Air Jordan 4 Linen: Finding the Best Price & Avoiding Fakes

Introduction

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Linen’ is a women’s exclusive colorway that originally released in 2017, known for its clean and premium look featuring a light tan leather upper with Boarder Blue accents. When it comes to sought-after sneakers like these, price comparison isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for savvy shoppers looking to secure the best deal and ensure authenticity.

Retailer Comparison

The Air Jordan 4 Linen was originally released in 2017 with a retail price of approximately $140 (USD) for women’s sizing. As this was a limited release from several years ago, you will no longer find these sneakers available at standard retail stores like Nike, Foot Locker, or Finish Line at their original price. The primary market for purchasing the Air Jordan 4 Linen today is the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The Air Jordan 4 Linen commands a significant price on resale platforms due to its rarity and popularity. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

StockX: Prices typically range from $350 to $700+ depending on size and condition. Deadstock (brand new) pairs in popular sizes fetch premium prices. The average sale price hovers around $450-$550.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, prices for new pairs can be in the $380-$750 range. Used pairs offer a more affordable option, potentially starting from $200-$300, but condition varies greatly. GOAT also verifies authenticity.
eBay: eBay offers a wider spectrum, including both new and used pairs. Prices can be competitive, but it’s crucial to vet sellers carefully. You might find listings anywhere from $200 (for well-used) to over $700 (for pristine, new pairs). Look for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program for sneakers.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Size: Common women’s sizes (US W 6-9) often have higher demand and thus higher prices. Smaller or very large sizes might sit at slightly different price points.
Condition: “Deadstock” (DS) or “New with Box” (NWB) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs depreciate based on wear and tear, scuffs, creasing, and sole yellowing.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms like StockX and GOAT (or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) are more expensive but offer peace of mind.
Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box, and any included accessories (like hangtags), in good condition adds value.
Market Fluctuation: Sneaker prices can fluctuate based on trends, hype, and time since release.

Tips for Finding Deals

Securing a “deal” on a hyped sneaker like the AJ4 Linen is challenging, but here are some tips:

Be Patient: Prices fluctuate. Monitor listings over time; sometimes sellers adjust prices if a pair isn’t moving.
Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set “bids” or alerts for when a shoe in your size hits a certain price point you’re willing to pay.
Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can vary between StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even local consignment shops or sneaker events.
Consider “Used” or “VNDS” (Very Near Deadstock): If you plan to wear them, a slightly used pair in great condition can save you a significant amount. Always check photos and descriptions carefully.
Look for Reputable Sellers with Good Feedback: On platforms like eBay, prioritize sellers with high ratings and positive reviews for sneaker sales.
Negotiate (Where Possible): On platforms like eBay or with independent sellers (e.g., Facebook groups, Instagram), there might be room for polite negotiation, especially for used pairs.
Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems unbelievably low compared to the market average, it’s highly likely a scam or a counterfeit product.
Check Local Sneaker Groups/Consignment: Sometimes local sellers or consignment stores might have pairs without the platform fees, potentially offering a slightly better price.

Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fakes

The Air Jordan 4 is a commonly counterfeited shoe. Given the price of the Linen colorway, fakes are definitely in circulation. Here are key areas to inspect:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of an AJ4. Fakes often have an off or bulky shape, especially around the toe box (it shouldn’t be too boxy or too slim) and heel. The “stance” should look right.
Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for loose threads, sloppy lines, double stitching where it shouldn’t be, or uneven spacing.
Tongue Tag:
- The “Flight” script should be cleanly embroidered, not too thick or thin.
- The Jumpman logo should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces. Proportions are key.
- The stitching around the tag itself should be neat and even.
- The back of the tongue tag (often with “AIR JORDAN” upside down) should also have clean text and stitching.
Heel Tab:
- The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be crisp, well-molded, and correctly proportioned. Fakes often have a “chunky” or poorly defined Jumpman.
- The plastic quality should feel sturdy, not flimsy or overly shiny.
- The pull tab itself should have the correct shape and texture.
Netting: The plastic netting on the sides and the bottom of the tongue should be correctly angled (often diagonally downwards towards the front on retails) and have a specific feel. Fakes often have netting that is too stiff, too flimsy, too straight, or has incorrectly sized holes.
“Wings” / Lace Waffles: The plastic “wings” that hold the laces should be made of quality material, correctly shaped, and properly attached. The waffle lace eyelets should be clean.
Box and Label: The box label should have correct fonts, spacing, product codes (e.g., 487724-107 for the AJ4 Linen), and sizing information. Compare it to images of authentic labels online. The box construction itself should be sturdy, and the print quality good.
Smell: Authentic Nikes usually have a distinct factory smell from the materials and glues. A strong, overpowering chemical smell can be a red flag for fakes (due to cheap glues).
Insole: Check the logo on the insole (Jumpman or Nike Air, depending on the AJ4 model). The print quality should be good. Sometimes the stitching underneath the insole (if removable) can also indicate authenticity.
Price: As mentioned, if the price is significantly lower than the market rate, be highly suspicious.

When in doubt, use authentication services offered by platforms like GOAT or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, or get a legit check from reputable online sneaker communities before purchasing from less regulated sources like general marketplace listings or social media.

Conclusion

So, you want the Air Jordan 4 Linen? These sneakers are really nice but can be pricey because they’re not in regular stores anymore. You’ll find them on sites like StockX or GOAT. Always check if the shoes are real before you buy them. Look at how they are made and the little basketball player picture. It’s good to find a fair price, but make sure you get the real thing and not a copy.

“`