That first look
Saw the Military Blue Jordan 4s announced online. Pictures looked solid. Always loved Jordan 4s – comfy, classic, you know? But pictures lie, gotta feel ’em. Decided I had to see for myself.
Hunting them down
Walked into three different sneaker stores downtown. First two? Sold out already. Typical hype. Third spot had my size, lucked out. Pulled the box off the shelf. First thing I noticed? That shiny black pull tab. Felt good, solid click when you pull it. Not cheap plastic.
Then I lifted one shoe out. Ran my fingers over the toe. Real leather. You can tell. Stiffer than the suede on other 4s like the Breds or Cements. Less fuzzy. Wiped it gently with my thumb – held up. Seems like it won’t get dirty super fast. Good for clumsy walkers like me.
Colors & Materials Face-Off
Held them next to some other Jordan 4s in the shop:
- Military Blue vs. Fire Red: Fire Red? Softer leather. More relaxed. Military Blue feels tougher, maybe lasts longer? Fire Red gets smudges easier.
- Military Blue vs. Cement Grey: Cement has that awesome cracked print. Looks cool, but feels fragile. Military Blue is plain leather. Less exciting maybe? But definitely feels more durable for actual walking around.
- That famous sole: Looked at the bottom. Same icy blue rubber they always use. Everyone freaks out about yellowing. Yeah, it will. They all do. Not a deal-breaker, just how it is.
Saw some other 4s around the shop. The leather? Totally different ballpark compared to the basic canvas ones or those thin, plasticky feeling retros they sometimes push out.
The Wear Test
Tried them on, obviously. Laced them up tight. Felt familiar – same cushiony ride all 4s give you. Good ankle support. That stiff toe leather? Doesn’t dig in. Tongue’s got decent stuffing too.
Stood on my tiptoes, bent my foot. No weird pinching anywhere. Solid lockdown. These are made for walking, no doubt.
So why pick these?
Left the store thinking hard. They ain’t the flashiest Jordan 4s ever made. Not the most detailed. But here’s why they rock:
- Built Tough: That leather toe? A lifesaver. Scuffs wipe off easier than suede or that fragile cement print. Means they stay looking fresh longer.
- Comfy Like Always: Classic Jordan 4 comfort. Works for daily beating.
- Color That Holds: Bright white upper, that strong blue hit. Crisp. Stands out without screaming. Won’t fade easily like some pastels.
- Less Fuss: Compared to wild colorways or fancy materials, these are clean. Easy to match. No worrying about staining sensitive materials every time it drizzles.
My wife looked at the pics later, asked “Why get another blue shoe? They all look the same!” Pointed at the toe leather and the solid build. “These? These are workhorses. They get dirty, you wipe ’em. They last.” Got the nod. That’s the win.
