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

The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” is a highly sought-after sneaker that pays homage to Michael Jordan’s passion for motorcycle racing. Originally a friends-and-family exclusive for MJ’s racing team in 2006, a version without the Mars Blackmon logo was later released to the public in 2017. When looking to add this iconic pair to your collection, understanding the price landscape is crucial. Prices can vary significantly depending on where you look and the condition of the shoe, so price comparison is key to ensure you’re getting a fair deal for these coveted kicks.

Retailer Comparison

When the Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” was released to the public in March 2017, its official retail price was $190 USD. At that time, they were available through major sneaker retailers such as Nike.com, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and select boutique sneaker stores.

However, as this release is now several years old, finding the Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” at its original retail price from these primary retailers is virtually impossible. These sneakers sold out quickly upon release and are no longer stocked. Therefore, any current “retailer” comparison effectively shifts to the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” is now predominantly available through resale platforms. Pricing here is dynamic and influenced by several factors:

StockX: Prices for a new, deadstock pair typically range from $350 to $600+, depending on size. More common sizes might sit in the $400-$500 range, while less common or highly demanded sizes can fetch higher prices.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT also hover in the $380 to $650+ range. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be found for significantly less, sometimes starting around $200-$300 depending on condition.
eBay: Prices on eBay show the widest variation. You might find new pairs listed from $300 up to $700, while used pairs can be found for under $200 up to $400, heavily dependent on condition, seller reputation, and whether they come with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn, with original box) commands the highest prices. Used pairs vary greatly based on wear and tear.
Size: Common men’s sizes (US 8-12) often have more availability but also steady demand. Very small or very large sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to rarity.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms or sellers with strong reviews will fetch higher prices than those with questionable origins.
Market Hype & Rarity: While not the rarest Air Jordan 4, its unique backstory and clean colorway keep demand relatively steady.
Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box in good condition, and any original tags or accessories, adds value.

Tips for Finding Deals

Securing a good deal on a sought-after sneaker like the Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” requires patience and strategy:

Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Look at StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment shops or Facebook groups.
Consider Used Condition: If you plan to wear the sneakers, a pair in “very good” or “excellent” used condition can save you hundreds of dollars compared to a deadstock pair. Look for listings with detailed photos.
Set Price Alerts: Some platforms allow you to set alerts for when a sneaker in your size drops below a certain price.
Be Patient for Bids: On StockX, you can place a bid lower than the current lowest ask and wait for a seller to accept it. This can sometimes lead to a better price if you’re not in a rush.
Check Seller Ratings on eBay: If buying from eBay, thoroughly check the seller’s feedback and selling history. Opt for sellers offering eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for peace of mind.
Look for “Best Offer” Options: Some eBay sellers allow you to make an offer. Don’t be afraid to negotiate respectfully.
Avoid Scams: If a deal seems too good to be true (e.g., a new pair for $150), it probably is. Stick to reputable platforms or sellers. Beware of sellers asking for payment outside of the platform’s secure methods.

Authenticity Guide

With high resale prices come the risk of counterfeits. Here are some key things to check when trying to authenticate Air Jordan 4s, including the “Motorsport” colorway:

Overall Shape and Profile: Authentic Air Jordan 4s have a distinct shape, especially the toe box (not too bulky) and the heel. Compare with photos from trusted sources.
Stitching Quality: Real Jordans have neat, consistent, and tight stitching. Sloppy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a major red flag.
Material Quality: The leather on the “Motorsport” should feel premium and have a certain texture. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer, or plastic-like materials.
Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman logo on the tongue tag should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoelaces. The proportions should be correct. The “Flight” script underneath should be cleanly embroidered.
- Heel: The Jumpman on the heel tab should also be crisp and well-proportioned.
Tongue Tag (Back): The “AIR JORDAN” text on the upside-down tag on the back of the tongue should be cleanly stitched and legible.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue should be correctly aligned and of good quality. On fakes, it might be too thin, too thick, or poorly cut.
Midsole Paint Job: The paint application on the midsole should be clean and precise, with no smudges or overlaps.
Box and Label: The shoebox should be sturdy, with correct label information (style code, size, colorway, barcode). The font, spacing, and details on the label should match official Nike labels. The style code for the Air Jordan 4 “Motorsport” (2017) is 308497-117.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a specific factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical or glue odor.
Insole and Footbed: Check the logo on the insole for correct font and placement. Underneath the insole, the stitching on the footbed should be neat.

When in doubt, use an authentication service or buy from platforms that offer an authenticity guarantee.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is a really cool shoe from Michael Jordan’s racing team time. It can cost a lot of money now, so it’s smart to look at different websites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay to see who has the best price. Make sure you’re buying a real pair and not a fake one by checking things like the stitching and the Jumpman logo. If you look around and are careful, you can find these awesome sneakers for a good price.

“`