The Air Jordan range boasts some of the most popular sneakers in history, with the Jordan 1 and Jordan 4 standing out as fan favorites. But what sets these two iconic models apart? In our guide, we offer a detailed comparison of the best Jordan 1 and Jordan 4s available, highlighting their similarities and differences to help you make an informed decision.
First, let's delve into the history behind these two amazing sneakers, exploring their rise in popularity and enduring appeal. From there, we'll break down the features and benefits of each shoe, before sharing our opinion on which reigns supreme. So, stick around as we uncover the differences between these beloved models, arguably some of the best Nike shoes ever released.
History
In 1984, then-rookie Michael Jordan was selected as the third overall pick for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA draft and quickly took the world of basketball by storm.
While top brands like adidas and Converse were focused elsewhere, Nike swooped in and signed the young rookie and quickly set about creating his own signature shoe, thus beginning the history of the Jordan 1.
By 1985, the world saw the first and arguably best Air Jordan, the Air Jordan 1, which was designed by the legendary Peter Moore and later became known as the "Bred" or "Banned" design, which was released alongside the "Chicago" design.
Why "Banned"? Well, the story goes the NBA fined Jordan every time he stepped foot on the court in the sneakers as the shoes violated the league's uniform policy.
This was exploited by Nike in its "Banned" commercial, which, along with MJ's performances on the court, led to Jordan 1 becoming one of the most popular and best basketball shoes at the time, as evidenced by the fact that the shoes are still produced today.
Skipping ahead to 1989, the partnership between Nike and Jordan had already produced three immensely popular sneakers. However, the spotlight was now on Tinker Hatfield to craft yet another triumphant fourth iteration.
Despite being one of the most expensive basketball shoes at the time and the apparent mixed response following its debut, the Jordan 4 also went on to become a huge success thanks, in part, to MJ achieving his overall best statistical season to date that year as well as the shoe's being worn during the moment His Airness scored "The Shot", the notorious buzzer-beater moment in the fifth and final game of the series.
They even transcended into pop culture when they appeared in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, catapulting the sneakers into the mainstream media.
Design-wise, while the Jordan 1 kept to simple yet effective blocks of colors, the Jordan 4 came with a more unique aesthetic whilst keeping a lot of what made the Jordan 3 so great the same, including the mid-top collar and visible Air compartment in the midsole.
Price
If you look at the resale market and some of the most expensive Jordans ever sold, then you'll often find some sort of Jordan 1 near the top of the list. However, a typical pair of Jordan 1s, like the "Lucky Green" Highs, generally retail for slightly less than a regular pair of Jordan 4s - take the "Photon Dust" 4s for example.
It's worth noting that Nike seems to be releasing far more Jordan 1s as of late, which may mean they're slightly easier to come if you're desperate to own a pair.
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Performance and fit
When deciding which shoe will enhance your performance on the court, the Jordan 4 takes a slight lead. This is primarily because of its breathable mesh upper, which offers better ventilation compared to the all-over leather design.
Additionally, the mid-top collar strikes a balance between ankle support and freedom of movement, addressing Michael Jordan's preference for a less restrictive shoe. Rumors at the time were that MJ reportedly found the Jordan 1 and 2 to be too tall and confining, leading to his request for mid-tops when designing the Jordan 3.
In terms of comfort, both models are on par since they feature Nike Air units in the midsoles for enhanced shock absorption and cushioning. As for fit, it appears that both shoes adhere to standard sizing.
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Jordan 1 vs Jordan 4: Which should you buy?
Choosing between the two is tough as they are both exceptional designs that come with their own nostalgia.
If you're looking for something to actually play in though, we believe the Jordan 4 just wins it with its lower-cut collar. However, for everyday wear, it's hard to look past the Jordan 1 given the sheer amount of history being the first signature shoe for one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Not only that, but there are some amazing Jordan 1 Mids, Lows, and Highs to consider as well depending on your style and what you're looking to add to your sneaker collection.
With that being said, the final decision will ultimately come down to personal preference and which you feel will be better for you and your intended use.
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That wraps things up! Hopefully, our guide will help you pick between these two iconic sneakers, We've got other guides like this too, including how Jordan 1s compare to Air Force 1s, which we'd recommend checking out next.