If you’ve spent any time on sneaker Reddit or scrolling through IG lately, you know the obsession with the Jordan 4 is getting a little out of hand. It’s basically the "it" shoe of the decade. But when people start talking about the jordan 4 black and gold, things get confusing fast.
Are we talking about the 2017 Royalty? The 2024 Metallic Gold? Or that weirdly specific 2026 "Lakeshow" pair that just dropped for All-Star Weekend? Honestly, most people lump them all together, but they’re completely different vibes. One is a suede masterpiece, another is a clean leather women’s exclusive, and the new one is basically a love letter to Los Angeles.
The "Royalty" Legend and Why It Still Hits
Let’s go back to February 2017. Jordan Brand dropped the Air Jordan 4 "Royalty." This was before the AJ4 hype reached the fever pitch it’s at now. Back then, you could actually walk into a store and buy these without fighting a bot or paying a 300% markup.
The shoe was simple: black nubuck, white midsole, and those heavy-hitting metallic gold eyelets.
📖 Related: Panera Bread White Balsamic Apple Vinaigrette: Why It’s Actually the Best Thing on the Menu
It wasn't an original 1989 colorway. Purists usually hate that. But the Royalty won everyone over because it looked like something Michael Jordan would wear to a gala. It felt expensive. Even now, if you look at a pair from 2017, that gold Jumpman on the heel still pops.
But there’s a catch. Nubuck is a nightmare to clean. If you've ever spilled a drink on a pair of Royalty 4s, you know that heart-sinking feeling. It’s not like leather where you can just wipe it. You need a specialized brush and a prayer.
The 2024 Metallic Gold Shift
Fast forward to March 2024. Jordan Brand decided to flip the script. They released a "Metallic Gold" 4, but it wasn't the black-and-gold aesthetic people expected. Instead, it was a "Sail" base—basically a creamy off-white—with those signature gold wings.
It was a women’s exclusive, which always causes a stir in the comments sections. Why? Because guys with big feet get left out of the party.
The 2024 version used smooth leather instead of the dusty nubuck of the Royalty. It was a massive upgrade for anyone who actually wants to wear their shoes outside without checking the weather every five minutes. It looked a lot like the Off-White 4s from a few years back, just without the $2,000 price tag.
Comparison: Royalty vs. Metallic Gold
- Royalty (2017): Black nubuck, white midsole, gold accents. Very "street-formal."
- Metallic Gold (2024): Sail leather, cream outsole, gold eyelets. Very "luxury-minimalist."
The 2026 "Lakeshow" Curveball
Now, let’s talk about right now. It’s January 2026, and the sneaker world is currently losing its mind over the "Lakeshow" Jordan 4.
This is the newest iteration of the jordan 4 black and gold family, even if the primary color is "Imperial Purple." Because it’s All-Star Weekend in LA, Jordan Brand went all in on the Lakers' colors. You’ve got that deep purple suede, but the "gold" comes in the form of "Varsity Maize" accents and a gold Nike Air logo on the heel.
It’s a weird one. It’s technically a tribute to the city, but it hits those same black and gold notes that people loved about the Royalty. The black mesh netting and black TPU wings ground the whole design so it doesn't look like a cartoon shoe.
Why Do These Specific Colors Keep Selling Out?
Honestly, gold on a Jordan 4 just works. It’s a silhouette that was designed by Tinker Hatfield to be "functional," but the gold turns it into a trophy.
Think about the context. In 1989, the Jordan 4 was the first "global" release for Nike. It was the shoe MJ wore when he hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo. It has weight. When you add gold to it, you’re nodding to that championship legacy without being too "loud" about it.
People often mistake the "Black Cat" 4s for a gold-accented shoe because of some custom pairs floating around. Let's be clear: the Black Cat is triple black. If you see gold on a Black Cat, someone took a paintbrush to it.
Spotting a Fake in 2026
With the resale market being what it is, fakes are everywhere. And they're getting scarily good.
If you're hunting for a pair of the 2017 Royalty 4s or the 2024 Metallic Golds, check the "waffle" eyelets. On real pairs, those gold pieces are crisp. They have a weight to them. Fakes usually have a "plastic-y" gold paint that looks like it’s going to flake off if you scratch it with a fingernail.
Also, look at the netting. On a real Jordan 4, the netting should run parallel to the "wings," not straight up and down. That’s the classic "rookie mistake" for replica factories.
👉 See also: Father's Day Gifts Funny: Why Dads Actually Want the Joke This Year
How to Actually Style Them
You’d think a black and gold shoe would be hard to wear. It’s really not.
The mistake most people make is trying to match the gold too much. Please, don’t wear a shiny gold jacket with these. It’s too much.
- For the Royalty 4s: Black tapered cargo pants and a neutral hoodie. Let the eyelets do the talking.
- For the 2024 Metallic Golds: Wide-leg cream trousers or light-wash denim. It’s a very "clean girl" aesthetic shoe.
- For the 2026 Lakeshow: Since these are loud, keep the rest of the fit dead silent. All black. Maybe a vintage Lakers tee if you're actually at the game.
The Future of the Colorway
Where do we go from here? Jordan Brand knows that black and gold is a cheat code for sales.
There are rumors circulating that we might see a "Reimagined" Royalty in late 2026 or early 2027. If that happens, expect better materials—maybe a leather upper instead of nubuck—and that "Nike Air" on the back instead of the Jumpman. People will complain, then they'll buy every single pair in five seconds.
The reality is that the jordan 4 black and gold isn't just one shoe anymore. It’s a sub-genre of the most popular sneaker on the planet. Whether you want the stealthy nubuck of the 2017 pair or the luxury leather of the 2024 drop, you’re buying into a piece of design history.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Pair
- Check the SKU: For the 2017 Royalty, it’s 308497-032. For the 2024 Metallic Gold, it’s AQ9129-170. Always verify this on the box label.
- Sizing is Key: Jordan 4s run notoriously narrow. If you have wide feet, go up half a size. Your pinky toes will thank you later.
- Maintenance: If you have the nubuck Royalty 4s, buy a suede eraser and a soft-bristled brush immediately. Do not use water.
- Market Timing: Prices for 4s usually dip slightly 2-3 months after a release before they climb back up. If you missed the "Lakeshow" drop last week, wait until March to pull the trigger on StockX or GOAT.
By the way, if you’re looking at your collection and wondering why you don’t have a pair yet, start with the 2024 Metallic Golds. They’re the most versatile of the bunch and the easiest to keep looking fresh for years.
Next Steps for Your Collection
If you're serious about picking up a pair, your first move should be checking the current verified listings on GOAT or eBay's Authenticity Guarantee. Prices are currently fluctuating due to the 2026 All-Star hype, so setting a price alert is the smartest way to avoid overpaying.
Once you have them in hand, swap the factory lacing for a "loose" lace style to prevent the dreaded plastic wings from digging into your ankles—a common complaint with the 4 silhouette. Keeping a set of cedar shoe trees inside them will also prevent the toe box from collapsing, which is the first thing that goes on these older nubuck models.
The "Royalty" era might be in the past, but the gold-accented 4 is clearly here to stay. Grab your size now before the summer "wedding and gala" season kicks the resale prices into another gear.