Air Jordan 4 (IV)
The year of 1989, the birth year of the Air Jordan 4 came into being in the midst of a career season by Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Though he didn’t create the ring that year, he did create a shoe that took the world by storm.
The Jordan 11 was once again Tinker Hatfield’s baby. He announced many fresh structure concepts like the straps on each side for enhanced ankle support. It was practically impossible for MJ to roll his rearfoot in these trainers. The shoes again featured the air sole heel for added shock reduction and a full length midsole.
Coming off the national success of the very first three Air Jordans, the Jordan 8 became the first internationally unveiled Jordan brand footwear. The great cushioning sole and appealing structure made it to an global best seller.
Michael Jordan reached completely new heights in his career while putting on the Air Jordan 4. Taking home another scoring title, averaging 32.5 points per game, MJ also appeared in the All-Star Game, First Team NBA and All-Defense. But it was in these sneakers that MJ made “The Shot” - the legendary game and series winning shot at the buzzer against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Considered one of Jordan’s perfect clutch moments, it kick started the first of many awesome game-winning shots he would make in his playoff career.
Nike continued the Jordan ad campaigns with Spike Lee, who played a character named Mars Blackmon. He created the well known Can/Can’t TV ad which showcased the Air Jordan 4, and gave them some extra promotion in his movie Do The Right Thing.
The first sequence of Jordans was the Jordan 1. When these kicks were retro’d in white/black and black/cement grey (nicknamed “Cookies & Cream”), people went insane over it. Retailers sold out in a matter of hours and everybody seemed to want a set.
You can’t deny, the Air Jordan 4 is simply one of the greats.
