“`html
Air Jordan 4 Industrial Blue: Scoring the Best Price on a Modern Classic
The Air Jordan 4 “Industrial Blue,” also known as “Military Blue,” is one of the most anticipated sneaker releases of the year, returning for the first time since 2012 in a build that’s truer to the original 1989 specification. With such high demand, understanding where to look and how prices vary can save you both money and disappointment, making price comparison crucial for savvy sneakerheads.
Retailer Comparison: The Original Drop
The Air Jordan 4 “Industrial Blue” had an official retail price of **$215 USD** for adult sizes. They were released on May 4th, 2024, through major sneaker retailers, including:
* **Nike SNKRS App:** The primary source, often utilizing a draw system for high-demand releases.
* **Foot Locker:** Available online and in select stores, often via their FLX Rewards program.
* **JD Sports / Finish Line:** Similar to Foot Locker, with online and in-store releases, sometimes using raffles.
* **Other boutique sneaker stores:** Many smaller, independent sneaker shops also received stock, typically announced via their social media.
As expected with such a popular model, these sold out almost instantly at retail price. If you missed the initial drop, your primary option now is the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis: What to Expect Post-Release
The resale market is where most will now turn to secure a pair of the Air Jordan 4 “Industrial Blue.” Prices here are dictated by supply and demand, size, and platform.
* **StockX:** Prices typically range from **$280 to $400+**, depending on size. Smaller and very large sizes often command higher premiums. Prices fluctuate daily.
* **GOAT:** Similar pricing to StockX, often within a $10-$30 range. GOAT also offers new and used options, with used pairs potentially offering some savings if you’re open to it.
* **eBay:** A wider range of prices can be found here, but it’s crucial to buy from sellers with excellent feedback and utilize eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service for sneakers. You might find slightly better deals, but also more risk if not careful.
**Factors Affecting Resale Prices:**
* **Hype and Demand:** This is a highly coveted colorway, driving prices up.
* **Size Scarcity:** Common sizes (US 8-11) might have more availability but also high demand. Less common sizes can be pricier due to lower production numbers.
* **Condition:** Deadstock (brand new, unworn) pairs fetch the highest prices.
* **Seller Reputation & Platform Fees:** Established sellers and platform fees (like those on StockX and GOAT) are factored into the final price.
Tips for Finding Deals (Even on the Resale Market)
While “deals” are relative for such a hot item, here are some tips:
* **Patience is Key:** Resale prices can sometimes dip a few weeks or months after the initial hype, though this isn’t guaranteed for classics like the AJ4 Military/Industrial Blue.
* **Set Price Alerts:** On platforms like StockX and GOAT, you can set alerts for your size to be notified if the price drops to your desired level.
* **Follow Reputable Resellers/Consignment Shops:** Some local consignment shops or trusted online resellers might offer slightly better prices than the big platforms, as they may have lower overheads.
* **Look for “Used” or “Pre-Owned” Options:** If you don’t mind a pair that’s been lightly worn (or even just tried on), platforms like GOAT and eBay offer these, often at a significant discount compared to deadstock pairs. Ensure photos are clear and descriptions accurate.
* **Beware of Scams:** If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable platforms or sellers. Avoid direct messages from unknown accounts on social media offering pairs at suspiciously low prices.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4s
With high prices come convincing fakes. Here are some general pointers for spotting counterfeit Air Jordan 4s:
1. **Overall Shape and Proportions:** Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette. Fakes often have a clunkier toe box, incorrect heel shape, or an overall “off” look.
2. **Stitching Quality:** Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Messy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a red flag.
3. **Material Quality:** The leather/nubuck on genuine pairs feels premium. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer materials that may have a strong chemical smell. The netting on the side panels and tongue should be well-defined and properly cut.
4. **Tongue Tag:**
* **Jumpman Logo:** Check the proportions of the Jumpman. Fakes often have “lollipop” heads, thin arms, or oddly shaped hands/feet.
* **”Flight” Script:** The font and placement of the “Flight” script beneath the Jumpman should be precise.
5. **Heel Tab:**
* **”Nike Air” Logo (for this specific retro):** The “Nike Air” branding should be clean, well-embossed, and correctly proportioned. The lettering should be sharp.
* The stitching around the heel tab should be neat.
6. **Box and Label:** The box quality, printing, and label details (font, spacing, UPC code) should match official Nike standards. Mismatched fonts or blurry printing are warning signs.
7. **Insole:** Check the logo on the insole. It should be cleanly printed. Sometimes the stitching underneath the insole can also reveal poor quality on fakes.
8. **Price:** If it’s drastically below market value for a new pair, be highly suspicious.
When in doubt, consider using a professional authentication service or purchasing from platforms that offer an authenticity guarantee (like StockX, GOAT, and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program).
Conclusion: Are They Worth It?
These Air Jordan 4s are super cool, and lots of people want them. They cost a good bit of money. So, it’s smart to look around at different places to find the best price you can. Some shops and websites will sell them for more money than others. Always make sure you are getting real ones and not fakes. If you really want these shoes, try to save up and be smart about where you decide to buy them from!
“`
