Vintage Gear: Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” From 1989

No doubt one of the true classics of the late ’80s golden era, Air Jordan 4 “Fire Red” posted up in 1989 as one of only four original colorways for the model. Tinker Hatfield‘s design for Michael Jordan was about getting down to business and taking the next step towards an NBA championship.

The timing was right. Jordan was coming off of his finest individual season yet in 1988 – NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and scoring leader at 35.0 points per game. In addition to the accolades, Jordan had arrived at the nexus of his youthful brilliance and growing international stardom. He wore Fire Red 4s for home and away games through the first three months of the 1989-90 season, switching to Air Jordan 5 White/Black-Fire Red at the 1990 All-Star break.

Though there have been a couple of retros approximating this original look, Jordan Brand has never released a retro true to OG form with Nike Air on the heel. You can still find deadstock pairs for collecting on eBay, though they may be a bit fragile after 27 years. Let us know if you’re ready for a “remastered” Fire Red 4 bringback.