Since debuting in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 has solidified its place as a true sneaker legend. With its instantly recognizable design and performance on the court back in the day, it’s one of the standout shoes in Michael Jordan’s iconic line. However, its immense popularity often makes new models hard to secure upon release, which is why many sneakerheads turn to alternatives that capture the same vibe.
Given their status as some of the best sneakers ever made, Jordan 4s often come with jaw-dropping price tags, too, especially on the resale market. That’s where this guide comes in: we’ve rounded up some of the best Jordan 4-inspired kicks that give you similar style and comfort, without breaking the bank.
Which Shoes Are Most Like the Jordan 4?
The shoe most like the Jordan 4 is probably the Air Jordan 3, though it's not the only similar sneaker. There are a ton of alternatives away from the Jordan line too...
- Air Jordan 3 - the best Jordan alternative
- Nike Air Force 1 Mid - a great option from Nike
- adidas Forum Mid - one to consider from adidas
- New Balance 650 - best alternative from New Balance
- Air Jordan 4 11Lab4 - a slightly different pick
Air Jordan 3
Why we chose the Air Jordan 3
We're starting with one of the best Air Jordans ever made in the Jordan 3.
We're sticking with the Jordan brand here for one very good reason: the Jordan 4 features such a distinct style that few shoes share a visual likeness.
Why the Jordan 3 is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield – the same visionary behind the Jordan 4.
- Similar visual style – echoes the late '80s era and shares key design elements.
- Jumpman branding – features the iconic logo just like its predecessor.
- High-quality build – not a budget option, but well worth it for the craftsmanship.
- Authentic feel – not a knock-off, but a legitimate, stylish alternative.
While it may not be cheaper, the Jordan 3 offers a comparable look and feel to the Jordan 4, making it a top pick for sneaker enthusiasts who value both design heritage and quality.
It's arguably similar to the Jordan 1, too, but the Jordan 4 definitely draws the closest likeness to the Jordan 3 right now.
Nike Air Force 1 Mid
Why we chose the Nike Air Force 1 Mid
Next up is the Nike Air Force 1, specifically the Mid variation. It may not look all that like the Jordan 4 compared to the 3, but the Air Force 1 does have a history in basketball, and its mid-cut collar height gives it somewhat of a similar silhouette.
Why the Air Force 1 Mid is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- Basketball DNA – originally built for the court, just like the Jordan 4.
- Mid-cut silhouette – offers a comparable ankle height and overall shape.
- Nike Air cushioning – delivers similar comfort and feel underfoot.
- Everyday comfort – both the AF1 Mid and Jordan 4 are great for all-day wear.
- Better price point – often more affordable at retail without sacrificing quality.
If you're after a sneaker with basketball heritage, solid comfort, and a silhouette that loosely mirrors the Jordan 4, all at a lower price, the Air Force 1 Mid is a smart pick worth exploring.
adidas Forum Mid
Why we chose the adidas Forum Mid
Moving away from Nike now to one of the best adidas shoes ever created, the adidas Forum. Again, we're highlighting the Mid variation specifically to try and replicate the Jordan 4s' higher-cut collar as best as possible.
Why the adidas Forum Mid is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- '80s basketball heritage – like the Jordan 4, it was made for the court and born in the same era.
- Mid-cut design – mimics the higher collar height of the Jordan 4.
- Unique style – not a visual match, but delivers its own classic aesthetic.
- More affordable – typically cheaper at retail while still offering solid build quality.
- Non-Nike option – perfect for diversifying your sneaker rotation.
So, don't feel you have to stick to the same brand, as the adidas Forum Mid provides an excellent Jordan 4 alternative for you to consider.
New Balance 650
Why we chose the New Balance 650
Another alternative to Nike is the New Balance 650. In our opinion, this one somewhat resembles the Jordan 4 with its similar padded collar and multilayered color blocking.
Why the New Balance 650 is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- Similar padded collar – adds to the visual likeness and comfort.
- Multilayered color blocking – reminiscent of the Jordan 4’s design style.
- '80s basketball heritage – born in the same era, with performance origins.
- Higher collar than the 550 – closer in height to the Jordan 4.
- Budget-friendly – generally more affordable than the Jordan 4 at retail.
Ultimately, the New Balance 650 is a well-rounded, inexpensive alternative to the Jordan 4, which we'd say strikes the closest visual likeness for a sneaker not made by Nike.
Air Jordan 4 11Lab4
Why we chose the Air Jordan 4 11Lab4
Okay, this last one may be cheating slightly, as it is technically a Jordan 4. The entire shape and silhouette are identical, seeing as it is a 4 at its core, but it differs slightly as it is actually a hybrid of a 4 and a Jordan 11, making the Air Jordan 4 11Lab4, as it's known, an incredibly unique and great alternative to consider.
Why the Air Jordan 4 11Lab4 is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- True Jordan 4 silhouette – identical shape and structure at its core.
- Jordan 11 influence – features glossy patent leather across the upper.
- Premium design details – includes waxed laces and a shiny sole for a luxe finish.
- Ultra-unique – combines two legendary models into one standout sneaker.
The only issue here is that the shoe is fairly rare, with only two colorways ever released at the time of writing. This means the 11Lab4 commands a fairly high price on the resale market. However, you won't find a closer match visually than this alternative Jordan 4 model.
Final Thoughts: Which Shoes Should You Buy?
If you love the Jordan 4 but don’t want to drop a fortune or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of solid alternatives that capture that same style, comfort, and legacy. Finding a replacement for such an iconic silhouette isn’t easy, but depending on what you’re after, there are some serious contenders.
Models like the Jordan 3 stay close to the OG vibe, while kicks like the New Balance 650 and adidas Forum Mid channel that high-top retro energy in their own unique way.
At the end of the day, sneaker style isn’t tied to just one silhouette; it’s about what looks good, feels right, and gets you excited to lace up. These alternatives deliver all of that, letting you rock that Jordan 4-inspired energy without emptying your wallet.