There are many reasons why the Air Jordan 4 'bred' (that's a portmanteau of black and red, ICYDN) is one of the most sought-after Jumpmans – scrap that, trainers – in existence. Here are just four.
- It's an OG (original) colourway of the 1989 model, Tinker Hatfield's second shoe for the Nike-engineered basketball line.
- It's a colourway that MJ actually wore on court. (Scroll down for photographic evidence.)
3. It's favoured by some of the most seminal rappers in the game, including Jay, Kanye and Nas. (Again, proof below [and no, we don't know we he's grabbing her ankle like that].)
4. It's bloody stunning.
Now, 35 years on from its debut, the kick is about to make a comeback – but it doesn't look exactly how you remember it.
You see, the 2024 Air Jordan 4 'bred' is actually the 'bred reimagined'.
It's the fourth sneaker in Jordan's relatively new 'reimagined' line, a collection of Jays that are subtly reinterpreted in ways that genuinely make sense. (See also: the AJ1 'Chicago reimagined lost and found', the AJ3 'white cement reimagined', and the AJ1 'royal reimagined'.)
Air Jordan 1 High 'Chicago Reimagined Lost and Found'
Air Jordan 3 'White Cement Reimagined'
So, what's 'reimagined' about this 'bred', then?
The entire foundation of the upper, for starters, now crafted from tumbled leather, as opposed to suede. It's a choice that makes a world of difference – it gives the shoe a sheeny exterior that's more durable and wipeable than ever before.
The shoe is also more padded, providing the wearer with a more comfortable on-foot experience. Plus, the grey accents that punctuate the design are of a shade more faithful to the 1989 release than reissues that have come in between.
And, finally, the 'Nike Air' shoe tag that comes attached to the lace wing comes in black rather than red, which... we think we prefer?
Same but different, then.
Different enough to warrant a purchase even if you picked up a pair of the more faithful reissue back in 2019? We certainly reckon so.
But, then again, we're of a mindset that you can never have too many 'Bred' Jordan 4s on the bench, ready and waiting.
When is the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' dropping?
The AJ4 'bred reimagined' is dropping on Saturday 17 February.
Where is the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' dropping?
The AJ4 'bred reimagined' is dropping on the Nike SNKRS app at 8am GMT.
It will also drop at Jordan retailers such as End, SNS, Footpatrol, and Offspring on the same day, and is already available on StockX.
What sizes does the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' come in?
The AJ4 'bred reimagined' is available in full-family sizing. That means toddler, younger kid, older kid and adult sizes are incoming.
How much does the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' cost?
The Air Jordan 4 'bred reimagined' is priced between £52.95-£199.99. Here is the full price breakdown.
- Air Jordan 4 'bred reimagined' Toddler (1.5-9.5) – £52.95
- Air Jordan 4 'bred reimagined' Younger Kids (10-2.5) – £67.99
- Air Jordan 4 'bred reimagined' Older Kids (3-6) – £114.95
- Air Jordan 4 'bred reimagined' Adult (3-17) – £199.99
How does the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' fit?
The 'reimagined' edition of the Air Jordan 4 'bred' fits like the original, true to size, but some sneakerheads will likely opt for a half size lower than their regular size to avoid creasing on the toe box.
Find out more about how AJs fit in our Air Jordan Sizing Guide.
How comfortable is the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined'?
The Air Jordan 4 has always been one of the most comfortable Jordan models, and this pair is even more comfy than most thanks to additional padding on the tongue and the sock liner.
What laces come with the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined'?
The AJ4 'bred reimagined' comes with just one pair of black laces.
What box does the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' come in?
Typically, a pair of Air Jordan 4s arrives in a box that has a black lid and cement-patterned base. Here, the packaging design is flipped: a black base is paired with a cement-patterned lid.
How does the Air Jordan 4 'Bred Reimagined' compare to the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 'pine green'?
The sneaker community is already drawing comparisons between the upcoming 'bred reimagined' AJ4 and the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 'pine green', one of the most – if not the most – popular sneaker releases of last year, and we can totally see why.
Like the 'pine green', the 'bred reimagined' is of a curvier, more cartoonish shape than your typical pair; plus, it's built with flexible components (e.g. the wings and the heel tab) similar to the Nike SB release, a quality sure to entice style savvy skateboarders to cop.
