The Jordan 4 Motorsport is a highly sought-after sneaker that has captured the hearts of sneakerheads worldwide. Its striking design and unique colorway make it a standout addition to any collection. If you're a sneaker enthusiast or simply curious about this iconic shoe, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll dive deep into the history of the Jordan 4 Motorsport, explore its release date, and uncover what makes it so special.

A Brief History of the Air Jordan 4

Before we delve into the specifics of the Jordan 4 Motorsport, let's take a quick look at the history of the Air Jordan 4 itself. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 was first released in 1989. It quickly gained popularity due to its innovative design, which included mesh netting on the upper and visible Air cushioning. The Jordan 4 was famously worn by Michael Jordan during the 1989 NBA Playoffs, further cementing its place in basketball and sneaker history.

The Original Jordan 4 Colorways

The Air Jordan 4 was initially released in four iconic colorways:

• White/Cement Grey: This classic colorway featured a white leather upper with cement grey accents. It remains one of the most beloved Jordan 4 colorways to this day.
• Black/Cement Grey: Also known as the "Bred" (Black and Red), this colorway featured a black leather upper with red and cement grey accents. It's another timeless classic.
• White/Black-Fire Red: This colorway, often referred to as the "Fire Red," featured a white leather upper with black and fire red accents. It's known for its vibrant and eye-catching design.
• Military Blue: This colorway featured a white leather upper with military blue accents. It offers a clean and understated look.

These original colorways set the stage for the many variations and collaborations that would follow, including the highly coveted Jordan 4 Motorsport.

Unveiling the Jordan 4 Motorsport

The Jordan 4 Motorsport is a non-original colorway that was first released in 2006. It was inspired by Michael Jordan's Motorsports racing team, which explains its unique and sporty design. The Jordan 4 Motorsport features a white, black, and blue color scheme that stands out from the traditional Jordan 4 colorways.

Design and Features

The Jordan 4 Motorsport boasts a clean white leather upper with black accents on the wings, laces, and midsole. The vibrant blue hue is prominently featured on the inner lining, outsole, and Jumpman logo. This striking combination of colors gives the shoe a fresh and modern look.

Key features of the Jordan 4 Motorsport include:

• White Leather Upper: The premium white leather upper provides durability and a clean aesthetic.
• Black Accents: The black accents on the wings, laces, and midsole add contrast and depth to the design.
• Blue Accents: The blue accents on the inner lining, outsole, and Jumpman logo provide a pop of color and tie the design together.
• Mesh Netting: The signature mesh netting on the quarter panels allows for breathability and ventilation.
• Visible Air Cushioning: The visible Air cushioning in the heel provides comfort and impact protection.

The Jordan 4 Motorsport combines style and performance, making it a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball players alike.

The Original 2006 Release

The original Jordan 4 Motorsport was released in 2006 as a limited edition release. It was highly sought after due to its unique colorway and connection to Michael Jordan's Motorsports racing team. The 2006 release did not feature the Mars Blackmon logo on the heel, which is a notable difference compared to later versions.

Why Was It So Popular?

Several factors contributed to the popularity of the original Jordan 4 Motorsport:

• Unique Colorway: The white, black, and blue color scheme was a departure from the traditional Jordan 4 colorways, making it stand out from the crowd.
• Connection to Michael Jordan: The association with Michael Jordan's Motorsports racing team added to its appeal, especially among fans of both basketball and racing.
• Limited Edition Release: The limited availability of the shoe created a sense of exclusivity and drove up demand.
• Stylish Design: The clean and modern design made it a versatile shoe that could be worn both on and off the court.

The 2017 Retro Release

In 2017, Jordan Brand decided to bring back the Jordan 4 Motorsport as a retro release. This was exciting news for sneakerheads who had missed out on the original 2006 release. The 2017 retro version was very similar to the original, with a few minor differences.

Differences from the Original

The main difference between the 2017 retro and the original 2006 release was the inclusion of the Mars Blackmon logo on the heel. The Mars Blackmon logo is a nod to the character played by Spike Lee in the Air Jordan commercials from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some collectors prefer the original 2006 release without the Mars Blackmon logo, while others appreciate the added detail of the logo on the 2017 retro.

Release Details

The 2017 Jordan 4 Motorsport was released on March 25, 2017. It was available at select Jordan Brand retailers and online. The retail price was $190 USD. Like the original, the 2017 retro was a popular release and sold out quickly.

Where to Buy the Jordan 4 Motorsport

If you're looking to add the Jordan 4 Motorsport to your collection, you have several options:

• Resale Market: Platforms like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are great places to find the Jordan 4 Motorsport. However, be prepared to pay a premium, as prices on the resale market can be significantly higher than the original retail price.
• Consignment Shops: Consignment shops that specialize in sneakers may also carry the Jordan 4 Motorsport. Be sure to check the condition and authenticity of the shoes before making a purchase.
• Sneaker Conventions: Sneaker conventions are a great place to find rare and hard-to-find sneakers like the Jordan 4 Motorsport. You'll have the opportunity to see the shoes in person and negotiate with sellers.
• Online Forums and Groups: Online forums and social media groups dedicated to sneakers can be a good resource for finding sellers and connecting with other collectors.

Tips for Authenticating the Jordan 4 Motorsport

With the popularity of the Jordan 4 Motorsport, there are unfortunately many counterfeit versions on the market. Here are some tips to help you authenticate the shoes:

• Check the Stitching: Authentic Jordan 4s have clean and consistent stitching. Look for any loose threads or uneven stitching, which could be a sign of a fake.
• Examine the Leather Quality: The leather on authentic Jordan 4s is high-quality and durable. Fake versions often use cheaper materials that don't look or feel the same.
• Inspect the Jumpman Logo: The Jumpman logo should be clean and well-defined. Check for any inconsistencies in the shape or placement of the logo.
• Verify the Color Accuracy: Compare the colors of the shoes to official photos to ensure they match. Fake versions may have slight color variations.
• Check the Size Tag: The size tag inside the shoe should have the correct font and information. Look for any misspellings or errors on the tag.
• Examine the Box: The box should be in good condition and have the correct labels and markings. Fake versions often have poorly printed boxes with incorrect information.

Styling the Jordan 4 Motorsport

The Jordan 4 Motorsport is a versatile shoe that can be styled in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Casual Look: Pair the Jordan 4 Motorsport with jeans or chinos and a t-shirt or hoodie for a comfortable and casual look.
• Sporty Look: Wear the Jordan 4 Motorsport with athletic shorts or pants and a jersey or sports top for a sporty and athletic vibe.
• Streetwear Look: Combine the Jordan 4 Motorsport with joggers, a graphic tee, and a bomber jacket for a trendy streetwear look.
• High-Fashion Look: Dress up the Jordan 4 Motorsport with tailored pants, a button-down shirt, and a blazer for a high-fashion and sophisticated style.

Conclusion

The Jordan 4 Motorsport is an iconic sneaker that has stood the test of time. Its unique colorway, connection to Michael Jordan, and stylish design make it a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of sneakers, the Jordan 4 Motorsport is a shoe that deserves a place in your collection. So, go ahead and add this classic sneaker to your wardrobe and step out in style.