You’ve seen them on Instagram. Maybe you saw a blurry photo of a pair on a resale site and wondered if they were even real.
The "black and purple Jordan 4" isn't just one shoe. It’s a whole rabbit hole of Friends and Family exclusives, women’s drops that men desperately tried to squeeze into, and one very specific soccer collaboration that basically changed how we look at the color burgundy. Honestly, if you're out here looking for a pair, you've probably realized by now that the "purple" label is kinda loose.
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Sometimes it's a deep, dark grape. Other times, it's a "Bordeaux" that looks purple under certain lights but red under others.
The Mystery of the Travis Scott Purple Suede
Let's just address the elephant in the room first. If you see someone walking down the street in a pair of vibrant, all-purple suede Jordan 4s with black accents and a translucent grey sole, they are likely either a millionaire, a close friend of Travis Scott, or—more likely—wearing fakes.
These are the "Friends and Family" Purple Suedes. They never officially hit retail shelves.
First spotted on the feet of DJ Chase B back in 2018 during the Houston Oilers 4s launch, these things became an instant myth. There are actually two versions: one with a black midsole and one with a white/grey midsole. Because they were never released to the public, the price tag is astronomical. We’re talking $30,000+ at high-end auction houses like Sotheby’s.
It's the ultimate "what if" sneaker. Most people who want "black and purple Jordan 4s" are actually chasing the ghost of this specific shoe.
The Canyon Purple: Not Just for the Girls
In 2022, Jordan Brand finally gave the people a purple suede 4. Sorta.
The Canyon Purple was a women's exclusive, but let’s be real—the guys with smaller feet were all over this. It features a heavy, shaggy suede that feels premium but definitely requires a suede brush if you want to keep it looking fresh.
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What makes these interesting (and polarizing) are the "Alligator" green hits on the eyelets and midsole. It gives off major Joker vibes or maybe even a bit of an EVA-01 Unit feel if you're into anime.
- Style Code: AQ9129-500
- The Vibe: Bold, textured, and slightly "out there."
- The Reality: It’s the closest thing to a "Black and Purple" 4 you can actually buy without selling a kidney, even if the "black" parts are technically "Anthracite."
Is the PSG 4 Actually Purple?
This is where the sneaker community starts arguing. The Jordan 4 Retro PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) released in 2020. Officially, the colorway is "White/Neutral Grey/Black/Bordeaux."
That "Bordeaux" is a deep, wine-red. But in the shade? In a dimly lit room? It looks like a dark, regal purple.
Basically, this shoe is a masterclass in color theory. It uses the classic "Fire Red" color blocking but swaps the red for that wine-purple hue. It's got the "Paname" tag on the lateral forefoot and the PSG logo on the heel. If you want a shoe that looks sophisticated and leans into the purple spectrum without being "loud," this is the one.
The New Kid: The 2026 "Lakeshow" 4s
As of right now, the buzz is all about the Air Jordan 4 "Lakeshow" (or Imperial Purple) slated for February 14, 2026.
This isn't an official Lakers collab, but the "Imperial Purple" suede and "Varsity Maize" accents tell the whole story. It’s a tribute to the "Showtime" era in Los Angeles. Unlike the Canyon Purple, which had those green speckles, the Lakeshow pair leans into a much cleaner Purple/Black/Gold aesthetic.
The upper is drenched in that Imperial Purple suede. Black mesh netting and black TPU wings provide the "Black" part of the "Black and Purple" equation you're looking for. It’s dropping during All-Star Weekend, so expect the hype to be absolutely peak.
Don't Get Scammed: Spotting the Fakes
Because so many black and purple Jordan 4s are either rare (Travis Scott) or highly coveted (Metallic Purple, though that's mostly white), the market is flooded with "reps."
Honestly, it’s getting harder to tell, but there are always tells.
- The "Q" Test: On the inside size tag, look for the word "FABRIQUE." On authentic pairs, the tail of the 'Q' usually starts inside the circle. Fakes often have the tail starting outside.
- The Heel Bump: Real Jordan 4s have a subtle, curved "bump" just above the midsole on the heel. Many fakes have a heel that is too flat or straight up-and-down.
- The Smell: This sounds weird, but if you open the box and it smells like a chemical factory or strong industrial glue, walk away. Jordan Brand's factory scent is distinct and much more subtle.
- The Mesh Direction: On the side panels, the mesh should run parallel to the "wings" (the plastic lace eyelet pieces), not straight up and down.
What You Should Actually Buy
If you want the look without the $30k price tag, you have three real paths.
First, the Canyon Purple. It’s the most "purple" shoe on the list. You can find them on resale sites for around $250-$350 depending on the size.
Second, the Raptors 4s (2018). These are technically Black, University Red, and Court Purple. They are mostly black nubuck, but the purple hits on the midsole are iconic. There's even a version with Drake’s signature on the tongue if you want to get fancy.
Third, wait for the Lakeshow 4s in February 2026. If you can hit on the SNKRS app for $225, you’re getting the best-looking black and purple 4 since the Travis Scott F&F.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Your Size: Since the Canyon Purple is a women’s release, remember to size up by 1.5 (a men's 9 is a women's 10.5).
- Set Your Alerts: If you're chasing the "Lakeshow" 4s, mark February 14, 2026, on your calendar now. All-Star Weekend releases are notoriously botted.
- Suede Care: If you buy the Canyon or the upcoming Lakeshow, buy a麂皮 (suede) eraser and brush kit immediately. Purple suede shows water spots and "fading" much faster than black leather.