Air Jordans were originally designed for athletic use, but nowadays they have become highly sought after by sneaker enthusiasts and artists alike.
Many of their versions were designed in the past years, and the brand has continued to innovate and evolve while staying true to its original vision.
Although everyone may have their all-time favorite pair of sneakers from this line, only a few have the legitimacy to be the best made in terms of both design and performance, and Air Jordan 4 and 5 falls right into this category.
Let’s compare these fan favorites and try to figure out the most suitable one.
Similarities and Differences between Jordan 4 and 5:
| Features | Jordan 4 | Jordan 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 1989 | 1990 |
| Stability | Stable | More stable |
| Flexibility | Flexible | More Flexible |
| Sizing | 6-13 for Men4-11 for Women | 6-13 for Men4-11 for Women |
| Weight | 13-16 oz. | 15-17 oz. |
| Cushion | Adequate Cushioning | Thick Cushioning |
| Outsole | Rubber with a Herringbone pattern | Clear rubber |
| Insole | Fabric | Fabric |
| Upper | Durabuck Leather/ Mesh | Grain Leather/ Nubuck |
| Midsole | TPU | TPU |
| Retail Price | $150-$250 | $125-$210 |
Jordan 4 VS Jordan 5: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
Read on to find out how Jordan 4 compares against Jordan 5, in the end, you’ll know who the real winner is:
1) Comfort:
Nike Air Jordan 4 and 5 come with various features that specifically provide a comfortable fit, and one of the most important aspects is the cushioning and support they offer to your feet.
However, the primary factor of the comfort of Air Jordan 4 is the incorporation of foam padding throughout the insole and breathable mesh instead of only leather.
Additionally, it has a mid-top collar, which is less constrictive on the feet while still providing adequate ankle support.
On the other hand, both the heel and the forefront of the Air Jordan 5 have the brand’s signature Air cushioning technology in which the air units are made of rubber pouches that contain dense gas.
When pressure is put on them, they get more compact, but as soon as the pressure is taken off, they expand again, giving the wearer a lot of energy back and bounce.
Also, this model provides a refined fit compared to the Jordan 4 due to its arch-molding and narrow internal heel counter, which also offer additional stability.
Subsequently, with extra padding and other qualities, you’d expect Air Jordan 4 and 5 to be comfortable to wear for longer durations, and with the added bonus they protect your joints from stress.
Do Check Out: Jordan 1 VS Jordan 4: Which Is Better?
2) Popularity:
Jordan 4 and Jordan 5 have been well-received by fans and collectors of the Jordan brand ever since their initial releases.
Jordan’s game-winning shot against the “Cleveland Cavaliers in game 5 of their playoff series” is a classic that will never be forgotten, and so is the Jordan 4 sneaker he wore. Also, in the film “Do the Right Thing”, Spike Lee have been seen wearing these shoes.
Alternatively, the Air Jordan 5 continues to be one of the most popular styles in today’s trend due wide range of unique colors. This cool style became associated with “Will Smith” because he donned it in the opening theme and pilot episode of the NBC series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
3) Running:
Jordan 4 and 5 are designed for basketball, as running shoes allow for more lateral foot mobility while these shoes are built to avoid such movements, so it might give you a hard time running in them.
Also, shoe experts don’t recommend running in basketball-inspired shoes because they will not give your foot, ankle, and knee, the support they need.
If you still plan to wear these sneakers as your only footwear for running, be sure to purchase supportive inserts that can help keep your feet stable during vigorous activity.
4) Walking:
Jordan 4 and 5 will be better options for walking as their midsoles are made of TPU, which makes them soft, flexible, and able to mold to the shape of the foot, ensuring that the wearer is comfortable throughout.
This material has maximum abrasion resistance, durability, and resiliency, all of these qualities give it much stability, reducing the chance of slipping or falling and making it easier to walk in for short to medium distances.
5) Flat Feet:
People with flat feet tend to do better with both Air Jordan 4 and 5 because they provide the optimal sturdiness that those with low arches need to avoid ankle twists.
However, due to a comparatively wider fit, you can confidently opt for Air Jordan 4 without worrying about any stress so its roomier fit will help maintain foot posture.
6) Design:
The designer of Air Jordan 4 incorporates many elements in this from the early models of the Air Jordan. This model steps up by getting rid of the elephant print on the heel of the older versions and adding a new toe box, netting on the side, and unique eyelets.
Air Jordan 4 includes synthetic Durabuck leather that is lighter, more durable, and better for the environment than real leather, and it also has a lacing system that can be adjusted as per athlete’s requirements.
This shoe style was designed for sports like basketball or playing outdoors but as sneaker technology and craftsmanship get advanced, older styles are better adapted for “daily wear”, and this is where the model shines.
Also, many elements of this design were not carried over to the following iterations of the line, making this style more distinctive.
On the other hand, despite retaining a few design elements from the Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 5 established its own identity. The model takes specific components from its predecessor, like the mesh side panel that lets air in, but it stands out with a big tongue that was popular on sneakers back then.
The design of Air Jordan 5 was inspired by the “Mustang Fighter Jet from World War II”. The features on the nose of the fighter plane are also on the sides of the midsole of the shoe which are shark teeth accented by black-speckled paint.
This shoe style was groundbreaking because it included many innovations to the Jordan line: “a clear outsole, an asymmetrical ankle collar, molded foam, and reflective material”.
Lastly, the sneaker subculture has taken to the shoe, and it is now more commonly seen in non-basketball settings than on the court.
You Can Also See How Air Jordan 5 Compares Against The Jordan 6 Here
What do customers think?
The traction of the Air Jordan 4 shoes has been praised by nearly all critics, and due to its adaptability many claim that it may be one of the finest Air Jordans ever.
People are very surprised by how well these vintage basketball shoes fit when they give them a try.
Furthermore, players have said that these shoes have the best support and feel while others are delighted as they were comfortable throughout.
Professional athletes have vouched for this model, saying it comes up to its promise of being more breathable than its predecessor.
However, some consumers have reported that after some time of use, the outsoles of their Air Jordan 4 begin to show signs of damage.
Customers have also expressed a need for more color and size options for the Air Jordan 4.
Alternately, buyers of Air Jordan 5 adore the shoe’s details, such as the lace locks, reflective tongue, and graphics, and said these features give the shoe a luxurious appearance.
In addition, its sock-like fit and superior grip were well-liked for making it easier to walk on different surfaces.
Even though the Air Jordan 5 Retro has pretty thick cushioning, some users say they could still perform pretty well on the court.
In addition, numerous seasoned runners concur that this model offers much stability when they run in this model for short-distance.
Furthermore, the design won admiration for being slip-resistant, providing instant comfort, and keeping feet toasty.
On the flip side, some of them complained that it was bothersome to have to retie their shoes many times while exercising or normal walking.
Also, most customers discovered a better fit by ordering a size half larger than they normally would.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
That brings today’s blog post on Jordan 4 vs. 5 to an end, in the final analysis, both of these Jordan models are famous and rank as the best sneakers of vintage time.
The primary distinction between the two shoes is the way they look. The Jordan 4 is a mid-top shoe with mesh and plastic “wings” on the sides, as well as visible air bubbles.
Conversely, the Jordan 5 features a high-top silhouette, reflective tongue, distinctive shark teeth midsole pattern, mesh side panels, firetruck pattern on the sole, and air bubbles within transparent rubber soles.
In our point of view, both of these classic sneakers are a reliable bet for daily wear no matter which pairs you select, you will confidently flaunt Air Jordan 4 and 5.
You Should Also Read Out Our Comparison Between The Air Jordan 2 And 3.