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Air Jordan 4 Mist Blue: Price Check and Finding Your Pair
The Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Mist Blue’ was a 2006 Lifestyle release that features a nubuck upper in Mist Blue, accented by University Blue, Gold Leaf, and white. Finding the best price for highly sought-after sneakers like the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mist Blue’ can be a challenge, but a little research can save you a significant amount of money and help you secure a genuine pair of these classic kicks.
Retailer Comparison: Where to Look First (or Not)
Originally released in 2006, the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mist Blue’ is no longer available at traditional retail stores like Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or Champs Sports for its original retail price. These sneakers were a limited lifestyle release and have long since sold out from primary retailers.
This means your primary avenue for purchasing these sneakers will be the resale market. Occasionally, some boutique sneaker stores or consignment shops might have a pair in stock, but these would also be priced at resale market values, not the original retail price.
Resale Market Analysis: What Are They Going For?
The resale market is where most sneakerheads will need to turn to find the Air Jordan 4 ‘Mist Blue’. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.
- StockX: Prices for a new, authenticated pair of Air Jordan 4 ‘Mist Blue’ on StockX typically range from approximately $350 to $600+, depending heavily on the shoe size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes command higher premiums. The platform’s data shows historical sales, giving you an idea of price trends.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs often list in a similar range, perhaps $380 to $650+. Used pairs can vary significantly based on condition, from around $200 for well-worn pairs up to near-new prices for VNDS (Very Near Deadstock) condition.
- eBay: eBay offers the widest range of prices and conditions. You might find listings from $250 (used, varying condition) to $700+ (new, rare sizes). Buyer diligence is crucial on eBay to ensure authenticity and accurate condition description.
Factors Affecting Resale Price:
- Condition: Deadstock (brand new, unworn) pairs command the highest prices. Used pairs decrease in value based on wear and tear.
- Size: Common sizes might have more availability and slightly more competitive pricing, while very small or very large sizes can be rarer and thus more expensive.
- Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box, and any included accessories (like a retro card, if applicable for this model), in good condition can add value.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms or sellers are worth more than those with questionable origins.
Tips for Finding Deals on Air Jordan 4 Mist Blue
Scoring a “deal” on a nearly two-decade-old popular sneaker is tough, but here are some tips:
- Be Patient: Monitor prices across different platforms. Prices can fluctuate.
- Consider Used Condition: If you plan to wear them, a pair in Very Good (8/10 or 9/10) used condition can save you a lot compared to Deadstock.
- Check Multiple Platforms: Don’t just stick to one site. Compare prices on StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable sneaker consignment groups on social media (with extreme caution).
- Look for Reputable Sellers: On eBay or social media, buy from sellers with extensive positive feedback and clear, detailed photos.
- Negotiate (Where Possible): On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers. It doesn’t hurt to make a reasonable offer.
- Beware of “Too Good To Be True”: If a price is significantly lower than the market average, especially for a new pair, it’s a major red flag for fakes.
- Follow Sneaker Accounts: Sometimes, collectors sell pairs directly via Instagram or Twitter. Look for established accounts.
Authenticity Guide: Spotting Fake Air Jordan 4s
With high resale values come counterfeits. Here are general tips for spotting fake Air Jordan 4s (specifically for the Mist Blue, pay attention to color accuracy and material feel):
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Authentic AJ4s have a distinct silhouette. Fakes often get the toe box shape, heel height, or overall stance wrong. Compare to known legit pairs online.
- Stitching Quality: Nike’s quality control is generally high. Stitching should be neat, consistent, and straight. Messy, frayed, or uneven stitching is a red flag.
- Tongue Tag: Examine the “Flight” script and the Jumpman logo on the tongue. The Jumpman should have defined fingers and shoelaces. The font and spacing of “Flight” are also key. On the ‘Mist Blue’, the colors used on the tag are important.
- Heel Tab: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should be well-molded and crisp. The pull tab itself should be sturdy. The placement and size of the logo matter.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the bottom of the tongue should be properly cut and feel like quality material, not flimsy. The holes should be consistently sized.
- Material Quality: The ‘Mist Blue’ features a nubuck upper. Authentic nubuck has a specific feel and look. Fakes often use cheaper materials that feel off or look too shiny/dull. Color accuracy of the Mist Blue, University Blue, and Gold Leaf accents is critical.
- Box and Label: Check the box label for correct font, spacing, style code (314254-041 for the Mist Blue), size, and colorway description. Compare it to images of authentic labels online. The box quality itself should be sturdy.
- Smell: Authentic Nikes have a particular factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor due to cheaper glues.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Using platforms like StockX or GOAT that have an authentication process offers a layer of protection, though no system is 100% foolproof.
Conclusion: Getting Your Grails
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Mist Blue’ is a really cool shoe from a while ago. You can’t buy it in normal shops anymore. You have to find it on websites where people sell old shoes. These shoes can cost a lot. So, look at different sites to find the best price. It’s super important to make sure the shoes are real and not fakes. If you are smart and look carefully, you might find a good deal on these awesome sneakers!
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