The first Air Jordan shoe came out almost 40 years ago and was inspired by Michael Jordan who was the best basketball player of all time according to the NBA.
Due to the brand’s legendary status, there’s no denying that countless sneaker models have been released since then, with the Air Jordan 1 and 4 being two of the most talked-about.
While both of these sneakers have great features but are they on the same level? Continue reading to discover whether one of these sneakers is truly superior to the other.
Similarities and Differences between Jordan 1 And Jordan 4:
| Features | Jordan 1 | Jordan 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 1985 | 1989 |
| Stability | Stable | More stable |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Flexible |
| Sizing | 3.5-18 for Men5-19.5 for Women | 6-13 for Men4-11 for Women |
| Weight | 14.23 oz. | 13-16 oz. |
| Cushion | Average Cushioning | Adequate Cushioning |
| Outsole | Rubber with a circular pattern | Rubber with a herringbone pattern |
| Insole | Fabric | Fabric |
| Upper | Rubber/ Leather | Durabuck Leather/ Mesh |
| Midsole | Rubber | Polyurethane |
| Retail Price | $170 | $150-$250 |
Jordan 1 VS Jordan 4: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
If you are curious about the ideal retro sneakers from these models so far, don’t miss out on any point.
1) Comfort:
By using air technology, the Jordan 1 and 4 provide enhanced comfort and reactivity while absorbing more shock than regular sneakers.
The rubber bottom of these shoe models is also very well balanced and will keep you on your feet all day, no matter if you’re walking around or playing any game.
In addition, the Air Jordan 1 has sufficient cushioning, which has a noteworthy effect on performance.
Its heel cup keeps the shoe firmly on your foot, so you don’t have to worry about problems like your heel slipping, which enhance the comfort level of the shoes.
It will also keep your foot in place, but because of that, the top may irritate by rubbing against the ankle. This is not necessarily a deal breaker, as the problem usually disappears after some use.
Conversely, The Air Jordan 4 feels more comfortable against the skin because its upper is made of breathable mesh instead of just leather.
Furthermore, the shoe style seems to have more padding in the footbed and compared to the Jordan 1, it has a wider base that will be comfier for people who have different types of feet.
It also has a mid-top collar, which is less tight on the feet and provides enough support while standing for long periods.
Lastly, there is no rubbing or irritation since the tongue is long and the heel height makes the shoe a little bit more bouncy.
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2) Popularity:
The Air Jordan 1 has skyrocketed in popularity and earned cultural significance throughout the years. The shoe model has become synonymous with streetwear, and their popularity is often seen as the spark for the rise of the sneaker culture.
Drake, Will Smith, Rihanna, Travis Scott, Kanye West, many other celebrities, and NBA players were spotted wearing them.
Conversely, since their initial debut, Jordan 4 has been adored by its devotees and collectors alike.
Jordan’s played a tremendous shot against the “Cleveland Cavaliers in a playoff series” that will always be appreciable, and so is the award-winning Jordan 4 sneaker he wore.
These shoes were also advertised by famous American actor Spike Lee in the movie “Do the Right Thing.” which gives its popularity boost.
3) Running:
Air Jordan 1 with full leather uppers, a rubber outsole &midsole, add some sturdiness as well as weight to the shoes.
They aren’t very hefty but it is something you do notice while transitioning with higher speed. Also, their soles are less padded, which can lead to increase loading forces and a higher chance of injury while running.
Likewise, Air Jordan 4 doesn’t offer the proper protection to handle the repeated impact that you will come across while running so more serious runners should consider some other models.
4) Walking:
The traction of Air Jordan 1 still matches those of the best basketball shoes nowadays.
The forefoot circular design and the flexible rubber provide stability in quick cutting left and right or strides up and down the court. So, this model works well when walking on either indoor or outdoor basketball courts.
On the other hand, due to the polyurethane used in the Jordan 4’s midsole, the shoe will conform to the wearer’s foot shape and provides better balance for long walks. Also, you won’t have to worry about slipping or falling because of this material’s high abrasion resistance and resilience.
5) Flat Feet:
The Jordan 1 and 4 are made to be very adaptable for flat-footed people, and that is due to the design and not by chance.
Both of these types have enough cushioning to handle the stress that flat feet may suffer, and at the same time, the ankle gets enough support.
However, in this foot condition, you may face problems with the narrower toe box of the Air Jordan 1 if that’s the case, the toes will get pinched and you may feel uncomfortable.
Do Read Our Article: Jordan 1 Mid Vs High: Which Is Better?
6) Design:
The design of the original Air Jordan 1 sneaker exemplifies everything an excellent sneaker should be: functional, comfortable, and reliable for a wide variety of sports and activities.
The model features air cushions, a set of straps on the forefoot for more stability, a heel cup for extra support, and padded ankle collars for a more customized fit.
Also, one of the most revolutionary aspects of the Jordan 1’s design was its color scheme, which sometimes dominated the shoe’s other elements.
Aside from the unique construction, the sports shoe was made of soft leather and had a big Nike Swoosh on it. The most important part, though, was the Wings logo, firstly placed on it which is a blend of the Jordan and Nike emblems.
It’s no secret that Air Jordan 1s were recognized back in the day as basketball shoes, but recent trends have shown that these are also viable for wearing in non-basketball settings.
On the contrary, the designer of the Air Jordan 4 took inspiration from previous iterations while adding a brand new toe box, side netting, and distinctive eyelets.
The synthetic Durabuck leather used in this is much more durable, flexible, and eco-friendly than genuine leather would be, and its unique lacing system can be customized to the wearer’s feet.
However, as sneaker technology and craftsmanship improve, prior models like this one are better suited for casual wear, even though they were originally intended for activities like basketball or playing outside.
In addition, many elements of this design were not carried over to subsequent iterations of the line, which distinguished this style from the others.
What do customers think?
The leather of the Air Jordan 1 is supple and forms so nicely to the contour of the foot, according to most reviews.
Sneakerheads love to wear these modern kicks on the court for a long time and the materials were no disappointment for them.
Many owners say that as long as you get the right size, you’re good to go because these shoes fit so well.
Further, there are reports that if you require or prefer a great deal of cushioning, you should not try these.
People have also stated that these shoes are not for everyone and they did not last for years, but they are proven to be fine for occasional usage.
There are also suggestions that if you play for an extended period in them, they can be a little stressful on the knees.
Conversely, when customers give retro Air Jordan 4 a try, they are pleasantly surprised by how nicely they fit.
In addition, many players have praised the shoes’ superior support and feel, while others are satisfied with how comfortable they were even after extended plays.
Nearly all reviewers have lauded the traction of Air Jordan 4, and many have said that the shoe’s versatility makes it the best Air Jordan ever.
The model has also been endorsed by professional athletes who assure it lives up to its claim of being more breathable than its predecessor.
However, a few clients have said that after a while of wearing their Air Jordan 4, the outsoles start to look worn.
Buyers have also expressed that they want the Air Jordan 4 to come in more size options and patterns.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
Now you should have an idea that the most prominent visual element of the Air Jordan 1 is the Nike Swoosh down the side of each shoe and the wings Air Jordan Logo printed on the side of the lining.
While the distinguishing features of Air Jordan 4 are the triangular support wings, mesh netting, oversized exposed tongue, and the pull tap on the back with an embossed Jumpman logo.
There are also material differences in the midsole and upper of these models however, both of these shoe styles are not optimal for playing basketball in the modern era, but they can both be worn casually or formally as they are very fashionable.
So, in the end, your preference and decision of what would work best for you and your needs will determine which one to choose.
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