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Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89: Scoring the Best Price on a Classic
The Air Jordan 4 “Alternate 89” edition was part of a three-shoe “Alternate Collection” that reimagined what Michael Jordan’s player exclusive colorways might have looked like. Released on January 2, 2016, this sneaker showcases a clean white premium tumbled leather upper with striking Gym Red accents, offering a fresh take on a beloved silhouette. When you’re looking to buy popular sneakers like these, which are no longer available at standard retail, doing a price comparison is super important to make sure you get the best deal and avoid overpaying.
Retailer Comparison: The Original Drop
Originally retailing for $190 back in 2016, the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 is long sold out from primary retailers like Nike, Foot Locker, and Champs Sports. At the time of release, this was the standard price point for Air Jordan retros. If you were lucky enough to grab a pair then, you got them at the best possible price. Today, finding them at this original retail price from an authorized dealer is virtually impossible, as any remaining stock would have been cleared years ago. This means if you’re looking for a new pair today, you’ll almost exclusively be navigating the resale market.
Resale Market Analysis: What to Expect Now
The resale market is where the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 currently lives. Prices here are dictated by supply, demand, condition, and size.
- StockX: Prices for new, authenticated pairs typically range from approximately $350 to $600+, depending heavily on the shoe size. Smaller or very large sizes can sometimes deviate from this range.
- GOAT: Similar to StockX, GOAT offers new and used pairs. New pairs also hover in the $380 to $600+ bracket. Used pairs can offer savings, with prices varying significantly based on condition.
- eBay: eBay provides a wider spectrum of prices, as it includes individual sellers and consignment stores. You might find new pairs listed similarly to StockX/GOAT, but there’s also a higher chance of finding used pairs at lower prices. However, diligence is key to avoid fakes.
Factors affecting resale prices:
- Size: More common sizes (US 8-11) often have more stable pricing, while less common or highly demanded sizes can be more expensive.
- Condition: “Deadstock” (DS) means brand new, unworn, with the original box and all accessories. These command the highest prices. Used pairs will vary based on wear and tear.
- Authenticity: Verified authentic pairs from reputable platforms are worth more than unverified ones.
- Market Fluctuations: Sneaker prices can rise and fall based on general market trends, re-releases of similar models, or renewed hype.
Tips for Finding Deals
Scoring a “deal” on a shoe like the Alternate 89 means getting it for the lower end of its current market value or finding a well-conditioned used pair.
- Compare Across Platforms: Don’t just check one site. Look at StockX, GOAT, eBay, and even reputable consignment shops or social media sneaker groups.
- Consider Used (VNDS/PADS): If you’re okay with pre-owned, you can save significantly. Look for pairs listed as “Very Near Deadstock” (VNDS) or “Pass As Deadstock” (PADS) for shoes in excellent condition. Always ask for detailed photos.
- Be Patient & Monitor: Prices fluctuate. If you’re not in a rush, monitor listings for a few weeks to see if prices dip.
- Look for Reputable Sellers: On platforms like eBay, check seller ratings, reviews, and the number of sales. Buy from established sellers with positive feedback.
- Beware of Scams: If a deal seems too good to be true (e.g., a new pair for $150), it almost certainly is. These are likely fakes or scams.
- Authentication Services: For purchases outside of platforms like StockX or GOAT (which have their own authentication), consider using a third-party legit check service before or after purchase if you’re unsure.
Authenticity Guide: How to Spot Fake Air Jordan 4s
Spotting fakes can be tricky, as counterfeiters are getting better. However, here are key areas to inspect on an Air Jordan 4 like the Alternate 89:
- Overall Shape and Proportions: Familiarize yourself with the authentic silhouette. Fakes often have a clunky shape, especially around the toe box or heel. The toe box on a real AJ4 has a distinct slope.
- Stitching Quality: Authentic Jordans have neat, consistent, and high-quality stitching. Look for sloppy, uneven, or frayed stitching on fakes.
- Materials: The Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 uses premium tumbled leather for its upper. It should feel soft and have a distinct texture. Fakes often use cheaper, stiffer synthetic leather that might look too shiny or plastic-like.
- Tongue Tag:
- Jumpman Logo: The Jumpman on the tongue tag should be well-defined with clear fingers and shoe laces. Fakes often have a “blobby” or poorly proportioned Jumpman.
- “Flight” Script: The font and spacing of the “Flight” script underneath the Jumpman should be correct.
- Heel Tab Jumpman: The Jumpman logo on the heel tab should also be well-proportioned and cleanly molded. The plastic tab itself should be sturdy.
- Netting: The plastic netting on the side panels and tongue should be correctly angled (often diagonally) and the material quality should feel robust. Fakes might have flimsy netting or incorrect angles.
- Box and Label: The box quality, color, and printing on the label (font, SKU code – 819139-106 for the Alternate 89, size, etc.) should match official Nike standards. Fakes often have typos or incorrect label information.
- Smell: Authentic sneakers have a specific factory smell. Fakes often have a strong, unpleasant chemical or glue smell.
- Insole: Check the print quality on the insole (e.g., Nike Air logo) and the stitching underneath if you remove it.
When in doubt, get a second opinion from a sneaker forum or a legit check app/service. It’s always better to buy from trusted sources that guarantee authenticity.
Conclusion: Is the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 Worth It?
So, you want the Air Jordan 4 Alternate 89 shoes? These cool shoes are not in normal stores anymore. You have to buy them from other people, usually online. This means they often cost more now than when they first came out. Look at different websites to see who has the best price. It’s very important to make sure you are buying real ones, not fakes. Look closely at pictures and buy from sellers you can trust. If you are smart about it, you can find a good pair of these awesome kicks!
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