Double Tap to Zoom
Nike
1 / 7

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” was never built for spectacle. First released in 2006, the shoe quietly became a favorite among Jordan fans who preferred restraint over noise, a sneaker that didn’t need color or contrast to make its point.

Everything about the shoe commits to that idea.

Black suede uppers, tonal netting, dark hardware, and a matching midsole compress the Jordan 4’s typically busy, tech-forward silhouette into a single uninterrupted form.

On a sneaker known for visible Air units and sharp visual breaks, the Black Cat’s refusal to interrupt itself is exactly what made it stand out.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

The nickname isn’t decorative. “Black Cat” was one of Michael Jordan’s long-standing monikers, tied to his speed, control, and ability to strike without warning.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

The sneaker carries that same energy. Low-profile, deliberate, and patient, it doesn’t chase attention. It waits for it.

The 2025 return stays close to the original while correcting one important detail.

Nike Air branding is restored on the heel, a small change that matters to collectors and brings the Black Cat back into tighter alignment with Jordan Brand’s archive.

The timing feels intentional, too. Following the return of the “Black Cat” Jordan 3 earlier this year, the newest iteration of the Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” is available now on Nike’s website for $220, landing like the centerpiece rather than a callback.

Turns out, black on black still holds its ground.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit the HS Style Guide for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.

We Recommend
  • Nike's Ghostly Killshot Sneaker Is Bursting at Its (Very Nice) Seams
  • Nike’s Clean White Air Force 1 Has Sunshine in Its Sole
  • Nike Built an Incredibly Impressive Air Max Sneaker Out of “Wood”
  • Nike's Exquisite Leather Shox Is Low-key Built Like a Dress Shoe
What To Read Next
  • The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” Is Comfortable in the Dark
  • Nike's Ghostly Killshot Sneaker Is Bursting at Its (Very Nice) Seams
  • It Took Nine Years for the Master of Scumbro Tees to Make "Clothes"
  • Vans’ Gorgeous Vibram Skate Shoe Just Got Winter Snow Tires
  • The Only Thing Wilder Than Saint Laurent's $4,500 Sled Is Its $12,500 Snowboard
  • Paracia Is the Perfect Brand for the Freaky Shoe Era