Let's be real: most sneakers are just noise. You walk into a shop, see a dozen different colorways, and five minutes later, you’ve forgotten half of them. But then there’s the Jordan IV Black Gold.
It’s one of those rare shoes that feels like it belongs in a safe rather than a cardboard box. There’s something about that deep, void-like black paired with the sharp flicker of metallic gold that just works. It’s not flashy in a "look at me, I'm wearing neon" way. It’s more of a "I know exactly what I’m doing" kind of flex.
Honestly, the Jordan IV is already arguably the best silhouette Tinker Hatfield ever cooked up. Adding gold to it? That’s just cheating.
The "Royalty" That Started the Obsession
If you're looking for the definitive version of this vibe, you’re talking about the Air Jordan 4 Retro Royalty. Released back in February 2017, this shoe basically set the blueprint.
Instead of the usual leather, Jordan Brand went with a plush, jet-black suede upper. It’s soft. It catches the light differently than leather does. But the real stars of the show are the metallic gold eyelets. Those winged lace tabs—the iconic feature of the IV—were dipped in a high-shine gold finish that looked like actual jewelry.
You’ve also got that gold Jumpman on the heel. Most IVs have a plastic or rubberized logo, but the Royalty version felt heavy, almost like a coin pressed into the back of the shoe. It retailed for $190, which felt like a lot at the time, but if you try to find a deadstock pair today, you're looking at a much steeper price tag on the secondary market.
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Why the 2024 "Metallic Gold" Hit Differently
Fast forward to March 2024, and things took a bit of a turn. We got the women's Air Jordan 4 Metallic Gold, often lumped into the "black gold" conversation even though the base was actually a "Sail" off-white.
Wait. Why am I talking about a white shoe in a black gold article?
Because the "Black Gold" identity is evolving. In 2024 and 2025, collectors started hunting for "Rare Air" variants. Specifically, the Air Jordan 4 Rare Air Laser and the Rare Air Black models. These are the ones that really lean into that moody, dark aesthetic but hide a secret.
In the 2025 "Rare Air" release, Nike pulled a move that had collectors losing their minds. Most pairs came with standard white branding, but a tiny 2% of the stock featured Gold lettering under the removable tongue patch. It’s a literal needle-in-a-haystack situation. If you’re buying these on eBay or GOAT, you’re basically playing the lottery unless the seller has already peeled back the Velcro.
The Specs: What You're Actually Buying
Let’s break down the build of a classic black and gold IV. You aren't just paying for the colors.
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- The Upper: Usually premium nubuck or suede. If it’s the Royalty, it’s that deep black suede. If it’s a newer "Rare Air" or "Black Cat" style variant, it might be a thicker, more durable nubuck.
- The Hardware: This is the gold. It’s usually found on the "wings" (the lace eyelets) and the tongue/heel branding.
- The Sole: Most of these pairs keep a clean white or black midsole to let the gold pop.
- The Tech: You still get the visible Air-Sole unit in the heel. It’s 1989 technology, so don't expect to run a marathon in them, but for walking around a mall? They're plenty comfortable.
I've seen people try to customize their own "Black Gold" IVs by taking a pair of Black Cats and painting the eyelets. It never looks quite right. The factory gold has a specific "electrolytic" sheen that DIY paint just can't mimic.
Common Misconceptions (Don't Get Scammed)
People often confuse the "Royalty" with the "Silt Red" or the "Splatter" versions. The Silt Red actually has a lot of gold-ish grain in the material, but it's a very different beast.
Also, watch out for the 2025 "Rare Air" pairs. Some people are selling them as "Gold" editions when they are just the standard white-lettering versions. Remember: the gold is hidden. If a seller is charging a $500 premium for a "potential" gold pair that hasn't been opened, you're gambling.
Then there's the "Manila" 4s. Those have gold hits, but they're one of the rarest shoes on earth (only 150 pairs). If you see a "Jordan IV Black Gold" for $150 that looks like a Manila, it's fake. Period.
How to Style Them Without Looking Like a Pirate
Gold is tricky. Too much of it and you look like you’re trying way too hard.
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The beauty of the Jordan IV Black Gold is that the black does the heavy lifting. You can wear these with a pair of charcoal grey joggers or some heavy-denim black jeans and let the eyelets do the talking. Personally? I think they look best with a simple black hoodie. Let the shoes be the centerpiece.
Avoid wearing a gold watch, a gold chain, a gold belt buckle, and gold-rimmed glasses all at once with these. You'll look like a walking pawn shop. One or two subtle gold accents elsewhere is fine, but the shoes are the main event.
Finding Your Pair in 2026
If you’re hunting for these right now, you have a few realistic paths.
- The Resale Route: You can find the 2017 Royalty 4s on StockX or eBay. Used pairs are actually pretty affordable if you don't mind a little "star loss" on the sole or some suede fading.
- The New Drops: Keep an eye on the "Rare Air" series. As of early 2026, these are still the "it" shoes for people who want that black base with high-value gold accents.
- The "Metallic" Series: While many are white-based, Jordan Brand occasionally flips the script for "Gift of Mamba" style releases that use black and metallic tones.
Actionable Tips for Collectors
- Check the Suede: On the Royalty 4s, real suede "moves." If you rub your finger across it and it doesn't leave a trail or change shade slightly, it’s likely a synthetic fake.
- Weight the Gold: The gold eyelets on authentic pairs are sturdy. If they feel like flimsy, thin plastic that you could snap with a fingernail, walk away.
- The "Shot" Heritage: Remember that the IV is the shoe Michael Jordan wore for "The Shot" against Cleveland in '89. This silhouette isn't just a fashion statement; it's a piece of sports history. Treat it as such.
The Jordan IV Black Gold isn't going anywhere. Trends come and go—chunky "dad shoes" had their moment, and slim-profile terrace trainers are big right now—but a mid-top Jordan in a luxury colorway is basically recession-proof. It's a foundational piece for any rotation.