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Air Jordan 4 Military Black: Price Comparison & Finding the Best Deals
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Military Black’ showcases the same color blocking and materials featured on the OG ‘Military Blue’ colorway from 1989. This popular sneaker features a white leather upper with neutral grey suede overlays and contrasting black accents on the eyelets, heel tab, and midsole. Given the popularity and varying prices for sought-after sneakers like these, understanding how to navigate the market is key, and price comparison is crucial for sneakerheads looking to get the most value for their purchase.
Retailer Comparison: The Original Drop
The Air Jordan 4 “Military Black” was originally released on May 21, 2022, with a retail price of approximately $200-$210 USD, depending on the retailer and region. Major authorized retailers like Nike (SNKRS app), Foot Locker, Finish Line, JD Sports, and select boutique sneaker stores would have stocked the shoe at its launch.
However, due to high demand, these sneakers sold out very quickly at retail price. Currently, obtaining a pair at the original retail price from these primary retailers is highly unlikely unless a rare restock occurs.
Resale Market Analysis: Where to Find Them Now
Since the Air Jordan 4 “Military Black” is sold out at retail, the primary way to purchase them now is through the resale market. Prices here are dictated by supply and demand and can fluctuate significantly.
Key Platforms:
- StockX: As of late 2023 / early 2024, prices for a new pair typically range from $350 to $550+, depending on the size. Common sizes often command higher prices. StockX authenticates sneakers before shipping to the buyer.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs, with prices for new ones generally in the $380 to $600+ range, varying by size and condition. They also provide an authentication service.
- eBay: Prices on eBay can vary wildly. You might find listings ranging from $300 to $700+. eBay has an “Authenticity Guarantee” program for many sneaker sales, where eligible sneakers are sent to an authenticator before reaching the buyer. Look for sellers with high ratings and detailed photos.
Factors Influencing Resale Prices:
- Size: More common men’s sizes (US 8-11) often have more availability but also high demand, while very small or very large sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to rarity.
- Condition: Brand new (Deadstock – DS) pairs with the original box command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, depending on wear and tear.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from platforms like StockX or GOAT, or through eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, tend to be priced higher due to the reduced risk for the buyer.
- Market Hype & Rarity: The “Military Black” is a popular, non-OG colorway that mimics a classic. Its general wearability keeps demand steady.
- Seller Reputation: On platforms like eBay, sellers with established reputations and positive feedback can often ask for slightly higher prices.
Tips for Finding Deals on the Air Jordan 4 Military Black
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices for the same size and condition can vary between StockX, GOAT, and eBay.
- Monitor Price Fluctuations: Resale prices aren’t static. They can go up or down based on market trends, restocks (rare), or new releases diverting attention. Use price tracking features if available.
- Consider Lightly Used: If you plan to wear them, a pair that’s been worn once or twice but is in excellent condition (often rated 9/10 or VNDS – Very Near Deadstock) can be significantly cheaper than a brand new pair.
- Look for Reputable Sellers: On eBay, prioritize sellers with high feedback scores and detailed listings. Check their return policies.
- Be Wary of “Too Good To Be True” Deals: Extremely low prices, especially from new or unverified sellers, are often a red flag for counterfeit sneakers or scams.
- Factor in Fees: Remember to include processing fees, shipping costs, and potential import duties (if buying internationally) when comparing final prices. StockX and GOAT have buyer fees.
- Wait for Sales (Less Common on Resale): While less common for hyped resale items, sometimes platforms or individual sellers might offer small discounts during promotional periods.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot a Fake Air Jordan 4 Military Black
Ensuring you’re buying an authentic pair is crucial, especially on the resale market. Here are some key areas to inspect:
- Overall Quality and Stitching: Authentic pairs have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Fakes often have sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching.
- Box and Label: The box should be sturdy with correct colors and branding. The label on the box should have accurate information (style code DH6927-111, size, colorway, barcode) and font. Compare the label to known authentic examples online.
- Materials: The white leather should feel premium. The grey nubuck/suede on the toe cap should have a quality feel and texture. Fakes often use cheaper, plastic-feeling materials.
- Shape and Proportions: The overall shape, especially the toe box, heel height, and tongue, should match official images. Fakes can have an incorrect “stance” or bulky/slim proportions in certain areas.
- Logos (Jumpman): The Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel tab should be well-defined, with clear fingers and shoe laces (on the tongue). Fakes may have a “blobby” or poorly detailed Jumpman. The “Flight” script on the tongue should be crisp.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and lower tongue should be correctly angled and spaced. On fakes, it might be too thin, too thick, or poorly aligned.
- Tongue Tag Details: Check the details on the back of the tongue tag (“AIR JORDAN” upside down). The font, spacing, and stitching quality are important.
- Heel Tab: The “Nike Air” or Jumpman on the heel tab should be well-molded and centered. The pull tab itself should be robust.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical or glue smell.
- Insole: Check the print quality of the logo on the insole and the construction of the insole itself.
When in doubt, use a legit check app or service, consult online forums with experienced members, or stick to purchasing from platforms that offer robust authentication services.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan 4 Military Black is a really cool shoe that many people want. Because it’s so popular, it usually costs more now than when it first came out. You can find it on websites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay, but prices change a lot. Always look at different sites to find the best price, and be super careful to make sure you’re buying real ones and not fakes. If you look hard and are smart about it, you can get these awesome sneakers for a fair price.
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