When Michael Jordan sank that delayed buzzer-beating jump shot that beat Cleveland in the 1989 playoffs, everyone watching knew they were seeing history unfold. Jordanâs wild celebration would become one of the most iconic moments of his storied career, signaling the beginning of one of the most beloved championship dynasties in sports history. As âThe Shotâ unfolded, fans took notice of another part of Jordanâs game: his Black/Cement Air Jordan IVs.
That shoe, re-released in 1999 as the Jordan Retro 4, was instantly immortalized by this play, inciting a frenzy among fans not seen since the release of the original Air Jordan. Designer Tinker Hatfield wanted to challenge himself by moving away from the exotic sensibilities of the Air Jordan III. He designed the 4 to appear highly technologically advanced, with a carefully constructed angular silhouette. Hatfield wanted the shoes to be nitty gritty and utilitarian, a cross between the untouchable legacy of Jordan and an everyman shoe that would permeate every corner of pop culture.
Itâs Gotta Be the Shoes!
Nowhere was this âfor the fansâ mentality displayed better than in Spike Leeâs commercials for the shoe, which had Jordan superfan Mars Blackmon (played by Lee) gushing over MJ and his shoes. Fans saw themselves in the charmingly energetic Blackmon, flocking to the shoe in droves. The Retro 4 isnât just an aspirational shoe, itâs a shoe for the people to call their own.
Hatfield achieved this goal and more, as the Retro 4 is still one of the brandâs most popular drops. The shoe receives enough new colorways and high-profile collabs to put it in the upper echelon of Jordan throwbacks, alongside other heavy hitters like the Retro 1, the Retro 5, and the Retro 6.
The Retro 4, and its related line of stylish, vintage Jordan apparel, is available in menâs, womenâs, and kidsâ sizing. Grab a hot new colorway or go for one of the classics. Either way, the Retro 4âs techy, fan-favorite design will live on.
