Honestly, if you've been in the sneaker game for more than a week, you know the "White Cement" 4 is basically the holy grail for a lot of people. It’s that one shoe. The one Michael Jordan wore when he hit "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in '89. The one Buggin’ Out got hysterical over in Do the Right Thing after a bike scuffed his toe box.
It's legendary. Period.
But here’s the thing: we haven’t seen a proper retro of this colorway since 2016. That’s nearly a decade. For 2025, Jordan Brand is finally bringing the Jordan 4 White Cement 2025 back to shelves, and the chatter is already through the roof. Most people are asking the same question: Is this just another "Remastered" pair, or are we getting something actually special for the 40th anniversary of the Jordan line?
What’s Actually Changing This Time?
Nike isn't just dusting off the old 2016 molds and calling it a day. For the 2025 drop, they’re leaning into the "blueprint" of the original 1989 release. If you’ve felt the recent "Bred Reimagined" or the "Military Blue" retros, you know Jordan Brand has been tweaking the shape of the 4. They're moving away from that blocky, "banana" toe box that plagued the mid-2010s and going back to a sleeker, more tapered silhouette.
The Jordan 4 White Cement 2025 is expected to follow this "SB-style" shape. It’s a bit wider in the forefoot for comfort, but looks much sharper from the side profile.
The Speckle Factor
One of the biggest debates in the community is the "cement" print. Sometimes it’s too light. Sometimes the dots are too small. Real heads remember the 2012 pair—the one with the "cookies and cream" look that everyone hated because the grey was too dark and the Jumpman was on the heel.
This 2025 version stays true to the "OG" specs:
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- Nike Air Branding: Yes, it’s on the heel. No Jumpman here.
- Summit White Leather: Rumor has it the leather is a bit thicker and "stiffer," similar to the 85-cut Jordan 1s.
- Tech Grey Accents: The grey on the wings and midsole has that iconic heavy black speckling that actually feels tactile.
- The Tongue: They’ve supposedly tucked the liner behind the tongue again, a small detail that makes a huge difference in how the shoe sits against your ankle.
Release Date and Price (The Hard Truth)
Mark your calendars for May 24, 2025.
That’s the date most reputable leakers and retailers, like Sneaker Files and Sneaker News, have circled. It’s positioned as a massive early summer release.
Now, let's talk about the price. It’s $225.
Yeah, it hurts. I remember when retros were $160, then $190, then $210. But with the "OG" branding and the upgraded materials, $225 is the new standard for "big" Jordan 4 releases. It’s a pill we all have to swallow if we want that Nike Air on the back.
2016 vs. 2025: Do You Need Both?
If you still have a crispy pair from 2016, you might be tempted to skip. Don’t.
The 2016 pairs are starting to hit that age where the midsoles might begin to crumble if you haven't been wearing them regularly. Polyurethane has a shelf life. Plus, the 2016 shape was... okay, but not perfect. The 2025 pair is basically a "Remastered" version of a "Remastered" version.
The netting on the 2025 pair is also expected to be slightly different—angled more naturally and made of a softer material that doesn’t yellow as aggressively as the older plastic-heavy versions.
How to Actually Get a Pair
Don't expect these to sit. Even with a higher price tag, the Jordan 4 White Cement 2025 is a "General Release" that will act like a limited one.
- SNKRS App: Obviously. But expect the "Draw" format, not a standard drop.
- The "Big Three": Foot Locker, JD Sports, and Finish Line will have these in full family sizing. If you have "Status" points or "FLX" rewards, start saving them now for a head-start on the raffle.
- Shock Drops: Nike loves a good Wednesday afternoon shock drop about three weeks before the official date. Keep your notifications on.
There’s also some talk about "Quality Control" drama. Every time a massive 4 drops, people freak out about glue stains or "over-speckled" midsoles. It’s part of the experience at this point. Just inspect your pair the second you get them.
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Final Verdict on the 2025 Return
This isn't a "Reimagined" pair with fake aging or cracked leather. It's a clean, standard, "as it was in '89" retro. For most of us, that's exactly what we wanted. It’s a shoe that goes with literally anything—jeans, shorts, even a suit if you're feeling bold.
If you miss out on this May release, expect resale prices to jump to $350+ almost immediately. People have been waiting for these for a long time, and the "White Cement" is historically one of the most recession-proof shoes on the market.
Next Steps for the Drop:
- Check your local sneaker boutiques (Social Status, A Ma Maniere, etc.) for in-store raffle entries starting mid-May.
- Verify your sizing; Jordan 4s typically run a bit snug, so most people prefer going up a half-size to avoid the infamous "pinky toe pinch."
- Set aside that $225 (plus tax) now so you aren't scrambling when the SNKRS notification hits.