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.
It’s Gotta Be the Shoes!
Nowhere was this “for the fans” mentality displayed better than in Spike Lee’s 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 isn’t just an aspirational shoe, it’s a shoe for the people to call their own.
Hatfield achieved this goal and more, as the Retro 4 is still one of the brand’s 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 men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizing. Grab a hot new colorway or go for one of the classics. Either way, the Retro 4’s techy, fan-favorite design will live on.
