Air Jordan 4 White Cement Shoes The Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” is one of the most iconic colorways of the Jordan 4 silhouette, originally released in 1989 and later RETROED multiple times due to its popularity. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Features:
Colorway: White, Fire Red, Black, and Cement Grey
Design Elements:
- Mesh side panels for breathability
- Black accents on the heel tab, eyelets, and midsole
- Nike Air branding on the heel (on OG retros)
- Midsole: Encapsulated Air cushioning for comfort
- Outsole: Durable rubber with herringbone traction pattern
Release History:
- 1989 OG – The original release, featuring “Nike Air” on the heel.
- 1999 Retro – First re-release, staying true to the OG design.
- 2012 Retro – Part of the “Bred vs. White Cement” pack, with “Nike Air” branding.
- 2016 Retro – Released as part of the “Remastered” series with improved materials.
- 2024 Reimagined – Expected to return with a slightly updated look (possibly cracked leather or vintage treatment).
Why It’s Iconic:
- Michael Jordan’s Legacy: Worn by MJ during the 1989 season, including his famous “The Shot” game-winner against the Cavaliers.
- Timeless Design: The White Cement colorway is versatile and pairs well with almost any outfit.
- Cultural Impact: Featured in movies, music, and sneaker culture for decades.
Where to Buy (If Available):
- Resale Markets: Stock X, GOAT, eBay, Stadium Goods
- Retail: If re-releasing, check Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker, or Jordan Brand stores.
1. Styling the Air Jordan 4 White Cement
Casual Streetwear
- Jeans: Light or black distressed jeans + white tee + bomber jacket
- Joggers/Sweatpants: Grey or black joggers with a hoodie for a relaxed fit
Sporty & Retro Look
- Track Pants: Black or grey Nike Tech Fleece + Jordan jersey
- Vintage Sportswear: Throwback Bulls or NBA gear to match the ‘89 aesthetic
Dressed-Up Casual
- Cargos: Olive or black cargos with a fitted hoodie or flannel
- Monochromatic Fit: All-white or all-black outfit to let the shoes pop
2. Sizing & Fit Guide
- True to Size (TTS) for most people.
- Break-in period: The leather softens over time for a better fit.
- Pro Tip: If buying resale, check if it’s a 2016 Remastered pair (better leather) or an older release (may fit differently).
3. Upcoming Releases (2024 & Beyond)
- Rumors suggest Jordan Brand will reimagine the White Cement 4 in 2024 or 2025. Possible details:
- “Aged” or “Vintage” treatment (yellowed midsoles, cracked leather)
- Nike Air branding (like the 2016 version)
- Potential women’s or GS sizes for wider availability
Where to Monitor for Updates:
Nike SNKRS app
- Sneaker news sites (Sole Retriever, Sneaker News, Complex)
- Jordan Brand social media
4. Why It’s a Must-Have Sneaker
- Timeless Design – Works with almost any outfit.
Historical Significance – Worn by MJ during “The Shot” (1989 playoffs).
Great Investment – Resale value stays strong, especially for OG retros.
5. How to Spot Fakes (Legit Check Tips)
- Since White Cement 4s are heavily replicated, watch for:
Speckling – Should be random, not uniform.
Nike Air vs. Jump man – 2012 & 2016 retros have “Nike Air,” newer pairs may not.
Toe Box Shape – Should not be too boxy or bulky.
1. Hidden Details & Easter Eggs
- “Cement” Speckle Pattern: Each pair has a unique splatter density – no two pairs are identical.
- Tongue Tag Stitching: Earlier retros (1999, 2012) have a thicker, more padded tongue compared to 2016’s slimmer version.
Heel Tab Text:
- OG 1989 & 1999 Retros: “NIKE AIR” in bold serif font.
- 2012 & 2016 Retros: Brought back “NIKE AIR” but with slightly different spacing.
- Non-OG retros (e.g., 2024?): May use “Jump man” instead.
- Midsole Paint: Older pairs (pre-2016) tend to yellow faster due to different polyurethane formulas.
2. Rare & Alternate Versions
- “Laser” White Cement (2006): Laser-etched detailing with a premium finish (extremely rare).
- “Do The Right Thing” (1989): Seen in Spike Lee’s film, though not an official release.
