Jordan 4 Retro Kaws Show Off Unique Style
Jordan 4 Retro Kaws display the unique art of Brian Donnelly and come in both Cool Grey and Black.
Streetwear meets one of the earliest versions of Air Jordan sneakers with Jordan 4 Retro Kaws shoes. The Air Jordan 4 had an extensive and celebrated history before its release as a retro sneaker. Under the leadership of designer Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 4 featured the same sculpted midsole and padded collar as the earlier Air Jordan 3. However, the Air Jordan 4 introduced nubuck leather for the upper sole. Premium plastic at the nubuck heel connected to a lace holder to help facilitate stability.
The Air Jordan 4, produced in four colorways, also included breathable mesh for the first time to encourage air flow. Michael Jordan debuted the Air Jordan 4 at the NBA All-Star Game in February 1989. Wearing the shoes, Jordan famously performed a hanging jumper over Cleveland Cavaliers' Craig Ehlo during the first round of the '89 playoffs, and fans everywhere now refer to the move as “The Shot.”
While Nike found success with a version of Jordan 4 Retros that sold out in 1999, the brand decided to celebrate American artistry with its next release of the beloved shoe. In 2017, the brand partnered with street artist Brian Donnelly to produce Jordan Retro 4 Kaws. As an artist, Donnelly combined elements of sculpture and graffiti to present the retros as premium suede shoes. Following the release of the Jordan Retro 4 Kaws in Cool Grey and in Black, Complex Media ranked the shoes among the best sneakers of 2017.
Jordan 4 Retro Kaws in Cool Grey
The Jordan 4 Retro Kaws in Cool Grey released globally to the public on March 31, 2017. Featuring a premium suede upper portion in heather texture, the shoes display hand-etched graphic designs against a tonal gray colorway. The shoes also feature a visible Air logo as well as glow-in-the-dark outsoles. After selling out the original release, the shoes underwent a special lottery on April 21, 2017. The lottery was so anticipated that hackers famously attempted to exploit Donnelly's website for a chance to secure a pair of the shoes. Fortunately, you can now purchase Jordan 4 Retros on eBay.
Jordan 4 Retro Kaws in Black
The Jordan 4 Retro Kaws in Black released to the public on November 27, 2017. Like its gray predecessor, the black version features an all-suede upper portion with hand-etched art. Specifically, the artwork presents a tasteful display of the cartoon hands popular within the Kaws brand. This version also includes translucent glow-in-the-dark outsoles, and the artist's signature of XX appears just above the Air logo inscribed on the heel of each shoe. According to Nike, these shoes also pair well with the brand's capsule collection of matching accessories.
Jordan Retro 4 Kaws Collaborations
In addition to the fame of the artist himself, Jordan Retro 4 Kaws shoes have also featured powerful celebrity endorsements and collaborations. NBA player Gary Payton II wore the Gray colorway during a game and scored six points while prominently displaying the shoes. Such events have enabled the sneakers to remain in the public eye as a coveted shoe for sneakerheads.