Robert Downey Jr. has been putting the work into his ‘fits as of late. As documented on the Oppenheimer press tour last summer, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing him pair eclectic tailoring with an array of tinted frames – an honourable mention goes to his plum double-breasted suit at this year's Golden Globes. These ensembles are a bit 9-5 Tony Stark if he spent more time on Vogue Runway rather than spit-shining his old Iron Man suit, and we're into it. Even off the red carpet, his dressed-down demeanour is just as attention-grabbing.
Take yesterday, when the 58-year-old was papped walking into the Jimmy Kimmel Live! set. Top down, we’ve got the lime Louis Vuitton bucket hat, positioned above amber-tinted glasses (of course). Then we’ve got a cushty coalition of earth tones from his camo-printed jacket, green tee and brown jogging bottoms. And on his feet, a pair of Air Jordan 4 Thunders, evidence that this man is as serious about his sneaker selection as he is his wardrobe.
First released in 2006, the Air Jordan 4 Thunder quickly garnered a loyal fanbase due to its limited availability and new, non-OG colourway. To much delight, the style was brought back in 2012, reinstalling the mania – as captured on Nice Kicks "Sneak Peak" vids – that made this a cult shoe in the noughties. After an 11-year hiatus, Jordan reintroduced the silhouette in 2023, practically mirroring its predecessors with a black and yellow silhouette and bright white Jumpman branding on the heel tab and tongue.
As is the way with all hypey trainer releases, the Jordan 4 Thunders sold out quickly, meaning Downey Jr. was quick on the pulse to get himself a pair to add to his on-going collection. Over the years, we’ve seen him donning plenty of Air Jordans, including the grey 1 Zoom CMFT 2 at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards. He even owns a pair of Iron Man Air Jordan 1 MID, a custom style that is one of two in the world.
So it’s safe to say that this guy knows a thing or two about sought-after trainers. To follow in his expensive footsteps, you’ll have to peruse resale sites like Stock X, Laced and GOAT, and style them with some Hunter S. Thompson-esque sunglasses.
