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Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Price Comparison and Deals Guide
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Motorsport’ is a highly sought-after sneaker, originally released in 2017. It pays homage to Michael Jordan’s post-retirement passion, his Czapek Motorsports racing team, and features a striking white, black, and game royal blue colorway. Finding the best price for such an iconic shoe can be challenging, making price comparison essential for savvy buyers looking to add this piece to their collection.
Retailer Comparison
When the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports first dropped in March 2017, its official retail price was $190 USD. As is common with popular Jordan releases, these sneakers sold out quickly at major retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and other authorized sneaker boutiques.
Currently, finding the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports at its original retail price from these primary retailers is virtually impossible. They are no longer stocked as a general release item. Therefore, any “retailer” offering them now is likely operating in the resale space or specializing in rare and collectible sneakers, with prices significantly above the original $190.
Resale Market Analysis
The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports thrives on the resale market. Prices vary considerably based on several factors:
- Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn, in original box) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, with the price depending on the level of wear and tear.
- Size: Common sizes might have more availability and slightly more competitive pricing, while very small or very large sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to rarity.
- Platform:
- StockX: Prices for deadstock pairs typically range from approximately $350 to $550+, depending on size. Bids and asks fluctuate daily.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs can be found in the $380 to $600+ range. GOAT also lists used pairs, which can start from around $200-$250 depending on condition.
- eBay: A wider range of prices can be found here, from used pairs potentially under $200 (buyer beware, check authenticity carefully) to new pairs well over $500. Authenticity Guarantee programs on eBay offer some peace of mind.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms will always be more expensive than unverified pairs from individual sellers.
- Original Box and Accessories: Having the original box, and any included accessories (like a retro card, if applicable for that release), in good condition adds value.
Generally, expect to pay at least double the original retail price for a new pair, and potentially much more for certain sizes or pristine examples.
Tips for Finding Deals
While “cheap” is relative for a sought-after sneaker like this, here are some tips to potentially find a better price:
- Be Patient: Prices can fluctuate. Monitor listings over time if you’re not in a rush.
- Consider Used Pairs: If you’re okay with gently worn sneakers, you can save a significant amount. Look for pairs with minimal wear and clear photos.
- Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t just stick to one resale site. Compare prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment stores or social media marketplaces (with extreme caution).
- Look for “Best Offer” Listings: On platforms like eBay, some sellers allow buyers to make offers. You might be able to negotiate a lower price.
- Buy from Reputable Sellers: Prioritize sellers with high ratings and positive reviews, especially on platforms with less stringent verification.
- Factor in Fees: Remember that platforms like StockX and GOAT add processing fees and shipping costs, so the list price isn’t the final price.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price seems drastically lower than the market average, it’s a major red flag for fakes or scams.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Motorsports
With high resale values come counterfeits. Here are key areas to inspect:
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic Air Jordan 4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or overall stance wrong. Compare with verified images online.
- Stitching Quality: Nike’s quality control is generally high. Stitching should be neat, straight, and consistent. Loose threads, crooked lines, or sloppy double stitching are warning signs.
- Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces. Fakes often have a “lollipop” head, stubby fingers, or a disproportionate body. The “Flight” script underneath should be clean.
- Heel: The Jumpman on the heel tab should also be well-proportioned and deeply embossed/molded.
- Tongue Tag (Inside): The text (“NIKE AIR,” size information, production dates) should be clear, correctly spaced, and use the proper font. Fakes often have blurry text or incorrect font types.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue base should be properly aligned and have a quality feel. On fakes, it can be too stiff, too flimsy, or have poorly cut edges.
- Midsole Paint Quality: The paint on the midsole should be crisp and cleanly applied. Smudges, uneven lines, or easily chipped paint can indicate a fake.
- Box and Label: The box should be sturdy. The label on the box should have correct fonts, spacing, SKU (product code: 308497-117 for the 2017 Motorsports), and barcode. Compare it to images of authentic box labels.
- Smell: While subjective, fakes often have a strong, distinct chemical or glue smell due to cheaper manufacturing processes.
If in doubt, use legit check services or consult online sneaker communities with clear, detailed photos of the pair in question.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is a cool shoe that lots of people want. It costs more now than when it first came out. You can find it online on sites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay. Look around on these sites to find the best price. But be careful, some shoes might be fakes! Check the stitching, the Jumpman picture, and the box to make sure they are real. If you are smart and look carefully, you can find a great pair of these special sneakers.
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