Air Jordan 4 Sizing, Fit, and Comfort Guide
Published
Originally released in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 has gone down as one of the best Air Jordan sneakers ever. MJ may not have won a championship ring in these, but the countless colorways, collabs, and hype around the AJ 4 cannot be ignored.
If you’re in the market for a pair of Jordan 4s but aren’t sure how they’ll fit, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Jordan 4 sizing and comfort, plus explain how the AJ 4 has changed over the years.
Are Jordan 4s True to Size?
Jordan 4s generally fit true to size (TTS) for most people. As with any shoe, things differ because everyone's feet are shaped differently. However, it's safe to grab the size you usually wear in Nike sneakers for the AJ 4. If you have a wider foot than average, going up a half size can relieve any issues you may have. This applies to newer releases, as after 2023, the shape of the Jordan 4 changed.
We’ll explain the change in more detail in a bit, but if the Jordan 4 you’re buying is from before 2023, the fit is going to be slightly different than current models. With the older pairs, you may need to go up half a size if your foot is even slightly wide, but generally TTS is ok in these.
Here’s a quick and easy breakdown for pairs post-2023:
- Standard/Narrow Feet: Go true to size
- Wide Feet: Go true to size (pre-2023 go down half a size)
- Women’s Sizing: True to size. You can convert men’s to women’s size by adding 1.5 sizes (example, a men’s 8.5 is a women’s 10)
Did the Air Jordan 4 Change Shape?
Yes, Jordan Brand changed the shape of the Air Jordan 4 in 2023 after the release of the Nike SB Air Jordan 4 collaboration. The AJ 4 is now much closer to the shape of the original 1989 version of the sneaker, but some tooling changes and padding updates have made the fit much more forgiving and comfortable.
The forefoot Zoom Air unit was removed in favor of more foam, making the front of the shoe feel softer underfoot. More padding was also added to the tongue for a plush feel, but it doesn’t affect the sizing of the sneaker.
When you boil it all down, the Jordan 4 shape changes from 2023 have made the sneaker fit better, be more comfortable for all-day wear, and bring the look closer to original pairs from 1989. If in the past you found Jordan 4s uncomfortable, newer pairs feel much better on foot.
Are Jordan 4s Easy to Break in?
Jordan 4s come in different materials, so there’s no universal answer to how easy the AJ 4 is to break in. For Air Jordan 4s made from leather, like the Reimagined Bred 4, there’s almost no break-in required, but sometimes special materials like high-quality nubuck or suede may need a few wears to soften up. The standard AJ 4 material for OG releases is Durabuck, which is a strengthened synthetic nubuck. These pairs, like the OG Bred Jordan 4 (which returns later in 2026), will require a few wears for the material to loosen up.
Are Jordan 4s Comfortable?
After the shape change in 2023, there’s no doubt that Jordan 4s are more comfortable than ever. Now, are they as comfortable as a foam running sneaker? Not really, they’re still retro basketball sneakers from 1989. But with a new tooling system and updated padding, they are much more forgiving for all-day wear compared to Jordan 4s from before the Nike SB collaboration. Out of all the retro Jordans, AJ 4s are one of the most comfortable options.
How Jordan 4s Compare to Other Jordans
Jordan 4s differ vastly from other Air Jordan sneakers, both in terms of fit and comfort. We’ll go through a few different comparisons below.
Jordan 4 Vs Jordan 1
The Jordan 1 is a high-top sneaker usually made of leather, and its tooling is simple with a rubber sole unit encasing Air units. This makes the Jordan 1 less comfortable compared to the Jordan 4. They both fit true to size, but the toe box of the Jordan 1 is a bit wider.
Jordan 4 Vs Jordan 3
Only released one year before the Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 3 is somewhat similar in fit and shape to the Air Jordan 4. The cushioning of the AJ 3 is not the same as the AJ 4, with the latter being more comfortable, especially since the Nike SB update. Both sneakers fit true to size.
Jordan 4 Vs Jordan 5
Air Jordan 5s introduced a radical change to the look of the Jordan lineup and featured different tooling. Phylon foam is used across the entire sole unit of the AJ 5, with the 4 only exposing this foam in the back half of the model. The toe box shape of the 5 is more narrow compared to the 4, but again, Jordan 5s generally fit true to size, just like the AJ 4.
Jordan 4 Vs Jordan 11
Michael Jordan’s favorite Air Jordan model, the Jordan 11, fits and feels much different compared to the Air Jordan 4. Jordan 11s have a higher cut on the ankle that almost hugs the area, whereas the AJ 4 has a more relaxed and looser fit. Comfort is also different thanks to the tooling of the Jordan 11, which features Phylon foam and Zoom Air units. Some think the AJ 11 is stiffer compared to the Jordan 4, and that is true because the 11 features a carbon fiber shank in the outsole for stability.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
