If you walked into a room in 1989 wearing a pair of the original White Cement 4s, people didn't just look at your feet. They looked at the future. Tinker Hatfield—the guy who basically saved Nike from losing Michael Jordan—decided that the Air Jordan 4 shouldn't just be another leather basketball shoe. He wanted it to breathe. He wanted it to be lighter. He added that weird plastic netting and those "wings" on the side that everyone thought looked like a structural error at first.
But history happened.
MJ hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in the Black Cements. Spike Lee put the White Cements in Do The Right Thing. Suddenly, a color palette of just white, black, and grey became the most important thing in streetwear. Fast forward to 2026, and the obsession with white and black Jordan 4s hasn't actually cooled down; it's just gotten more complicated.
Why the "Military Black" Changed Everything
Honestly, the Military Black is the most successful "non-original" colorway in the history of the brand. Period.
Released originally in 2022, it was basically a remix. Designers took the 1989 "Military Blue" template and just swapped the blue for black. Simple? Yes. Boring? Some people on Reddit definitely think so. But for the average person who just wants a shoe that doesn't clash with their hoodie, it was a godsend.
It’s the "Panda Dunk" of the Jordan 4 world. You can wear them to a wedding or a grocery store. They’ve become so ubiquitous that their resale price is still hovering around the $400 mark for a deadstock pair, which is wild considering they aren't even an "OG" colorway.
The suede on the toe box is the real hero here. It gives the shoe a texture that the all-leather White Cements lack. If you’re looking for a daily driver, the Military Black is the one, but be prepared to see three other people wearing them the moment you step outside.
The Cement Problem
We have to talk about the speckles.
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The White Cement 4 is the "holy grail" for most collectors. It has that iconic grey midsole with black paint splatters that looks like... well, cement.
- 1989: The birth.
- 1999: The first retro (and widely considered the best quality).
- 2012: The one everyone hated because the grey was too dark.
- 2016: The return of "Nike Air" on the heel.
- 2025/2026: The modern "Remastered" versions.
The 2025/2026 retros are actually using the "SB" shape. If you aren't a nerd about this, let me explain: the Nike SB x Jordan 4 collaboration from a few years ago fixed the "pinky toe" problem. Older Jordan 4s were notorious for crushing your smallest toe after two hours of walking. The newer white and black Jordan 4s have a thinner forefoot and more cushioning. They actually feel like sneakers instead of foot-torture devices.
White Oreo vs. White Cement: Which One Do You Actually Want?
I see people get these confused all the time.
The White Oreo (released in 2021) is basically the White Cement’s younger, cleaner cousin. It doesn't have the black "wings" or the black heel tab. Instead, it’s mostly white leather with grey speckled hits on the eyelets and midsole.
It’s softer. If the White Cement is "aggressive," the White Oreo is "brunch."
Honestly, the Oreo holds up better over time because it doesn't have as many black accents that show scuffs. However, it’s also a magnet for dirt. If you live in a city where it rains constantly, you’re going to spend more time with a toothbrush and Jason Markk cleaner than you will actually walking in them.
Spotting the Fakes in 2026
The replica market has gotten scary. It used to be easy to tell—the netting would be straight instead of diagonal, or the "Jumpman" on the back would have weirdly skinny arms.
Not anymore.
If you're buying a pair of white and black Jordan 4s from a secondary market like eBay or a local meetup, you need to check the "flick test" on the back tab. On an authentic pair, that rubber heel tab should snap back instantly. If it feels flimsy or takes its time moving back into place, run away.
Also, look at the "bloody fingers." That’s what collectors call the four little triangles on the lacing wings. On fakes, the holes are often punched poorly, leaving little bits of plastic hanging off. A real Jordan 4 is a premium product. The stitching should be tight, and there should be no "chemical smell" when you open the box. Authentic Jordans smell like leather and factory glue, not a Sharpie marker.
How to Actually Wear Them Without Looking Like a 2016 Hypebeast
The days of skinny jeans and oversized flannel shirts are (mostly) dead.
White and black Jordan 4s are bulky. If you wear them with super tight pants, you’re going to look like you have Mickey Mouse feet. It’s just physics.
Go for a straight-leg chino or a slightly baggy cargo pant. The goal is to let the pants sit on the tongue of the shoe, not tucked behind it. And please, for the love of everything holy, stop matching your shirt exactly to the color of the shoes. If you're wearing White Cements, you don't need a grey t-shirt with black speckles on it.
Current Market Reality
Resale prices are a rollercoaster.
As of early 2026, the Military Black is still the king of the "wearable" market, sitting at roughly $450 in a size 10. The White Cement (2025 Retro) is currently trading for about $280-$320 because the supply was decent.
If you're on a budget, look for the "Midnight Navy" 4s. I know, I know, they have blue on them. But from a distance? They look exactly like the White Cements, and you can usually find them for $100 less.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
- Check the "SB Shape": Before buying a 2026 release, verify if it uses the updated mold. Your pinky toes will thank you.
- Invest in Shields: If you hate the "toe box crease," buy a pair of plastic crease protectors. They make the shoe slightly tighter, so maybe go up half a size if you plan on using them.
- Check the SKU: Always Google the style code on the inner tongue tag. If the code brings up a different colorway, you're holding a fake.
- Monitor Restocks: Check apps like SNKRS and retailers like Foot Locker every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Surprise restocks of "White Thunder" or "Military Black" have been happening more frequently this year as Nike tries to combat the resale market.
The Jordan 4 isn't going anywhere. Whether it's the speckled madness of the Cement or the clean contrast of the Military Black, these shoes are basically the "white t-shirt" of the sneaker world. They just work.