You’ve seen them everywhere. On the feet of rappers, in the background of every high-end streetwear shoot, and probably on that one guy at the gym who definitely isn't actually working out. We're talking about the all black Jordan 4.
But here’s the thing: "all black" isn't just one shoe. Depending on who you ask, it could mean the legendary "Black Cat," the rugged "Black Canvas," or even the slightly-obscure Olivia Kim collab that looks like it belongs in a Batman movie.
People get weirdly obsessive about these. Honestly, I get it. There is something about a triple-black silhouette that just works. It hides the dirt, looks expensive even when it’s beat up, and matches literally everything in your closet. But if you’re looking to drop several hundred dollars on a pair, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into because the market for these is a total minefield.
The King of the Hill: The Black Cat 4
If someone says they want the all black Jordan 4, they almost always mean the Black Cat. This shoe is named after one of Michael Jordan's many nicknames—a nod to his "feline-like" stealth and speed on the court.
The original dropped back in 2006, then disappeared for over a decade before returning in 2020. Now, word on the street (and by street, I mean the very reliable leaks from zsneakerheadz and Hypebeast) is that we just saw a massive re-release on Black Friday 2025.
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What makes it special? It’s the materials. You aren't getting standard leather here. It’s a matte, velvety nubuck.
- The Finish: It’s not a deep, "Vantablack" black. It’s more of a dark charcoal because of the way the nubuck catches the light.
- The Hardware: The "wings" and the lace eyelets have a subtle gloss. It’s a small detail, but it’s what keeps the shoe from looking like a giant blob of nothingness.
- The Branding: On the 2025 pair, Nike finally brought back the "Nike Air" logo on the heel, replacing the Jumpman logo used in 2020. Purists lost their minds over this. It’s a vibe.
It’s Not All Nubuck: The Black Canvas Alternative
Let’s say you don’t want to pay the $500+ resale price for Black Cats. In 2022, Jordan Brand dropped the Air Jordan 4 "Black Canvas." It looks almost identical from five feet away, but it’s a completely different beast. Instead of nubuck, the upper is a heavy-duty canvas. Think of it like a Carhartt jacket for your feet.
The Black Canvas actually has some grey accents on the eyelets and a red "Flight" logo on the tongue. It’s technically not "triple black," but it’s the smarter choice for people who actually wear their shoes. Nubuck is a nightmare to clean. Canvas? You can basically scrub it with a toothbrush and move on with your life.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the All Black Jordan 4
Trends come and go. Remember when everyone was wearing neon green? Yeah, neither do I. But the all black Jordan 4 has stayed relevant for twenty years.
It’s the "Crossover" sneaker. It’s one of the few Jordans that looks just as good with baggy cargos as it does with a pair of slim-fit trousers.
Tinker Hatfield, the mad scientist behind the Jordan 4 design in 1989, added these plastic "wings" and mesh netting to make the shoe lighter and more breathable for MJ. In an all-black colorway, those technical features become textures. It’s a "stealth" look that still has layers.
Spotting the Fakes (Because They are Everywhere)
If you’re buying a pair of all black Jordan 4s from a reseller, be careful. This is one of the most replicated shoes in history. The "reps" have gotten scary good, but they almost always mess up the small stuff.
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First, check the tongue. Authentic Jordan 4s have a thick, padded tongue with a specific "puffiness." Fakes often have tongues that feel thin or jagged around the edges.
Second, look at the mesh. The netting on the side panels should run parallel to the wings, not straight up and down. If that mesh is vertical, run away.
Third, the "flick" test. If you pull back the heel tab, it should snap back instantly. If it slowly bends back into place like a piece of cheap plastic, it’s a fake.
How to Actually Get a Pair in 2026
Since we just passed the massive 2025 Black Friday drop, your best bet is hitting the secondary market or hoping for a random restock on the SNKRS app.
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- Check GOAT or StockX: These are the standard, but the fees suck.
- Look for "Used" Pairs: Honestly, Black Cat nubuck looks great with a little wear. You can save $200 by buying a "9/10 condition" pair instead of brand new.
- The "Black Canvas" Pivot: If you just want the look and don't care about the "Black Cat" name, find a pair of the Canvas 4s. They are cheaper and more durable.
The all black Jordan 4 isn't just a shoe; it’s a staple. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just someone who wants a pair of kicks that won't go out of style by next Tuesday, these are the ones. Just keep a suede brush handy—you're gonna need it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the SKU: If you are buying "Black Cats," ensure the box says FV5029-010 (for the 2025 version) or CU1110-010 (for the 2020 version).
- Invest in Protection: Get a high-quality water and stain repellent spray like Jason Markk or Reshoevn8r before your first wear; nubuck hates water.
- Size Check: Jordan 4s can run a bit narrow due to the plastic wings; if you have wide feet, consider going up half a size to avoid the dreaded "pinky toe pinch."