There have been so many unique and standout Jordan 4s released over the last year or so that putting together a list of the best Jordan 4 colorways isn't as straightforward as it sounds.
The Jordan 4 was originally one of the most expensive and best basketball shoes around in 1989, but quickly became a huge fan favorite due to Michael Jordan achieving his overall best statistical season that year wearing the 4s on his feet.
Over 30 years later, the 4 has transitioned into one of the best Air Jordans, if not the best sneakers, for everyday wear, with Nike still producing amazing new designs to this day to keep the old-school silhouette fresh and exciting.
For our list, we've focused on some of the more recently released and readily available Jordan 4s, basing our selection on standout designs as well as any historical meaning or influence behind them.
From old-school colorways, like the "Thunder" 4, to unique new arrangements seen on these "Pine Green" SBs, we've got everything you need to complete your collection right here. Let's get into our favorite colorways from one of the best shoes Nike has ever released.
Best Jordan 4 colorways
- Air Jordan 4 "Thunder"
- Air Jordan 4 "Photon Dust"
- Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 "Pine Green"
- Air Jordan 4 "Seafoam"
- Air Jordan 4 "Red Cement"
1. Air Jordan 4 "Thunder"
2023 saw the Air Jordan 4 "Thunder" make its highly anticipated comeback after more than ten years, with the remake bringing all the iconic style with it that makes it a great sneaker for both men and women.
This beloved colorway showcases its premium black nubuck uppers adorned with vibrant accents of Tour Yellow on the midsole, lace eyelets, and tongue. You'll also find hits of yellow beneath the mesh panels along the sides.
The legendary Jumpman is then prominently displayed on the heel tab, tongue, and insoles, further adding to the iconic appeal of these sneakers.
Ultimately, it's an exceptional recreation of a colorway that was once a part of Jordan's LS line back in 2006. Its dark base with hits of bright yellow really makes it stand out, making it a must-have as part of a Jordan 4 collection.
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2. Air Jordan 4 "Photon Dust"
After releasing Photon variations of Dunks, Air Max 90s, and Air Force 1s, the Jordan brand finally received a Photon makeover at the start of the year.
The "Phototon Dust" 4s are particularly great as they boast leather and suede uppers in a range of grey hues. Then, in a departure from previous Air Jordan 4 designs, Jordan has swapped out the mesh cage for a soft suede and a cracked leather cage wing. The sneakers also feature hits of Pale Vanilla, providing contrast to the fairly monochromatic base.
All in all, this popular Jordan 4 colorway is an excellent choice from one of the best sneaker brands in the world today.
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3. Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 "Pine Green"
The Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 is one of the most exciting colorways around right now as it features the classic Jordan 4 style with a skateboarding twist.
For example, Nike's SB department has added zonal gum rubber to the outsole. This provides grip with your board where you need it most, and is not only a functional addition, but the gum rubber, in our opinion, really makes the shoes pop.
However, most of the usual silhouette remains the same. You get the same Jordan 4 shape along with the heel tab and lace hooks. It's worth mentioning though that the Jumpman logo on the heel has been replaced by "Nike SB" as an extra nod to this being a skateboarding variation.
So, the "Pine Green" 4 is not just a great Jordan; we'd argue it's a great skate shoe for your collection as well.
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4. Air Jordan 4 "Seafoam"
The Air Jordan 4 "Seafoam" is another great 4 to consider adding to your collection. It's a women's exclusive that exudes a style that should suit almost any outfit.
It follows the same color-blocking concept as some of the original Jordan 4 colorways. Sporting a sleek white leather upper, it is complemented by a black midsole and heel tab.
Adding a touch of contrast to the sneaker are the eyelets, mudguard, sock lining, tongue, and heel logos, which come in a vibrant seafoam green shade. This unique combination of colors creates a visually appealing design unlike the majority of Jordan 4s we've seen previously.
Its relatively simple design makes it a great sneaker for both men and women, while it's classic silhouette maintains that retro appeal.
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5. Air Jordan 4 "Red Cement"
The Air Jordan 4 "Red Cement" is up there as one of the best 4s around as it takes a fresh spin on a timeless colour scheme by incorporating hints of fiery red across its design.
More specifically, it's crafted using premium white leather for its uppers, with the silhouette featuring bright red accounts throughout, accompanied by a selection of black details.
However, the sneaker stays true to its heritage with the iconic mesh detailing and Jumpman logo in their classic positions. Resting upon a midsole that combines black, white, and fire-red elements, this design further honours its origins and exemplifies why the Jordan 4 model continues to hold its place as one of the greatest silhouettes in the Jordan lineup.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With so many different styles of Jordan 4s available, you may have some questions about them. Don't worry though, because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
Are the Jordan 4s better than the 1s?
Deciding between the Jordan 1 against the Jordan 4 is a matter of personal preference. Both are two of the most iconic sneakers from the Jordan Brand, and they have their own unique features and design elements that help them stand out from one another.
However, the Jordan 1 is the older of the two. Introduced in 1985, it was the first signature shoe for Michael Jordan. Being the first, Jordan 1s are highly sought after these days and have a rich history behind them.
On the other hand, the Air Jordan 4, released in 1989, introduced several innovative features, including a visible air unit in the heel and unique mesh netting on the upper. The 4s aren't without some serious history either, as MJ achieved his best statistical season to date wearing them on the court.
Ultimately, the decision of whether the Jordan 4s are better than the 1s comes down to personal preference and what you value in a sneaker. Some people may prefer the classic and timeless design of the Jordan 1s, while others may appreciate the comfort and innovative features of the Jordan 4s. It's best to try on both models and see which one appeals to you more in terms of style, fit, and overall aesthetic.
Do Jordan 4s run big?
Generally speaking, Jordans should fit true to size for everyday use and to wear on the court no matter what model you choose.
With that being said, you may find going a size up to be beneficial for playing in if you've got slightly wider feet as this should ensure your feet remain comfortable and supported, without feeling too restrictive.
If you're still unsure, then Nike often has a handy size guide to help you determine which is the right size to go with.
Are Jordan 4s comfortable?
We've previously discussed whether Jordans are comfortable in general, but we didn't go into too much detail about the Jordan 4.
To start with, it's worth mentioning all Jordan 4s include Nike's Air technology in the midsole which should provide you with a strong starting point for comfort.
However, one of the most important aspects of making sure your Jordan 4s are comfortable is to make sure you get the right fit which we've covered briefly above.
We'd recommend leaving about a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe as this will make sure your sneakers are bending in the correct place as it should align to the natural bend of your foot.
How do you lace Jordan 4s?
One of the most commonly used methods of lacing Jordan 4s is one we've actually covered before in our guide to lacing Jordan 1s.
To begin, feed the two ends of your shoelace underneath each of the first eyelets.
Then, begin to weave the laces from inside to out, making sure the aglets go over the top of the sneakers each time whilst crossing them in the center.
Make sure you keep the laces flat as you go, and tighten them along the way to remove any excess slack.
Once you reach the top, leave enough shoelace left to tie the two ends together and you should be good to go.