Let's be honest. When you see a pair of red black and white Jordan 4s walking down the street, you look. You can't help it. It’s a gut reaction.
There is something about that specific trifecta of colors that just hits differently on Tinker Hatfield's 1989 masterpiece. Maybe it’s the Chicago Bulls nostalgia. Or maybe it’s just the fact that red, black, and white is the "cheat code" of sneaker design. It’s aggressive. It’s clean. It’s classic.
But if you’re trying to buy a pair right now, you’ve probably realized something annoying. "Red black and white" isn't just one shoe. It’s a whole family tree of legendary kicks, each with its own vibe, its own history, and its own set of "purist" rules.
The OG King: The Fire Red 4
If we’re talking about the genesis of this look, we have to start with the Fire Red.
Released in 1989, this was one of the four original colorways that launched the AJ4 into the stratosphere. It’s got that crisp white leather base, heavy black hits on the "wings" and heel tab, and that "Fire Red" pop on the eyelets and midsole.
For years, collectors were frustrated. Why? Because for a long time, every time Nike brought them back (like in 2006 or 2012), they slapped a Jumpman logo on the heel.
Sneakerheads are picky. We wanted the "Nike Air" branding.
Finally, in 2020, Jordan Brand gave us what we actually asked for. The 2020 Fire Red Retro was a one-to-one recreation of the '89 original. It had the Nike Air on the back. It had the right shape. It was a moment. If you want the most "authentic" version of red black and white Jordan 4s, this is the one. Period.
The Dark Side: The Bred 4 (Black Cement)
Now, if you flip the script and make black the primary color, you get the Bred 4.
Bred. Black and Red.
Technically, the official name is "Black Cement," but nobody calls it that in the wild. This shoe is arguably more famous than the Fire Red because of one specific moment: "The Shot." 1989. Michael Jordan over Craig Ehlo. The hanging-in-the-air, fist-pumping, series-clinching miracle.
He was wearing the Bred 4s.
These aren't leather; they’re traditionally nubuck. That matte black finish against the red outsole and grey accents makes them look like a stealth fighter. In 2024, Jordan Brand released the Bred Reimagined, which swapped the nubuck for a plush, tumbled leather. Some people hated the change. Most people loved it because leather is way easier to clean than ashy nubuck.
The Remix: Red Cement and Red Thunder
Jordan Brand knows we love this palette, so they keep playing the hits with a twist.
Take the Red Cement that dropped in late 2023. It’s basically a remix of the legendary "White Cement" 4. Instead of the grey "cookies and cream" speckle, you get a bright red base with black speckles on the wings and heel. It’s loud. It’s bold. It’s basically the Fire Red’s rowdy younger cousin.
Then there’s the Red Thunder.
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This one is for the people who want to look like a comic book villain. It takes the color blocking of the "Thunder" 4s (which are black and yellow) and swaps the yellow for a deep, vibrant red. There’s zero white on this shoe. It’s just black and red. It’s moody, it’s heavy, and it’s become a massive favorite for younger collectors who aren't as tethered to the 1989 nostalgia.
Why Do They Cost So Much?
Supply and demand. Simple.
Jordan 4s, in general, are the "it" shoe of the mid-2020s. They’ve eclipsed the Jordan 1 in terms of pure hype. Because red black and white Jordan 4s are the most wearable colorways, they disappear from shelves instantly.
If you missed the retail drop (usually around $210-$215), you’re looking at the resale market. Depending on the specific version and size, you might be shelling out anywhere from $300 to $600.
Is it worth it?
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Well, a pair of Fire Reds or Breds will literally never go out of style. You can wear them with baggy jeans, joggers, or even a suit if you’re feeling bold (though maybe don't). They are a wardrobe staple.
How to Tell if Yours Are Real
The market is flooded with fakes. Since these are high-value shoes, the "reps" have gotten scary good. If you're buying from a secondary market, check these three things:
- The Mesh: The netting on the side panels should run parallel to the "wings" of the shoe. If the mesh is vertical or horizontal (straight up and down), they’re fake.
- The Heel Tab: Push it down. It should snap back instantly. If it feels flimsy or stays bent, that’s a red flag.
- The "Arm" of the Jumpman: Look at the logo on the tongue. The stitching should be clean. If the Jumpman looks like he’s been skipping gym day or has "lollipop" fingers, run away.
What to Do Next
If you are hunting for a pair of red black and white Jordan 4s right now, your best bet is to look for the 2024 Bred Reimagined or the 2023 Red Cement. Since they are relatively recent releases, the prices haven't spiked as high as the 2020 Fire Reds yet.
Check reputable platforms like GOAT, StockX, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service. Avoid "too good to be true" deals on social media marketplaces. Nobody is selling a legit pair of Fire Reds for $100 in 2026.
Keep them clean with a soft brush and a dedicated sneaker cleaner—especially if you have the nubuck pairs. The red dye on the midsoles can sometimes "bleed" if you soak them, so go easy on the water. Stay sharp.