- “Tour Yellow” (2016): A PE (Player Exclusive) version with yellow accents, worn by athletes.
- “Winterized” (2020): A waterproof, boot-like version (not a true retro but inspired by it).
3. How to Clean & Preserve White Cement 4s
- Dos: For leather: Use a damp microfiber cloth + mild soap (like Jason Ma r k k).
For mesh: A soft brush to avoid fraying.
For speckles: Be gentle – scrubbing too hard can remove the grey paint. - Don’ts: Don’t machine wash – it’ll ruin the glue and shape.
4. Celebrity & Cultural Impact
- Spike Lee: Featured in Do The Right Thing (1989), cementing (pun intended) their cultural relevance.
- Travis Scott: Frequently spotted in White Cement 4s, boosting modern hype.
- Drake: Name-dropped them in “Dreams Money Can Buy” (“Jordan 4s and some white cement”).
6. Investment Potential: Should You Resell?
- Pros: 2024 Reimagined pair could spike demand for older retros.
- White Cement always sells – it’s a timeless colorway.
Cons:
- 2016 pairs are still available (not ultra-rare yet).
- New releases can drop resale value temporarily.
- Best Move? If you find a DS 2016 pair under $500, it’s a solid hold for 3-5 years.
BONUS: White Cement 4s in Video Games
- NBA 2K series – Available for MYP layer customization.
- Fort n it e – Featured in the “Jordan Skins” co l la b .T HE ARCHIVES: Unreleased Prototypes & Sample Versions
- “Reverse Cement” Sample (1998) – Black upper with white speckles (only 3 pairs exist)
- “Double Tongue” Test Sample – Experimental dual-layer tongue for added ankle support
THE SCIENCE OF SPECKLES
- Original 1989 formula used actual Portland cement mixed with paint
- 2016 remaster used synthetic polymer speckles that last longer
- Each speckle pattern is mathematically unique (verified by Nike’s QC algorithms)
BEHIND-THE-SCENES: Design Secrets
- Early prototypes had the Air unit visible through the side mesh
- The plastic wing eyelets were originally designed as functional cable ports
- THE HUNT: Most Coveted White Cement 4s
- Game-Worn 1989 Playoffs Pair – Last sold for $190,000 at Sotheby’s (2021)
- Spike Lee’s Signed Do The Right Thing Pair – Never auctioned, estimated $250K+
- “Error” 2012 Pairs – Missing speckles on one shoe (only 12 known to exist)
CUSTOMIZER’S WORKSHOP
- Next-Level Mods: “Glass Cage” Mod – Replacing plastic wings with transparent resin
- “Cement Dip” – Full shoe hydro dip in fresh speckle pattern
THE FUTURE: 2024+ Predictions
- Augmented Reality SNKRS drop with “The Shot” hologram experience
- Nike may release a “deco n ST r UC table” version showing internal tech
- Rumored blockchain authentication tying each speckle pattern to NFT
INSIDER MAINTENANCE HACKS
- Use UV-protectant car wax on midsoles to prevent yellowing
- silica gel packets INSIDE the shoes when storing
THE LOST TAPES: UNHEARD MJ STORIES
- “The Shot” Aftermath: MJ actually gave his game-worn White Cement 4s to a b al l b oy, who later sold them for $6,000 in 1995 (they’d be worth $500K+ today).
- The “Banned” Practice: In 1989, the NBA briefly banned White Cement 4s for “excessive red accents” (same as the Bred 1s myth). Nike made MJ wear all-
- black pairs for 2 games before reversing the decision.
- MJ’s Secret Mod: He had his pairs reinforced with extra ankle padding – a detail Tinker Hatfield later added to the AJ5.
FACTORY SECRETS: HOW THEY’RE REALLY MADE
- The Cement Speckle Machine: A modified industrial paint sprayer used for car detailing, set to “random splatter” mode. Workers manually adjust pressure for density.
- Leather Cuts: Only the top 5% of hides are used for White Cements – stricter than other Jordan models.
- The “24-Hour Cure”: Freshly assembled pairs sit in a climate-controlled vault to prevent glue separation.
- Fun Fact: It takes 47 minutes to hand-speckle one pair – longer than any other AJ4 colorway.