Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Comparison & Finding the Best Deals

Introduction

The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” is a highly sought-after sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing. Originally released in 2017, this colorway, featuring a crisp white leather upper with pops of game royal blue and black accents, draws inspiration from a friends-and-family exclusive pair from 2006. Given its popularity and limited availability on the primary market, finding the best price for these iconic kicks requires some research. Understanding the market and knowing where to look is crucial, as price comparison can save you a significant amount of money when hunting for collectible sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports.

Retailer Comparison

When the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports first released on March 25, 2017, its official retail price was $190 USD. They were available through Nike, the SNKRS app, and select Jordan Brand retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Champs Sports.

However, as this was a release from several years ago, these sneakers are no longer available at their original retail price from these primary retailers. Any “new” pairs found at general sporting goods stores today would be highly suspect. The main way to acquire a new pair now is through the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is a popular item on resale platforms. Here’s a look at current pricing trends (note: prices fluctuate daily and vary by size and condition):

StockX: Prices for a new, authenticated pair typically range from approximately $400 to $650+, depending heavily on the shoe size. More common sizes might hover around the $450-$550 mark, while rarer or highly demanded sizes can push the price higher.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs with authentication. New pairs are generally in the same $400-$650+ ballpark. Used pairs can be found for less, starting from around $250-$300 depending on condition.
eBay: Prices on eBay can vary widely. You might find listings for new pairs ranging from $380 to over $600. It’s crucial to check seller ratings, reviews, and authentication guarantees (like eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program) when purchasing from this platform. Used prices are also variable.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Condition: Deadstock (DS) or brand new in box (BNIB) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, with the price reflecting the level of wear.
Size: Certain sizes are more common and may have slightly lower prices, while less common or highly popular sizes (e.g., US 8-11) can sometimes be more expensive.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms or sellers with strong credentials fetch higher prices.
Market Demand & Hype: As a well-loved colorway of a classic silhouette, the Motorsports 4 maintains strong demand.
Seller Reputation: Established resellers with positive feedback can often command slightly higher prices.

Tips for Finding Deals

Set Price Alerts: Platforms like StockX and GOAT allow you to set price alerts for your desired size, notifying you if the price drops.
Consider Used or VNDS: If you don’t need a brand-new pair, looking for “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) or lightly used pairs can save you a significant amount of money. Always ask for detailed photos.
Be Patient: Sneaker prices can fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitor prices for a while; you might catch a dip.
Follow Reputable Resellers: Some individual resellers or consignment shops might offer slightly better deals than large platforms, but ensure they are reputable.
Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t just rely on one source. Compare prices across StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even sneaker-specific Facebook groups or forums (with caution).
Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems unbelievably low, it’s almost certainly a scam or a counterfeit product. Stick to trusted sources or those offering robust buyer protection.
Look for Local Meetups (with caution): Sometimes local sneaker groups offer opportunities for trades or cash deals, which can avoid platform fees. However, always prioritize safety and ensure authenticity.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s requires a keen eye. Here are some general tips:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct shape. The toe box should have a gentle slope, not be too boxy or too flat. The heel tab height and shape are also key. Compare with verified images online.
Stitching Quality: Genuine Jordans have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a major red flag.
Material Quality: The leather on the Motorsports should feel reasonably premium. Fakes often use cheaper, plastic-feeling leather. The netting on the sides and tongue should be well-defined and properly attached.
Jumpman Logo: Examine the Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel.
- Tongue: The Jumpman should be well-proportioned with clear fingers and shoelaces. The “Flight” script underneath should be clean.
- Heel: The molded Jumpman on the heel tab should be crisp and well-defined.
Tongue Tag Details: Check the details on the back of the tongue tag. The text, font, and spacing should match authentic pairs.
Insole: The print on the insole (Nike Air or Jumpman logo) should be clear and correctly placed. Cheap fakes often have poorly printed or easily rubbed-off logos.
Box and Label: The box quality, color, and texture should be correct. The label on the box should have accurate information (style code, size, barcode, colorway name – CW: WHITE/GAME ROYAL-BLACK, Style Code: 308497-117). The font and spacing on the label are crucial.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a specific factory smell. Many fakes have a strong, overpowering chemical or glue smell.
Purchase from Reputable Sources: The best way to avoid fakes is to buy from platforms that offer authentication (like StockX, GOAT, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee) or from highly trusted resellers with a proven track record.

Conclusion

So, the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is a really cool shoe, but you can’t find it in regular stores for its old price anymore. You’ll need to look on websites where people resell sneakers, like StockX or GOAT. The cost can change a lot based on the shoe’s size and if it’s brand new or used. Always 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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