Air Jordan 4 Mars Blackmon: Price Comparison and Finding the Best Deals

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Mars Blackmon,’ often recognized by its ‘Fire Red’ colorway and the iconic Spike Lee Mars Blackmon logo on the heel, is a highly sought-after retro sneaker. For enthusiasts looking to add this classic to their collection, comparing prices is crucial as costs can vary significantly across different sellers and platforms, especially since this model is no longer in production for retail sale.

Retailer Comparison

Since the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mars Blackmon’ (style code 308497-162) was originally released as a retro in 2012, it is no longer available at standard retail prices from Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or other major sneaker chains. Original retail price was around $160. Any “new” pairs found today will be on the resale market, meaning they are being sold by individuals or consignment stores, not directly by traditional retailers at original prices.

Resale Market Analysis

The primary place to find the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mars Blackmon’ today is the resale market. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are your main destinations. Prices here fluctuate significantly based on several factors:

Condition: A ‘deadstock’ (DS) pair – meaning brand new, unworn, with the original box and all accessories – will command the highest price. Used pairs will vary greatly based on their condition (e.g., Very Near Deadstock, lightly worn, heavily worn).
Size: Common men’s sizes (US 8-12) often have more availability but also high demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be rarer and thus pricier, or occasionally cheaper if demand is lower.
Platform Fees & Verification:
- StockX: Prices are dynamic based on bids and asks. As of late 2023/early 2024, deadstock pairs typically range from $450 to $700+ depending on size. StockX authenticates all sales.
- GOAT: Offers both new (deadstock) and used pairs. New pairs are often in a similar range to StockX, perhaps $480 to $750+. Used prices can vary widely, from $250 for well-worn pairs to $400+ for pairs in excellent condition. GOAT also authenticates.
- eBay: The widest range of prices and conditions. You might find deals on used pairs (e.g., $200-$400) or pay premium for pristine deadstock pairs ($400-$700+). Look for listings with eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” for added security.
Seller Reputation and Location: On platforms like eBay, seller feedback is crucial. Shipping costs can also add to the final price.

Prices can change daily, so it’s always best to check these platforms directly for the most current listings.

Tips for Finding Deals

Finding a ‘deal’ on a hyped sneaker like this requires patience and strategy:

Set Price Alerts: Use price alert features on StockX or GOAT to be notified if a pair in your size drops to a price you’re willing to pay.
Monitor eBay Regularly: Check eBay for new listings, especially auctions that might end at a lower price or “Buy It Now” listings from motivated sellers. Be sure to filter for “Authenticity Guarantee.”
Consider Used Pairs: If you’re okay with pre-owned sneakers, you can often find significant savings. Carefully scrutinize photos, read descriptions thoroughly, and check seller feedback.
Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. Don’t rush into the first pair you see unless it’s a price you’re very comfortable with.
Buy During Off-Peak Times (If Applicable): Sometimes, prices might dip slightly after major holidays or during slower shopping periods, though this is less predictable for collector’s items.
Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true (e.g., significantly below the market average for a deadstock pair), it probably is. Stick to reputable platforms or sellers with strong, verifiable histories. Avoid direct deals through social media unless you implicitly trust the seller or use a secure payment method with buyer protection.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s, including the Mars Blackmon, is crucial. Here are some key things to look for:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct shape, especially around the toe box and heel. Fakes often get this wrong, looking too bulky or too slim.
Stitching Quality: Nike’s stitching is generally neat, consistent, and dense. Sloppy, uneven, or loose stitching is a major red flag.
Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman should be well-defined with clear fingers, shoe laces, and proportions. Fakes often have a “lollipop” hand, thick arms, or a “pot belly.” The “Flight” script underneath should be crisp.
- Heel (if applicable, though this model has Mars logo): Some AJ4s have a Jumpman here. If so, same rules apply.
Mars Blackmon Heel Logo: For this specific model, the Spike Lee/Mars Blackmon graphic on the plastic heel tab should be sharp, clear, and well-printed. Blurry, smudged, or misshapen graphics are indicative of a fake.
Netting: The plastic-coated netting on the side panels and lower tongue should be correctly angled and have a quality feel. Fakes might use flimsy netting or have it oriented incorrectly.
Tongue Tag (Inside): The information, font, and spacing on the tag inside the tongue (with size, manufacturing info, etc.) should be accurate and clearly printed.
Box and Label: The shoebox should be sturdy. The label on the box should have the correct font, style code (308497-162), size, and barcode. Compare it with images of authentic labels online. Fakes often have typos or incorrect label details.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a particular factory glue smell. Fakes often have a strong, harsh chemical smell. (Hard to check when buying online).
Compare with Reputable Sources: Use online resources like YouTube comparison videos, legit check websites, and forums where sneakerheads post detailed photos of authentic pairs.

When in doubt, use the authentication services provided by platforms like StockX, GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Mars Blackmon is a really cool shoe from the past. You can’t buy it new in regular stores now. You have to look on websites where people sell old shoes, like StockX, GOAT, or eBay. The price can be very different, so it’s good to look around. Some shoes might be fake, so you need to be careful. Look at pictures closely and learn how to tell if they are real. If you do your homework, you can find a good pair of these awesome sneakers and not get tricked.

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