When it comes to iconic footwear, few brands can rival Nike's legacy. Over the years, Nike has produced a wide array of sneakers that have become coveted symbols of style, culture, and athleticism. Two such shoes that stand out in this field are the Air Force 1 and the Jordan 4 as they both boast an impressive heritage and have amassed a dedicated following, each representing distinct chapters in sneaker history.
The Air Force 1, born in 1982 as a basketball shoe, has transcended its sporting origins to become a timeless classic. Its clean finish and countless colourways have made it a strong contender for the title of best sneaker ever made. On the other hand, the Jordan 4, introduced in 1989 as the fourth installment in the legendary Air Jordan line, revolutionised sneaker design with its innovative details and cemented Michael Jordan's influence on the sneaker industry.
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In this article, we explore some of the key differences in the design, price, and history of the two models to help you pick between the. So, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of sneaker culture and uncover what makes some of the best Air Force 1s and Jordan 4s so iconic.
History
The first of the two to arrive was the Air Force 1. It debuted in 1982, with Nike looking to take on some of the best basketball shoes from the likes Converse and adidas on the court.
Renowned designer Bruce Kilgore was drafted in to craft this groundbreaking shoe, which would eventually go on to become an icon in the sneaker world and make a lasting impact on popular culture.
However, the Air Force 1 faced challenges in its infancy. Despite Nike's efforts to promote it in 1983 via the "Original Six" campaign featuring six top NBA players at the time, the original design, known as #4190, was eventually discontinued.
Demand grew for the Air Force 1 to return though, with three stores in Baltimore, in particular, lobbying to stock the sneaker on their shelves. Nike, willing to give it another shot, made a deal with the retailers. They agreed to reintroduce the Air Force 1 but with a condition: the retailers had to take 1,200 pairs of the two initial colourways.
The retailers accepted the offer, taking in 1,200 pairs of the white and Royal Blue, as well as white and Chocolate Brown designs. These colour combinations later spawned the "Color of the Month" series and ultimately played a crucial role in saving the Air Force 1 from fading into obscurity.
The Jordan 4 had a much easy start in life when it debuted in 1989. At this point in his NBA career, Michael Jordan was a household name, so the sneaker was almost destined for success before it even went on sale.
What's more, Tinker Hatfield was brought back in after taking over the reins to create the Jordan 3 to design the 4, which is evident by the elephant print pattern passed on from the 3 to the original "White Cement" colourway. The 3 had been a success, so the 4 had a lot to live up to.
However, the lofty expectations for the shoe led to what was apparently quite a mixed response following its debut, especially as it was released with a steeper price tag that meant it was one of the most expensive basketball shoes at the time.
Despite this initial reaction, things did turn around for the Jordan 4 due to several key moments. Firstly, His Airness achieved his overall best statistical season to date over the course of the 1988/89 campaign. Secondly, the shoe transcended into pop culture when it appeared in Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing. Finally, the shoe was worn by MJ as he scored "The Shot", the notorious buzzer-beater moment in the fifth and final game of the series.
Combining all these factors, the Jordan 4 has ended up becoming one of the most popular and best Air Jordans ever made. It's so popular that Nike continues to release new designs and colourways, much like the Air Force 1, to this day. Therefore, it's safe to say the two are both up there in terms of sneaker royalty.
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Price
With their long and storied histories covered, you may now be wondering how much it costs to pick up a pair of Air Force 1s or Jordan 4s.
Well, we'll start off by saying the Jordan 4 has the more expensive retail price of the two. At the time of writing, the "Thunder" Jordan 4, for instance, retailed for $210 when it was released. By comparison, the "Lotus Flower" Air Force 1 Low, which debuted around a similar time, retailed for $150.
Even Air Force 1 Mids and some of the best high-tops are cheaper than Jordan 4s right now, making it categorically the cheaper of the two to buy.
Read More: Best places to buy Air Force 1s
Design
Design-wise, the Air Force 1 and Jordan 4 are fairly distinct from one another, although they do share the same Air technology in their midsoles for added comfort and support.
However, that's essentially where the similarities end. An Air Force 1 typically features a leather build and an overall shape and style more akin to a Jordan 1 if anything.
By contrast, the Jordan 4 pretty much exclusively features a mid-cut collar, and is usually made from a variety of materials, including nubuck and Durabuck alongside leather. A Jordan 4 also features cut-out mesh panels along the sides, TPU lace eyelets, and visible Air bubbles in the heel. As a result, the Jordan 4 is far removed from the Air Force 1 visually-speaking
Read More: Best places to buy Jordans
Air Force 1 vs Jordan 4 - Which should you buy?
Deciding which of the Air Force 1 or Jordan 4 you should buy is tricky as it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Both shoes have distinct features and appeal to different individuals, which makes choosing between them nearly impossible.
It all depends on your own style really. An Air Force 1 is typically known for its clean, all-leather finish, while a Jordan 4 offers a more athletic and sporty appearance, topped off with several more "out-there" design elements.
They're both equally match from a comfort standpoint as both sneakers come with Nike's Air cushioning in the midsoles. That said, the Air Force 1 is available as a low-top, which you may find far less restrictive and, as a result, comfortable, compared to the Jordan 4.
You've also got to factor in price. The Air Force 1 is the significantly cheaper of the two in most cases, making it a more cost-effective option if you're looking to bolster your shoe collection.
Bearing these factors in mind, the Air Force 1 just edges it for us because its lower cost and great range of collar heights make it a more versatile sneaker for everyday wear.
Ultimately, though, the choice between Air Force 1 and Jordan 4 comes down to your personal style, preferences, and intended use. Consider factors such as design, comfort, brand significance, availability, and price to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.
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