You’ve probably seen them. That plastic wing, the mesh side panel, and that distinctive "Nike Air" on the heel that makes collectors lose their minds. Retro 4 OG Jordans aren't just shoes anymore; they are a whole currency in the streetwear world. But honestly, the term "OG" gets thrown around so much these days that it’s starting to lose its meaning.
Is a 2024 "Military Blue" actually an OG? Technically, no. It’s a retro. But because it has the original branding and the 1989 shape, we call it "OG-spec." It’s confusing. It’s expensive. And if you aren't careful, you’ll end up dropping $300 on a pair that feels like cardboard compared to what Tinker Hatfield actually intended back in '89.
The 1989 Blueprint: Where It All Started
Tinker Hatfield had a massive problem in 1988. He had just saved the Jordan line with the AJ3, and now he had to top it. His solution was basically to get technical. He added over-molded mesh to make the shoe breathe. He added "wings" so people could lace their shoes in 18 different ways.
The retro 4 og jordans we celebrate today are based on the four original colorways that dropped that year:
- The White Cement (the one in Do the Right Thing)
- The Black/Cement (better known as the "Bred")
- The Fire Red
- The Military Blue
Back then, these were performance basketball shoes. They cost $110. People actually played in them. Today, if you tried to pull a full-court press in a pair of 1989 OGs, the midsoles would literally turn into dust within three steps. Hydrolysis is a nightmare like that.
Why the Nike Air Logo Matters (A Lot)
If you’re new to this, you might wonder why people pay $100 more for a shoe that says "Nike Air" on the back instead of having the Jumpman logo. It’s about the era.
For a long time, Jordan Brand replaced the Nike branding with the Jumpman on almost every retro. It felt "off" to purists. When the 2016 "White Cement" and the 2019 "Bred" brought back the original Nike Air branding, the market shifted. That little bit of plastic on the heel represents the bridge between Nike’s 80s tech and Michael Jordan’s ascent to a global deity.
The 2024 "Military Blue" release was a massive deal for this exact reason. It was the first time since 1989 that that specific colorway featured the Nike Air logo. It wasn't just a reissue; it was a restoration of the original aesthetic.
The "Reimagined" Debate
Nike recently started doing this thing called the "Reimagined" series. Take the 2024 Bred Reimagined. Instead of the classic Durabuck (which is basically a synthetic nubuck), they used a premium tumbled leather.
Some people hated it.
"It’s not authentic!" they screamed on Reddit. But here's the reality: Durabuck is notorious for ashing and cracking. The leather version is actually more wearable. It’s a "Retro 4 OG" colorway with a modern survivalist build. Honestly, if you're going to wear your shoes every day, the leather Reimagined is a smarter move than the 2019 nubuck version that collects dust like a Swiffer.
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How to Spot the Difference Between "Great" and "Garbage"
The market for retro 4 og jordans is flooded with fakes. Some are so good even the "pros" get stumped. But there are usually three "tells" that never fail.
- The Mesh Direction: On a real pair of Jordan 4s, the mesh on the side panels should run parallel to the "wing." If the mesh is straight up and down, they are fake. Period.
- The Tongue Height: Fakes often have short, choppy tongues. An OG-spec retro should have a tall tongue with a smooth, rounded top.
- The "Pop" of the Toe Box: If you push the toe box down, it should spring back instantly. If it stays indented or feels like cheap plastic, you’re looking at a budget replica.
The Comfort Lie
Let’s be real for a second. Jordan 4s are not the most comfortable shoes in the world. They’re heavy. They’re stiff. If you have wide feet, that pinky toe is going to be screaming by noon.
However, the newer 2024/2025 retros have actually seen a massive improvement in "step-in" comfort. Nike re-engineered the internal padding to be a bit more forgiving. They’re still not as comfy as a New Balance 990 or a Jordan 3, but they won't leave you hobbling like the 2012 versions did.
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What’s Actually Worth Your Money?
If you're looking to invest or just want one "perfect" pair, the 2024 "Military Blue" or the 2020 "Fire Red" are currently the gold standards for accuracy. They nailed the shape—lowering the toe box and fixing the "heel bump" that ruined the 2012 releases.
Avoid the 2012-2015 era if you can. The shapes are bulky, and the materials often feel "plastic-y."
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you're ready to grab a pair of retro 4 og jordans, don't just hit the first resale site you see. Follow this checklist:
- Check the SKU: Every OG colorway has a specific style code (e.g., FV5029-141 for the 2024 Military Blue). Verify this on the box and the inner tongue tag.
- Verify the Heel Tab: Ensure the "Nike Air" logo is centered. On fakes, the "A" in Air is often slightly crooked or too close to the stitching.
- Compare "E-E-A-T" Sources: Check reputable databases like Sneaker News or Sole Collector to see exactly what the retail box and accessories (like the orange hangtag) should look like for that specific year.
- Smell the Shoe: It sounds weird, but authentic Nike factory glue has a specific, chemical scent. Fakes often smell like strong, pungent "industrial" glue or spray paint.
The Jordan 4 is a masterpiece of industrial design. Whether you want the 1989 originals for a museum shelf or the 2024 retros for the pavement, knowing the details is the difference between owning a piece of history and just owning some expensive leather.