Honestly, the Jordan 4 Alternate 89 is one of those sneakers that people either totally overlook or swear by as their daily driver. It dropped back in January 2016. At the time, sneaker culture was in a weird spot. We were just starting to see "remastered" Jordans regularly, and Jordan Brand decided to get experimental with storytelling.
They basically asked: "What if Michael Jordan had a Player Exclusive (PE) colorway for home games in 1989 that he never actually wore?"
That's the whole vibe. It's a "what-if" history lesson you can wear on your feet. While everyone else was chasing the OG Fire Reds or the White Cements, the Alternate 89 sort of snuck in and offered something cleaner, simpler, and—dare I say—higher quality.
What makes the Jordan 4 Alternate 89 different?
If you look at them from across the room, you might mistake them for the Fire Reds. Don't. The color blocking is fundamentally different. While the Fire Reds lean heavily on black accents to break up the white leather, the Jordan 4 Alternate 89 is almost strictly a two-tone affair.
You've got that crisp white tumbled leather. Then, you've got "Gym Red" hits on the lace eyelets, the mesh netting, and the midsole. It's loud but somehow also very minimal.
The Leather Quality is Wild
One thing no one talks about anymore is how good the leather was on the 2016 pairs.
- The upper uses a soft, tumbled leather that actually feels like skin, not plastic.
- Unlike the stiff-as-a-board leather on some recent retros, these break in beautifully.
- You get a smooth leather mudguard around the toe box for a bit of structural contrast.
It’s the kind of shoe that looks better after you’ve worn it ten times. The creases don't look like ugly cracks; they just look like character.
The "Alternate" Storyline
The "Alternate Collection" wasn't just about the 4s. Jordan Brand also did an Alternate 87 (the Jordan 2) and an Alternate 90 (the Jordan 5). The idea was to imagine the gear MJ would've worn if he had more PE options back in the day.
Behind the heel tab of the Jordan 4 Alternate 89, you’ll see the text "Alternate 89" embroidered in red. It’s a small detail. Most people will never see it while you're walking, but it’s that "if you know, you know" touch that collectors love. It makes the shoe feel more like a sample that escaped the lab rather than a mass-produced general release.
Why enthusiasts pick these over OGs
- Versatility: Because there’s no black on the upper (aside from the Jumpman logo on the heel and tongue), they pair with almost anything.
- Durability: White outsoles are a nightmare to keep clean, sure. But the red painted midsole on these doesn't chip nearly as fast as the black paint on the Fire Reds.
- The "Air Force 1" Effect: On foot, they have a very bright, clean silhouette that mimics the "all-white" look but with a pop of Chicago Bulls heritage.
Spotting a Fake in 2026
Since we're a decade out from the original release, the market is flooded with both "super fakes" and aging authentic pairs. If you're hunting for a pair on eBay or GOAT, you’ve got to be careful.
Check the netting. On an authentic Jordan 4 Alternate 89, the mesh netting on the side panels should run parallel to the "wings" of the shoe. If the mesh is perfectly horizontal or vertical, it's a dead giveaway that it's a cheap replica.
Look at the heel. The Jumpman should be cleanly embossed. On fakes, the stitching around the heel tab often looks "hairy" or frayed. Also, check the inside label for the style code: 308497-106. If that's missing or the font looks wonky, keep your money in your pocket.
Resale Value and Wearability
Right now, a deadstock (brand new) pair of these will set you back anywhere from $350 to $500 depending on size. Used pairs are more reasonable, often hovering around the $150-$200 mark.
But here is the catch: The Soles.
The white rubber on these is prone to "yellowing" over time, even if they're sitting in a box. If you're buying a pair today, don't expect them to be "bleach white." A little bit of oxidation is actually a good sign of authenticity for a shoe this old.
Performance vs. Style
Can you play basketball in them? Technically, yeah. They have the visible Air-Sole unit and a herringbone traction pattern. But honestly? Don't. They’re heavy compared to modern performance shoes like the Jordan 38 or 39. These are lifestyle icons. They belong on the pavement, not the hardwood.
How to style them without looking like a 2016 throwback
The mid-2010s were all about joggers and long-line tees. We've moved past that.
To keep the Jordan 4 Alternate 89 looking current:
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- Wear them with loose-fit carpenter pants or straight-leg denim.
- Let the hem of the pants sit naturally over the tongue.
- Avoid the "tucked-in tongue" look; it’s a bit dated.
- Stick to neutral socks—white or cream. Red socks are overkill.
If you want a sneaker that tells a story without being an "OG" that everyone else is wearing, this is it. It’s a piece of "what-if" history that actually holds up better than the shoes it was based on.
Your Next Steps:
Check the production date on the inner size tag if you're buying used. If the date says anything other than 2015, you’re likely looking at a fake, as these were manufactured late that year for the January 2016 drop. If you already own a pair and the white netting is starting to yellow, use a specialized sneaker de-oxidizer cream and UV light to bring that "ice" back to the mesh. This is much safer than using bleach, which can actually rot the plastic netting over time.