Jordan 4 vs Jordan 1: Which Retro Sneaker Should You Buy?

Intro: The Sneakerhead Dilemma

Ask any sneakerhead the question - “Jordan 1 or Jordan 4?” - and you’ll get a heated debate. Both silhouettes are Michael Jordan classics, both have shaped sneaker history, and both are still among the most popular Jordans in 2025.

But if you’re planning to buy your first Jordan or add another to your rotation, how do you decide which one to go for? Let’s break it down.

1. History & Legacy

• Jordan 1 (1985): The shoe that started it all. Banned by the NBA, immortalized on court, and later embraced by streetwear, music, and skate culture. The Jordan 1 is the cultural icon of sneakers.
  
• Jordan 4 (1989): Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Jordan 4 brought mesh panels, visible Air cushioning, and unique lace wings. It became iconic after Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing and is often seen as the sneaker that pushed Jordans into mainstream fashion.
  
  

2. Design & Aesthetic

• Jordan 1: Sleek, simple, and endlessly versatile. Can be worn with jeans, cargos, shorts, and even formal inspired fits. Works in High, Mid, and Low versions.
  
• Jordan 4: Chunkier, more detailed, with a bold ‘90s vibe. Instantly recognizable with its lace wings and mesh side panels. Looks best with streetwear fits and baggier pants.
  
  

3. Comfort & Fit

• Jordan 1: Built like a traditional basketball shoe from the ‘80s. Flat sole, minimal cushioning, can feel stiff for long wear.
  
• Jordan 4: More advanced cushioning with visible Air unit and padded build. Generally more comfortable than Jordan 1 for daily wear.

4. Resale Value & Hype

• Jordan 1: Still the king of resale. Collabs with Travis Scott, Off-White, and Dior pushed prices well above ₹1 lakh. Even GR colorways often sell above retail.
  
• Jordan 4: Has seen a huge rise in demand in the last 3-4 years. Collabs like Travis Scott, Union, and Off-White made the Jordan 4 a hype machine. Today, some 4s resell for just as much as 1s.

5. Price & Availability in India

• Retail Price (MRP India): Jordan 1 High - ₹14,000 to ₹16,000
  Jordan 4 - ₹18,000 to ₹20,000.
  
• Resale Price: Jordan 1 Highs usually resell for ₹25,000 - ₹60,000 depending on colorway; collabs go much higher. Jordan 4s are in the ₹30,000 - ₹70,000 range.
  
• At Sneakwear: Jordan 1s often start at ₹12,000+, Jordan 4s at ₹20,000+. Both available with same day delivery in Delhi NCR or 2–3 days pan-India.

6. Which Should You Buy? (Sneakwear Take)

• Choose Jordan 1 if: You want the most iconic sneaker ever, a versatile silhouette you can wear with almost anything, and a piece of sneaker history.
  
• Choose Jordan 4 if: You prefer comfort, bold 90s styling, and sneakers that stand out more on foot.
  

My personal take: Jordan 1 will always be the cultural OG, but Jordan 4s are more comfortable for everyday wear. If you’re buying your first Jordan, I’d recommend the Jordan 1 High. If you already own a 1, your next pick should be a 4.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either. The Jordan 1 is the timeless legend, while the Jordan 4 is the rising star with comfort and cultural power.

At Sneakwear, we stock both - authentic, properly billed, and delivered fast. Whether you want to start with the OG Jordan 1 or make a statement with the Jordan 4, we’ve got you covered.