Green and black jordan 4s: What Most People Get Wrong

Green and black jordan 4s: What Most People Get Wrong

If you’ve ever scrolled through a resale app and felt like every pair of green and black jordan 4s looks suspiciously similar but has a price gap of three thousand dollars, you’re not alone. It’s a minefield. One minute you’re looking at a "Seafoam" that everyone says is actually "Oil Green," and the next, you’re staring at a "Manila" colorway that costs as much as a used Honda Civic.

Honestly, the green-and-black combo on the Jordan 4 is a weirdly specific obsession for sneakerheads. It doesn't have the "Chicago" red heritage or the "University Blue" hype, but it has something arguably better: rarity and variety. From the skate-ready SB collaboration to the almost mythical regional exclusives, these shoes are basically the "if you know, you know" of the Jordan world.

The SB Pine Green vs. The Rest: Why It’s Actually Different

The biggest mistake people make is thinking the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 "Pine Green" is just another colorway. It's not.

When this dropped in 2023, it changed the literal blueprint of the AJ4. Most Jordan 4s are, to be blunt, kind of stiff. They take forever to break in. But the SB version used a thinner, more flexible leather and a "deconstructed" upper. It also brought back the 1989 shape—specifically that flatter, sleeker toe box—which collectors prefer over the "boxy" look of mid-2010s retros.

You've also got the Jordan 4 "Seafoam" (often labeled as Oil Green). Released in early 2023, these are technically a women’s colorway, but they go up to a men’s 10.5. They use a very clean white leather base with black accents on the wings and heel, and just enough "Oil Green" on the eyelets and midsole to make them pop. If you want a daily wearer that doesn't scream for attention, this is the one.

The Myth of the Jordan 4 "Manila"

If we’re talking about green and black jordan 4s that nobody actually owns, we have to talk about the Manila.

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  1. Only 150 pairs exist.
  2. Released in 2020 to celebrate the first Jordan store in the Philippines.
  3. It features ostrich-textured leather and a shade of "Electric Green" that's brighter than a neon sign.

At the time of writing in early 2026, a pair of Manilas will set you back anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 on the secondary market. It is, quite literally, one of the most expensive Jordan 4s ever made.

Upcoming Releases: What’s Hitting in 2026?

The rumor mill is always churning, but we have some solid dates for this year. According to the latest leaks from insiders like zSneakerHeadz and Sole Retriever, 2026 is leaning heavily into "heritage" colors.

While everyone is losing their minds over the Air Jordan 4 OG "Bred" returning in November 2026 for Black Friday, keep your eyes on the "Oxidized Green" restocks. That specific shade—a metallic, slightly darker forest green—is expected to see some regional re-releases. Also, the Air Jordan 4 "Flight Club" (Sail/Black/University Red) just dropped in January, and while it isn't green, it’s dominating the conversation right now for its throwback 80s membership vibes.

Why the "Green Glow" is Still a Problem

If you see a pair of "Green Glow" 4s from 2013, here is a pro tip: they don't actually glow.

I know. The name is a lie.

The "Green Glow" name refers to the specific shade of minty green used on the outsole and eyelets. It’s a great-looking shoe with a dark grey nubuck upper and black accents, but if you’re standing in a dark room hoping to look like a glow-stick, you’re going to be disappointed. In terms of durability, the 2013 pairs are now over 12 years old. If you find a "Deadstock" (brand new) pair, be careful. The midsoles on 4s are notorious for crumbling once they hit the decade mark if they haven't been worn.

How to Actually Style These Without Looking Like a Christmas Tree

Styling green can be tricky. You don't want to overdo it.

  • The "Seafoam" Approach: Since these have a lot of white and black, they're basically a neutral. Wear them with light-wash denim or grey sweats.
  • The "Craft Olive" Vibe: This 2023 release is more of a "military green" than a bright green. It’s made of suede and textile. Honestly, these look best with earth tones—khakis, browns, or even a simple black hoodie.
  • The Black-Dominant Look: For shoes like the Metallic Green or the Pine Green SB, let the shoe be the loudest part of the outfit. All-black fits or dark charcoal cargos are the way to go.

A Quick Cheat Sheet for Buyers

If you’re hunting for a pair right now, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in terms of "vibes" and price points.

  • Jordan 4 SB Pine Green: Best for comfort and shape. Resale is currently hovering around $500–$700 depending on size.
  • Jordan 4 Oxidized Green: Best for a "modern classic" look. Usually stays closer to retail price ($210–$240).
  • Jordan 4 Manila: Only buy if you have a literal vault or a YouTube channel with 5 million subscribers.
  • Jordan 4 Zen Master: It’s more purple/pink, but it often gets lumped in because of the translucent wings. Avoid if you specifically want "Green."

Check Your Sources

The market is flooded with fakes. Since green and black jordan 4s like the SB Pine Green are so popular, the "reps" (replicas) have become incredibly accurate. Always check the "cage" on the side of the shoe. On a real Jordan 4, the mesh netting should run parallel to the angle of the wing, not straight up and down. Also, look at the heel tab. It should snap back instantly when pulled down. If it lazily drifts back up, it's a red flag.

Moving Forward With Your Collection

If you're looking to pick up your first pair, skip the $2,000 grails for now. Start by looking into the Jordan 4 "Oxidized Green" or even the Jordan 4 RM (Restomod) versions that have been popping up lately. The RM version is a low-profile take that’s much easier on the wallet and works better for a casual, everyday look.

Before you pull the trigger on a resale site, check the local "Buy/Sell/Trade" groups in your city. You can often find people willing to trade a pair of green 4s for something else in your closet, saving you that 15% authentication fee and shipping cost. Just make sure you bring a friend and meet in a public place.