Ahead of the release of the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred,” the Swoosh has shared a brief guide that details the differences between each of the five versions of the sneaker, which was first released in 1989.
In the 30 years since, the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” has been retro-ed four times: in 1999, 2008, 2012, and now in 2019. Nike’s guide focuses on the evolution of the logo on the heel. The latest drop, arriving at retailers on May 4, sees a shift back to the “Nike Air” branding from the original release and is a part of the brand’s efforts to stay true to the quality and design of the earlier versions.
Read on for a quick guide on how the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” has changed over the years, then for more factoids like how it was the first Jordan to be sold intentionally, hit our comprehensive history of the Air Jordan 4.
1989: The OG
The Air Jordan 4 dropped in the iconic “Bred” colorway, arriving after Michael Jordan’s first-career MVP award. The Jumpman logo and all-new “Flight” script were used together on the tongue for the first time. The backtab featured Nike Air branding as a nod to the visible Air cushioning in the heel.
1999: Ten Year Anniversary
Ten years later, the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” was released again, this time to celebrate the Tinker Hatfield-designed model’s 10th anniversary. Logos and branding stayed the same as the original release.
2008: The Jumpman’s Debut
For the first time, the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” saw the Jumpman logo replace the Nike Air branding on the heel. This meant that the iconic logo was seen on the sockliner, tongue, and outsole as well as the heel. The Jumpman-branded version dropped as part of the Countdown Pack alongside the Air Jordan 19.
2012: 23rd Anniversary
In 2012 the Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” dropped for a second time with the Jumpman logo treatment. That year was the model’s 23rd anniversary, a special number as it relates to MJ, of course. It also featured a Jumpman on the sockliner, tongue, and outsole.
2019: The Reissue
Now, for the silhouette’s 30th anniversary, Nike is bringing back the Nike Air branding, as it did last year for the Nike Air Jordan 3.
The Nike Air Jordan 4 “Bred” drops on May 4. To find out how, when, and where to cop, check out our dedicated post here.
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