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Air Jordan 4 Motorsports: Nailing the Price and Authenticity
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Motorsport’ is a 2017 release that brings back a coveted 2006 friends-and-family colorway created for the fourth anniversary of MJ’s Motorsport Racing team. This iconic sneaker, with its clean white, varsity blue, and black color scheme, remains a highly sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Finding the best deal on such a popular sneaker requires careful research and comparison across different platforms, as prices can vary significantly based on condition, size, and seller.
Retailer Comparison: Where to Look First
Originally released with a retail price around $190, the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports is now primarily available on the resale market as it’s long sold out from traditional retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, and Finish Line. When it was first released, these major athletic footwear stores would have been the primary sources. Today, for a new, unworn pair, you won’t find it at standard retail prices. Your search will almost exclusively lead you to resale platforms.
Resale Market Analysis: The Current Price Landscape
The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 Motorsports currently thrives. Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are the main arenas. As of late 2023 / early 2024, prices can fluctuate significantly:
- StockX: Prices typically range from $350 to $600+, depending on size and bid/ask dynamics. The platform authenticates sneakers before they reach the buyer.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs, with prices for new ranging from approximately $380 to $650+. They also have a rigorous authentication process.
- eBay: Prices on eBay can be more varied. You might find pairs listed for slightly less, but it’s crucial to buy from sellers with excellent feedback and utilize eBay’s authenticity guarantee program if available for the listing. Prices here can range from $300 (potentially for used or less popular sizes) to $700+.
Factors affecting these prices include:
- Condition: Brand new (deadstock) pairs with the original box command the highest prices. Used pairs will be cheaper, depending on wear.
- Size: More common or popular sizes (e.g., US 9-11) might have slightly higher demand and thus, price.
- Authenticity Guarantee: Purchases made through platforms offering authentication provide peace of mind and can influence price.
- Seller Reputation: Established sellers with high ratings can often command slightly higher prices.
Tips for Finding Deals and Avoiding Scams
Scoring a good deal on Air Jordan 4 Motorsports requires patience and diligence:
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Prices can vary significantly for the same size and condition.
- Consider Used Pairs: If you’re okay with gently used sneakers (often rated 9/10 condition or similar), you can save a considerable amount. Ensure you see detailed photos of the actual pair.
- Look for Reputable Sellers: On platforms like eBay, always check seller ratings, reviews, and the number of sales. Look for detailed descriptions and clear photos.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True” Prices: If a price is significantly lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes.
- Factor in Fees: Remember to include shipping costs, authentication fees (on platforms like StockX/GOAT), sales tax, and potential import duties if buying internationally.
- Be Patient: Prices can fluctuate. While this shoe is older, occasionally, you might find a seller willing to negotiate or a slightly lower-priced auction.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Motorsports
With high demand comes the unfortunate reality of counterfeit sneakers. Here’s how to increase your chances of copping a legit pair:
- Stitching: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Sloppy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a common sign of a fake.
- Materials: The leather on genuine AJ4 Motorsports should feel premium and have a specific texture. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer materials that may look or feel “plasticky.”
- Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the correct silhouette of the AJ4. Fakes often have an off shape, particularly in the toe box (too bulky or too slim), the heel height, or the overall stance.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. The font, spacing, and stitching quality should be precise. The Jumpman should have distinct fingers and shoelaces.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue should be properly aligned and have a specific feel. On fakes, it can be too stiff or poorly cut.
- Heel Tab Jumpman: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-defined and crisp. Fakes may have a pudgy or poorly molded logo.
- Box and Label: The box quality, color, and print should be high-quality. The label on the box should have the correct font, style code (308497-117 for the 2017 Motorsports), size, and barcode. Mismatched or poorly printed labels are suspect.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory smell. A strong, overwhelming chemical or glue odor can often indicate a counterfeit product.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Using platforms with authentication services (StockX, GOAT) or highly-rated eBay sellers (with Authenticity Guarantee) significantly reduces your risk.
Conclusion: Smart Shopping for a Classic
So, you want Air Jordan 4 Motorsports shoes? They are really cool! But, they can cost a lot, and prices change. Check different stores and websites to find a good deal. Be super careful to buy real ones, not fakes. Look closely at how they are made and the box they come in. If you look hard and are smart, you can get these awesome sneakers!
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