Hunting for Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: A Price and Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsports” is a highly sought-after sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing, originally released to friends and family of the Jordan Brand Motorsports team in 2006 before a wider public release in 2017. Finding the best price for popular sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports can save you a significant amount of money, making price comparison essential before you make a purchase.

Retailer Comparison: The Original Story

When the Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsports’ first dropped on March 25, 2017, it retailed for $190. As a release from several years ago, you won’t find these sneakers sitting on the shelves of mainstream retailers like Foot Locker or Nike at their original price anymore. They sold out quickly upon release, and their availability is now exclusively within the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis: Where to Find Them Now

Since the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is no longer available at retail, prospective buyers must turn to resale platforms. Here’s what you can expect:

StockX: Prices typically range from around $350 to $600+ depending on size and condition (new/deadstock). Smaller or very common sizes might be on the lower end, while rarer sizes or those in pristine condition with original packaging command higher prices. Prices fluctuate based on demand.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. Prices are comparable, often varying by a small margin. You might find new pairs from $380 to $650+, with used options offering potential savings if you’re open to pre-owned sneakers.
eBay: eBay presents a wider range of conditions and prices, from heavily used to brand new. You might find deals here, but vigilance against fakes is crucial. Prices can be very competitive, sometimes lower than StockX or GOAT for used pairs, but new pairs often align with the other platforms.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Size: Common sizes often have more availability and slightly more competitive pricing, while very small or very large sizes can be more expensive due to scarcity.
Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn, with original box) pairs fetch the highest prices. Used pairs vary significantly based on wear and tear.
Authenticity & Seller Reputation: Verified authentic pairs from reputable sellers or platforms with authentication services (like StockX and GOAT) are priced higher but offer peace of mind.
Market Demand: General sneaker hype and specific demand for this colorway influence its price. If demand spikes, so will prices.

Tips for Finding Deals on Air Jordan 4 Motorsports

While “cheap” is relative for a sought-after sneaker, here are tips to get the best possible price:

Be Patient & Monitor Prices: Resale prices fluctuate. Track prices on multiple platforms over time.
Consider “Used” or “Very Near Deadstock”: If you plan to wear them, a pair that’s been tried on or worn lightly can be significantly cheaper than deadstock. Ensure the seller provides detailed photos.
Look for “No Box” Options (with caution): Sometimes, sellers offer authentic pairs without the original box for a lower price. Verify authenticity thoroughly.
Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t just stick to one resale site. Compare prices across StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment shops.
Factor in Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing, shipping, and authentication fees, which can increase the final cost. eBay may have sales tax and shipping costs.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True”: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average, it’s often a red flag for fakes or scams.

Know Your Kicks: Authenticity Guide for Air Jordan 4 Motorsports

Spotting fake Air Jordan 4s requires a keen eye. Here are some general areas to inspect, though professional authentication is always recommended for high-value purchases:

Key Areas to Inspect:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or tongue length wrong.
Stitching Quality: Nike’s quality control is generally high. Look for clean, consistent, and evenly spaced stitching. Messy, frayed, or double stitching in odd places can be a red flag.
Jumpman Logo: On the tongue and heel, check the Jumpman logo. Proportions should be correct (no “lollipop” head, fingers should be distinct). The stitching on the tongue tag’s Jumpman should be dense and well-defined.
Tongue Tag: Look at the “Flight” script font and the Air Jordan lettering on the underside. Fonts should be crisp and match official versions.
Netting: The plastic netting on the sides and lower tongue should be correctly angled and made of quality material. On fakes, it can be too stiff or flimsy.
Heel Tab: The shape, material, and placement of the heel tab and the Jumpman logo on it are important.
Midsole Paint Quality: Paint on the midsole should be neat and not easily chip or rub off.
Box and Label: The box quality, printing, and the information on the box label (style code, size, colorway) should be correct. The style code for the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports (2017) is 308497-117.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a particular factory smell. A strong, overwhelming chemical or glue smell can indicate a fake.

When in doubt, use authentication services offered by platforms like GOAT and StockX, or consult online sneaker communities and legit check services.

Conclusion: Is the Hunt Worth It?

The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports are really cool shoes. They were made to honor Michael Jordan’s motorcycle race team. Because they are older and not sold in regular stores now, they cost more money. You can find them on websites like StockX or GOAT. If you want to buy them, be very careful. Make sure you get real ones and not fakes. Look closely at how they are sewn and check the Jumpman picture. If you really like these sneakers and can find a good, real pair, they are a great shoe to have.

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