This one has a score of 92 Grail votes to 2 Bail votes. You rarely see numbers like that; usually, there’s at least one camp that doesn’t like the shoe. Not here. But “everyone likes it” is different from “you can actually wear it,” and that’s what I look at. With a black Air Jordan 4 with pink accents, that’s a fair question.
What you’re looking at
The base is black and matte, with a nubuck-like finish on the toe box and side panels. The pink is layered over that, but it’s deliberately kept to a minimum: the lace cages on the instep, the mesh in the side panel, a stripe in the midsole and the Air unit in the heel. It’s a dusty, warm pink — not bright or harsh, leaning more toward old rose and rust. The rest of the shoe, including the outsole, stays black.
Beyond that, the shape is simply a 4: the open lace cages, the mesh on the sides, the sturdy midsole. Nothing about the silhouette has changed. This colorway places the color in exactly four spots and leaves everything else alone.
Why the balance makes all the difference
Pink on a men’s shoe goes wrong when it becomes the dominant color. That isn’t the case here. From a meter away, you see a black sneaker with a little warmth to it. Only up close do you notice how much pink there actually is. That’s exactly the right order, and it’s why this pair is easier to wear in practice than it looks in photos.
How I’d wear it
Keep it simple. Straight-leg or slightly tapered jeans in dark indigo or black, and nothing too fancy beyond that: a hoodie, overshirt, or a good jacket. The 4 already has plenty of volume, so you don’t need to add anything else.
Cargo pants work too, as long as the hem isn’t too wide. With this shoe, you want to be able to see the midsole, because that’s where some of the pink is. If the sole disappears under your trousers, you’re left with a black sneaker and might as well have picked another one.
And the most important rule: don’t repeat the pink. No pink cap, no pink logo on your sweater. The moment you echo the color somewhere else, an accent becomes a theme and the whole fit starts revolving around it. Let the shoe be the only pink thing in the picture. If you do want to add something, choose a warm neutral that sits alongside it: sand, taupe, ecru, or a washed brown.
What to keep in mind
Two things. A matte black upper shows dust and scuff marks more quickly than smooth leather, so expect to brush it from time to time. And the pink appears on the midsole and lace cages, among other places — both areas that come into contact with things. Anyone who likes to keep their sneakers clean knows what they’re in for.
Also: this pair isn’t out yet. It’s scheduled for later this year, and no store is offering it at the moment, so naming a price would just be a guess. In the meantime, check out the broader lineup on the Air Jordan 4 page or the full Jordan overview.
In short
A black 4 with just enough color to keep it from being boring, and just little enough that it doesn’t require any extra effort. If you already have a black sneaker in your rotation and want something with a bit of an edge, this is a logical next step.
Once it drops, the first price is rarely the best one. Add it to your list and compare what the shops are charging before you check out — with a 4, the difference can add up quickly.