Air Jordan 4
The Air Jordan 4 is arguably the most beloved silhouette in the entire Jordan lineup, striking the perfect balance between high-performance basketball utility and elite streetwear appeal. The triangular plastic straps on the side panels were designed to provide extra ankle support and lockdown. They also allow for a "custom lacing" setup, offering 18 different ways to lace the shoe.
To reduce weight and increase breathability, Hatfield added urethane-coated mesh netting on the side panels and tongue. At the time, this was a radical departure from the traditional all-leather basketball shoe. Building on the success of the AJ3, the 4 features a prominent visible Air unit in the heel and an encapsulated unit in the forefoot for maximum impact protection.
