Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Comparison and Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” is a highly sought-after sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing and his MJM (Michael Jordan Motorsports) team. Originally a friends-and-family exclusive in 2006, a version was released to the public in 2017, featuring a striking white, game royal, and black colorway. Due to its popularity and limited availability over time, comparing prices from different sources is crucial for prospective buyers to ensure they are getting a fair deal and avoiding overpayment.

Retailer Comparison

When the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports was released on March 25, 2017, its official retail price was $190 USD. At this point, several years after its release, you will no longer find this sneaker available at standard retail stores like Foot Locker, Nike, or Finish Line for its original price. These retailers sell current releases, and the Motorsports edition has long since sold out. Therefore, anyone looking to purchase a pair now will need to turn to the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports currently trades. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size. Here’s a look at typical pricing on popular resale platforms (prices are approximate and can fluctuate daily):

StockX: Prices typically range from around $350 to $600+ for deadstock (brand new, unworn) pairs, depending on size. More common sizes might sit in the $400-$500 range, while less common or highly demanded sizes can push the higher end.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT can range from $380 to $650+. GOAT also lists used pairs, which can offer savings, potentially ranging from $250-$400 depending on condition and size.
eBay: Prices on eBay show the widest variation due to individual sellers and auctions. You might find deals on used pairs for around $200-$350, while new pairs often align with StockX and GOAT prices, though some sellers may list higher or lower. Authenticity can be a greater concern here, so using eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service is highly recommended.

Factors affecting resale prices:

Size: Extremely small or large sizes, or very common sizes, can sometimes command different prices.
Condition: Deadstock (DS) pairs with original boxing command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary significantly based on wear and tear.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms will always be more expensive than potentially unverified ones.
Market Hype: While an older release, its classic status keeps demand steady. Any renewed interest or celebrity spotting can temporarily influence prices.

Tips for Finding Deals

Finding a “deal” on a sought-after sneaker like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports requires patience and strategy:

Be Patient: Prices can fluctuate. Monitor them over time on different platforms.
Consider Used: If you don’t need a brand new pair, opting for a lightly used or “very near deadstock” (VNDS) pair can save you a significant amount. Check platforms like GOAT (used section) or reputable eBay sellers.
Set Price Alerts: Some platforms allow you to set alerts for when a shoe in your size drops to a certain price.
Buy from Reputable Sellers: On platforms like eBay, check seller ratings and reviews thoroughly. Prioritize sellers offering eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.
Look for Bids, Not Just “Buy It Now”: On StockX, you can place a bid lower than the current lowest ask. If a seller is willing to meet your price, you could get a better deal.
Local Sneaker Groups: Sometimes, local Facebook groups or sneaker communities might have sellers offering pairs for slightly less to avoid platform fees, but always prioritize safety and authenticity checks for in-person meetups.
Avoid “Too Good To Be True” Prices: If a price is drastically lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes.

Authenticity Guide

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s can be challenging as counterfeiters are getting better. Here are some key areas to inspect:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the authentic silhouette. Fakes often have an incorrect toe box shape (too bulky or too slim), a misshapen heel, or an incorrect tongue height.
Stitching Quality: Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching on fakes.
Tongue Tag:
- The “Flight” script should be cleanly embroidered.
- The Jumpman logo should be well-defined, with clear fingers and shoelaces. Fakes often have a “blobby” or poorly detailed Jumpman.
- The spacing and font of the text on the back of the tongue tag should be correct.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue base should be correctly oriented (often diagonally on real pairs) and have a quality feel. Fakes might have flimsy or incorrectly angled netting.
Heel Tab and Jumpman/Nike Air Logo: The Jumpman logo (or Nike Air on some AJ4s, though Motorsports has a Jumpman) on the heel should be well-molded and defined. The pull tab itself should be sturdy.
Midsole Paint Job: Paint lines on the midsole should be clean. Sloppy paint application can be a sign of a fake.
Box and Label: The box quality, color, and label details (font, spacing, SKU number) should match official Nike standards. Check the SKU (308497-117 for the 2017 Motorsports) against online databases.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory smell. Counterfeits often have a strong, unpleasant chemical glue smell.
Insole: Check the logo printing on the insole and the stitching underneath if removable.

When in doubt, purchase from platforms that offer authentication services like StockX, GOAT, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. You can also consult online legit checking communities by posting detailed photos.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports are really cool shoes that lots of people want. Because they came out a while ago, they cost more money now. You should look on different websites to see who has the best price. It’s super important to make sure you are buying real shoes, not fake ones. So, be smart, check everything, and have fun if you decide to get a pair!

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