Honestly, it’s been nearly a decade since the Jordan 4 "Royalty" first hit the shelves in 2017, and people still talk about it like it’s a brand-new drop. There’s just something about that specific mix of black suede and metallic gold that hits different. It isn’t just another retro; it’s basically the gold standard for how to make a basketball shoe look like it belongs in a high-end lounge.
If you’ve been scrolling through 2026 sneaker leaks, you’ve probably noticed the Jordan 4 is having another massive year. We’re seeing "Bred" retros and "White Cement" rumors flying everywhere, but the black and gold aesthetic remains a unique pillar in the collection. It’s the colorway that proved you don’t need the original 1989 "Nike Air" branding on the heel to be a certified classic.
What Exactly Is the Jordan 4 Royalty?
The "Royalty" is the most famous version of the Jordan 4s black and gold. Released on February 4, 2017, it retailed for $190. At the time, sneakerheads were a bit skeptical because Jordan Brand was moving away from the super-limited drops into more "lifestyle" looks.
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But then people actually held them.
The upper is drenched in a deep, pitch-black synthetic nubuck. It’s soft. It’s matte. It absorbs light in a way that makes the metallic gold accents practically scream. Those gold pieces are located on the signature "wings" eyelets and the Jumpman logo on the tongue and heel. Unlike some other gold-themed sneakers that look a bit "toy-like" or plastic, these had a polished, heavy-metal vibe.
The 2024 "Metallic Gold" Twist
Fast forward to March 2024, and Jordan Brand gave us a different flavor. They dropped a Women’s exclusive Jordan 4 "Metallic Gold," but it wasn't black. It was "Sail"—a creamy, off-white leather with those same striking gold eyelets.
It’s funny because even though the base color changed, everyone still calls them "the gold 4s." It shows that the gold hardware is really the star of the show here, regardless of what the leather is doing. If you're hunting for the black and gold specifically, you're likely looking for the 2017 Royalty or the rare "Rare Air" versions rumored to have gold lettering.
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Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed
Tinker Hatfield designed the 4s to be a performance beast. He added the mesh side panels for breathability and those triangular wings for support. But when you dip that technical design in black and gold? It stops being a gym shoe.
You've probably noticed that Jordan 4s have become the "suit and sneakers" choice for weddings or red carpets. The black and gold combo is the reason why. It’s stealthy but expensive-looking.
A lot of people think the Jordan 4 is the most uncomfortable silhouette in the line—the "pinky toe killer," as some call it. And yeah, they can be stiff. But the Royalty used a slightly softer nubuck than the stiff leathers found on the "Military Blue" or "Fire Red," making them a bit more forgiving for daily wear.
Real Talk: The Resale Market in 2026
If you’re trying to find a deadstock pair of the 2017 Royalty today, prepare your wallet. Back in the day, you could find these sitting on shelves. Now? Not so much.
- Original Retail: $190
- Current Market Value (New): $450 - $600 (depending on size)
- Used/VNDS: $250 - $350
The price has crept up because, frankly, Jordan Brand hasn't given us a true "Royalty 2.0." We’ve had the "Black Cat" (all black) and the "Thunder" (black and yellow), but neither captures that specific luxury feel.
How to Actually Style These
Don't overthink it. Since the shoes have that metallic flash, keep the rest of your fit muted.
Kinda basic, but black skinny or slim-tapered jeans are the default for a reason. They let the gold eyelets pop. If you're going for a 2026 vibe, try some heavy-weight grey sweatpants with a finished cuff. The contrast between the matte grey fabric and the black suede is top-tier.
Avoid wearing a giant gold chain and a gold watch and gold rings all at once with these. It starts to look like a costume. Let the shoes be the "jewelry" of the outfit.
Watch Out for the Fakes
Because the black and gold 4s are so popular, the "rep" market is flooded with them. One dead giveaway is the netting. On a real pair, the netting should run parallel to the "wings," not straight up and down. Also, check the gold. On cheap knockoffs, the gold eyelets look like they were painted with a yellow highlighter. The real ones have a reflective, mirror-like finish.
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The weight is another thing. Real 4s are surprisingly heavy because of the polyurethane midsole and the Air unit. If they feel light like a running shoe, they’re probably fake.
Taking Care of the Suede
If you own these, or you’re about to buy a pair, get a suede eraser. Seriously.
Black nubuck shows every single speck of dust and every scuff. You can't just wipe these down with a wet rag like you can with the "White Cements." Water will ruin the texture and turn the black into a weird, ashy grey. Brush them frequently to keep the "nap" of the suede looking fresh.
What’s Next for the Black and Gold 4s?
While Jordan Brand is focusing heavily on the "Reimagined" series right now, there’s a persistent rumor about a "Rare Air" Jordan 4 dropping soon. Some leaks suggest it might feature gold interchangeable tongue patches. Whether that happens or not, the "Royalty" remains the blueprint.
If you’re looking for a sneaker that works as well at a nice dinner as it does on a casual Saturday, this is it. It’s one of the few Jordans that genuinely feels like a piece of luxury equipment rather than just a basketball retro.
Before you go out and drop five hundred bucks on a pair, make sure to check the production date on the inner tag to ensure you're getting a legitimate 2017 pair, or keep an eye on the SNKRS app for any "Shock Drops" of new gold-accented colorways. If you're buying used, always ask for photos of the stars on the toe of the outsole—if they’re worn flat, the shoes have seen a lot of miles.