Air Jordan 4 University Blue: A Detailed Exploration of History, Design, and Investment Potential
The Air Jordan 4 has cemented its place in sneaker history as a canvas for some of Jordan Brand's most iconic and impactful colorways. Among these, the 'University Blue' edition stands out, not merely as a visually appealing remix but as a tribute to Michael Jordan's legacy and a potentially lucrative investment. This article delves into the history, design elements, and market performance of the Air Jordan 4 University Blue, offering insights for sneaker enthusiasts and investors alike.
A Nod to the Past: The University Blue Color Story
'University Blue' has emerged as a recurring and significant color story for Jordan Brand, rooted in the desire to expand the mythology of Michael Jordan beyond his Chicago Bulls era. This colorway pays homage to MJ's alma mater, the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he honed his skills before dominating the NBA. In 2019, Jordan Brand released a "UNC" Jordan 4, a blue suede sneaker dressed in MJ’s alma mater’s UNC blue tone. However, it was exclusively released as a player exclusive for the current UNC basketball team.
The Air Jordan 4 University Blue draws a close resemblance to the extremely rare Air Jordan 4 UNC PE that was given to Tarheel student-athletes in 2019. Recognizing public demand, Jordan Brand released a "University Blue" Jordan 4 in early 2021.
Design and Aesthetics: A Blend of Heritage and Innovation
The Air Jordan 4 University Blue features a University Blue suede upper with mesh netting on the quarter panel and tongue. The blend between lifestyle and performance is further accentuated by synthetic mesh panels on the upper, which beautifully complement the soft suede.
While many Jordan 4’s go for a monotone upper, the Jordan 4 sees the polymeric ankle straps and heel tab covered in a speckled grey to match the mudguard beneath. This simultaneously ensures that the all-black outsole does not stand out too much, while still providing the necessary disparity to give this colorway the pop that it has. The classic cement midsole inserts are an example of how to ‘do the right thing’ - in fact, the whole base has been faithfully lifted from the ‘White Cement’ OG. As are the upper lace ‘wings’ and heel tab that are finished in the same speckle. The design ensures robust and sturdy support on the ankle and midsole. The Nike Air midsole provides strong cushioning without being too bouncy, but still enough Air to finally achieve your first dunk. However, the mesh provides breathability.
Read also: The Heritage and Hype of University Blue
Market Performance and Investment Potential
The Air Jordan 4 has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with various colorways and collaborations driving demand. Jordan 4s for the past 2 years have seen significant growth in both demand and sale price. For example, shoes such as the Fire Red 4s, Metallic 4s and even the PSG 4s entered the market at a low price point of around $300 AUD. They eventually gave returns between 30-60% in just 1 year.
Prior to the release of the Jordan 4 University Blue, the Jordan 4 Taupe Haze had just entered the market and had been slowly increasing. With both Jordan 4s being compared to Travis Scott 4s, it is easy to see why their resale value started off so high. While men sizes of the Taupe Haze entered the market at around $410, the University blue pair started at $450. Since launch, the Jordan 4 Taupe Haze’s have risen ~$60-$100 in 2 months and have given a return on investment of ~15%.
The Jordan 4 University Blue holds strong investment potential. When we compare the current sales volume on other platforms, currently the UNC 4s have a total of 18,000+ sales compared to the 13,000+ for the Taupe 4s. Despite the similar stock numbers and having been out for 2 months less than the Taupe Haze 4s, the UNC 4s have proven to be the more desirable and selling more volume.
For those looking to pick a personal pair, it is recommended to buy now as currently is the best price for the shoe. In particular, GS pairs look very promising due to their current price being somewhat undervalued. Men's pairs should follow in a similar manner but due to their decently higher market value they will be a less effective hold. Unless you are in a situation desperate for capital, there is a strong belief in holding and definitely considering buying more pairs. Overall, the Nike Air Jordan 4 University Blue is believed to be a great long term investment. Whether it's in Men or GS sizes, the shoe will maintain its value and only rise with time - especially with the limited numbers available on the secondary market.
Availability and Accessibility
Perhaps the best part of the Air Jordan 4 ‘University Blue’ release is that it will be available for the entire family. And JD Sports Australia is the place to go: sign up to their raffle now via the JD App for a chance to get that all-important W! Raffle entries close on April 26 at 8PM AEST, ahead of the April 28 release day.
Read also: "University Blue" Jordan 13: A Retrospective
The Jordan 4 RM "University Blue": A Skate-Inspired Remix
The Air Jordan 4 RM already resembles a chunky skate shoe, design-wise. Nike's wild low-ish-top sneaker looks the thrash-able part even more when dressed up in Nike SB-flavored colorways. The sneaker's familiar but reimagined details are present but this time splashed with "Sail" whites, light grey, and bright UNC-ish blues. The color arrangements almost echoes Nike SB's navy Jordan 4 sneakers, which drop on March 18. The RMs have lighter blues…more skate-worthy chunk, too. These "University Blue" Jordan 4 RMs are even complete with brown gum rubber soles like the Nike SB collaborations, only adding to the RM's inherent skate-ish vibes. The Jordan 4 RM may be sipping on the SB juice. But the model looks arguably its best in these color arrangements.
Read also: Honoring Howard University with Air Jordans
tags: #air #jordan #4 #university #blue #history
