Jordan 4 Retro bred release 2012

About the Jordan 4 Retro Bred Release 2012

Tinker Hatfield changed up the game on his second of many Air Jordan designs by amping up the performance and breathability. He kept the AJ 3's mid-cut height, the visible Air unit in the heel and the "Nike Air" emblem on the back. Hatfield also retained the signature Jumpman logo on the tongue.

The Air Jordan 4 implemented a more utilitarian approach. Here's what made it stand apart:

  • Cost-effective Durabuck synthetic leather upper that wipes clean with ease
  • An encapsulated Air unit added to the forefoot
  • The word “Flight” incorporated into the Jumpman logo—Air Jordan is meant to fly, after all
  • The addition of “wings,” a multiport lacing system with extra holes for a customized fit and enhanced lateral support
  • A pull tab added to the heel for an easier wearing experience
  • “Over-molded” mesh paneling for increased breathability, the netting was coated with urethane, dipped in soft plastic, then air-blown to remove the plastic from the net’s gaps

History of the Air Jordan 4

On May 7, 1989, the world witnessed "The Shot", an impossible feat for anyone other than His Airness. Michael Jordan pulled off this legendary buzzer-beater with assistance from his Black Cement Air Jordan 4s. It was MJ's fifth year in the league and a brilliant display of his growing dominance as a superstar.

The same could be said for Tinker Hatfield, the lead designer for the Air Jordan line. After the tremendous success of the Air Jordan 3, Hatfield had his work cut out for him. Coming on the heels of one of the most popular sneaker designs ever, did he dare mess with the formula? He opted to keep the overall design similar to its predecessor but boosted the performance features.

If the Air Jordan 3 saved Nike's partnership with Jordan, the Air Jordan 4 cemented it—primarily due to the inspired design efforts of Hatfield.

Jordan 4 Retro bred release 2012

The Jordan Retro Bred release was part of Nike's Black Friday in 2012 and brought back one of the four original 1989 Jordan colorways. Starting with the classic Jordan 4 Retro silhouette, the sneakers have a black upper with black wings and grey, white, and red mixed into the sole. Grey is also seen on the lace locks and collar, while the tongue features red Jordan branding and the heel features a white Jumpman on the black, red, and grey Jordans.

Jordans Release Dates, News and Articles

Attention all sneakerheads and basketball fans! Read all about the oldest and latest Jordan releases on the eBay Sneaker Hub. From iconic retro styles to new collaborations, you'll find everything you need to know to complete your Jordan collection.