs typically range from $500 to $900+. The price heavily depends on the shoe size and current market demand. Less common sizes can sometimes fetch higher or lower prices.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs often fall in the $550 to $1000+ range. Used pairs can be found for less, but the price will vary significantly based on condition.
eBay: You might find a wider range of prices on eBay. Listings can vary from around $400 (for used or less popular sizes without premium authentication) to $1000+ for pristine, authenticated pairs. Exercise caution and buy from reputable sellers with strong authentication guarantees if available.

Factors Influencing Resale Price:

Condition: “Deadstock” (DS), meaning brand new, unworn, with the original box and all accessories, commands the highest prices. Used pairs will be priced lower based on wear and tear.
Size: Common sizes often have more availability and slightly more competitive pricing. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to their scarcity.
Authenticity & Seller Reputation: Verified authentic pairs from reputable sellers or platforms with robust authentication services (like StockX’s “Verified Authentic” or GOAT’s process) will always be priced higher than unverified listings.
Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box, hangtags, and any included accessories (like extra laces, if applicable) adds to the value.
Market Fluctuation: Sneaker prices can be volatile, influenced by trends, re-releases of similar models, or celebrity endorsements.

Tips for Finding Deals on the Air Jordan 4 Fear

While “cheap” is relative for a shoe this coveted, here are some tips to find the best possible price and avoid scams:

Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set up notifications for when a specific shoe in your size hits a certain price point or drops in price.
Be Patient: Sneaker prices fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitoring prices over time might help you snag a pair during a slight dip.
Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Compare listings on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and reputable consignment shops if available.
Consider “Used” or “VNDS” (Very Near Deadstock): If you’re okay with a pair that’s been lightly worn once or twice, you can often save a significant amount compared to deadstock prices. Ensure you see detailed photos.
Check Seller Reviews and Ratings: On platforms like eBay, always thoroughly check a seller’s feedback, number of transactions, and history before purchasing.
Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Deals: If a price seems drastically lower than all other market indicators, it’s a major red flag for fakes or scams. The Air Jordan 4 Fear is a high-value item.
Factor in All Costs: Remember to include authentication fees (if separate), shipping costs, and potential import duties or taxes when comparing final prices.
Look for Local Sneaker Groups or Events: Sometimes, local Facebook groups or sneaker conventions can offer opportunities for face-to-face transactions, potentially avoiding platform fees, but increasing the need for self-authentication.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Fear

The Air Jordan 4 silhouette is heavily counterfeited. Spotting fakes can be challenging, but here are some key areas to inspect. For high-value purchases, always consider professional authentication services or buy from platforms that guarantee authenticity.

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape (too boxy or too slim), heel height, or overall stance wrong. Compare to known authentic pairs online.
Material Quality: The “Fear” features a premium nubuck/suede upper. It should feel soft and high-quality. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer materials that look and feel off. The speckling on the midsole should be distinct and not smudged.
Stitching: Genuine Jordans have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, frayed, or widely spaced stitching on fakes.
Tongue Tag:
- The “Flight” script should be clean and well-defined.
- The Jumpman logo should have correct proportions (no “lollipop” hands, fingers should be distinct).
- The “AIR JORDAN” text on the underside of the tag should be clear, well-spaced, and correctly fonted.
Jumpman Logo (Heel & Insole): Check the Jumpman logo on the heel tab and insole. Proportions are key – fakes often have oddly shaped limbs, heads, or hands. The texture and debossing on the heel tab should be crisp.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be properly aligned, have a consistent pattern, and feel sturdy. On fakes, it might be too flimsy, poorly cut, or have an incorrect angle.
Midsole Paint and Speckling: The paint application on the midsole should be clean, with sharp lines. The signature speckling on the “Fear” colorway should be well-distributed and not look like messy blobs.
Box and Label: The box quality, color, and texture should match official Jordan Brand packaging from that era. The label on the box should have the correct style code (626969-030), size, and font. Check for typos or inconsistencies.
Smell: Often, counterfeit sneakers have a strong chemical or glue smell that is distinct from the smell of authentic shoe materials.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Use an authentication service or purchase from platforms like StockX or GOAT that have robust authentication processes.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Fear is a very cool shoe, and lots of people want it. This means it can cost a lot of money. You can’t buy it in regular shoe stores now because it’s an older model. You’ll need to look for it on websites where people resell sneakers, like StockX or GOAT. It’s a good idea to check prices on a few sites. Make sure you are buying real ones and not fakes. If you search carefully, you might find a good deal on these awesome sneakers!

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