Air Jordan 4 Fear: Price Comparison and Deals Guide

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Fear’ is a highly sought-after sneaker that was originally released in August 2013 as part of the ‘Fear Pack’. This pack, which also included an Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 5, drew inspiration from Nike’s 2008 ‘Become Legendary’ marketing campaign and the relatable concept of fear motivating greatness. Given its age and popularity, finding the Air Jordan 4 Fear at a good price requires careful research and understanding the market. Price comparison is crucial because these sneakers now primarily trade on the resale market, where prices can vary wildly.

Retailer Comparison: Original Price vs. Current Market

When the Air Jordan 4 “Fear” (style code: 626969-030) first released in 2013, its retail price was approximately $175-$180 USD. However, as a limited-edition release from nearly a decade ago, it is no longer available through standard retail channels like Nike, Foot Locker, or other authorized Jordan Brand stockists at its original price. Any “new” pairs found will be on the resale market.

Therefore, a direct “retailer comparison” in the traditional sense isn’t possible for this shoe. Instead, we must look at the resale market.

Resale Market Analysis

The Air Jordan 4 Fear commands significant prices on resale platforms due to its rarity, iconic design, and the “Fear Pack” story. Here’s a look at typical price ranges on popular resale marketplaces (prices as of late 2023/early 2024, subject to fluctuation, for new, deadstock pairs):

StockX: Prices generally range from $450 to $800+ USD depending on size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes be outliers. The platform shows historical sales data, which is useful for tracking price trends.
GOAT: Similar to StockX, new pairs on GOAT typically list between $480 and $850+ USD. GOAT also offers used pairs, which can be significantly cheaper (e.g., $250-$500 depending on condition).
eBay: Prices on eBay can vary more widely. You might find new pairs listed anywhere from $400 to $900+ USD. It’s crucial to vet sellers carefully on eBay and check for authenticity guarantees. Used pairs also appear here, offering potential savings but requiring more diligence.

Factors Affecting Resale Prices:

Condition: Deadstock (DS) or brand new, unworn pairs with the original box command the highest prices. Very Near Deadstock (VNDS) or lightly used pairs will be cheaper.
Size: More common sizes (US 8-11) often have more availability but also high demand. Less common sizes can sometimes be more expensive due to scarcity.
Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms are worth more.
Original Box & Accessories: Having the original box, hangtags, and any included accessories in good condition adds to the value.
Market Hype & Trends: General sneaker market trends or specific mentions by influencers can temporarily affect prices.

Tips for Finding Deals

Finding a “deal” on a grail like the Air Jordan 4 Fear is relative, but here are some tips:

Be Patient: Monitor prices across platforms. Sometimes, a seller might list for slightly lower to make a quick sale.
Consider Used Condition: If you plan to wear them, a pair in VNDS or excellent used condition can save you hundreds. Ensure you see detailed photos.
Look for “Best Offer” Listings: On platforms like eBay, some sellers accept offers. Don’t be afraid to negotiate respectfully.
Follow Reputable Resellers: Some individual resellers or consignment shops might offer better prices than large platforms, but vet them thoroughly.
Beware of Scams: If a price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Avoid deals from unknown social media accounts or unsecured websites. Stick to platforms with buyer protection.
Check Local Sneaker Groups/Events: Sometimes you can find local sellers and avoid platform fees, but always meet in safe, public places and get the shoes legit-checked if possible.

Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4 Fear

With high prices come many fakes. Here are key areas to check when authenticating Air Jordan 4s, including the “Fear” colorway:

Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the silhouette of an authentic AJ4. Fakes often have an incorrect toe box shape (too bulky or too flat), or an odd overall stance.
Material Quality: The “Fear” features a nubuck/suede upper. Authentic pairs use high-quality materials that feel premium. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer materials. The dark grey upper should have a subtle texture.
Stitching: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and precise stitching. Sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching is a major red flag.
Jumpman Logo:
- Tongue: The Jumpman logo on the tongue tag should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe details. The “Flight” script should be sharp. Fakes often have a “pregnant” Jumpman or undefined details.
- Heel: The Jumpman on the heel tab should also be crisp and well-molded.
Tongue Tag (Back): The “AIR JORDAN” lettering on the upside-down tag on the back of the tongue should be clean and well-spaced.
Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and at the base of the tongue should be correctly oriented and have a quality feel. Fakes may use flimsy netting or have it angled incorrectly.
Midsole Paint Job: The speckled cement print on parts of the midsole should be well-executed. Fakes might have sloppy paint application, incorrect speckle density, or colors that are slightly off.
Air Unit: The visible Air unit in the heel should be clear and properly positioned. Fakes might have cloudy or misshapen Air units.
Box and Label: The shoebox itself should be sturdy, with correct colors and branding. The label on the box should have the correct style code (626969-030), size, colorway information, and barcode. Compare the font and layout with images of authentic labels online.
Smell: Authentic Nikes have a distinct factory smell. Replicas often have a strong, unpleasant chemical odor due to cheaper glues and materials.
Insole: Check the print on the insole (often a Jumpman or Nike Air logo). It should be well-applied. The stitching underneath the insole (strobel board) can also be an indicator of authenticity.

When in doubt, use a professional authentication service or compare with multiple high-resolution images of confirmed authentic pairs.

Conclusion

The Air Jordan 4 Fear is a really cool shoe, but it can cost a lot of money since it’s old. You won’t find it in regular shops, so you’ll probably buy it from special websites or people. Make sure to check prices on different sites like StockX or GOAT. It’s super important to learn how to spot fakes by looking at pictures and details. If you really want these sneakers, save up your money and buy from a trusted place to make sure you get the real ones and don’t get tricked.

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