Alright, let’s talk about these Jordan 4 Starfish kicks. I remember seeing pics floating around before they dropped. Wasn’t immediately sold, you know? The color, that bright orange they call ‘Starfish,’ it’s pretty loud. And Jordan 4s, well, they’re classics, but sometimes they can be a bit bulky on foot for my taste these days.

But something kept drawing me back. Maybe it was the black mesh and detailing contrasting with that orange. It looked kinda different, almost like a workwear vibe but on a sneaker. So, I decided, what the heck, let’s try and grab a pair. Went through the usual motions, you know how it is with these releases. Managed to snag one, thankfully avoided paying resale which I really try not to do.
Getting Them In Hand
When the box finally arrived, I opened it up. First impression? That orange is definitely bold. Brighter in person than some photos showed. The material felt different too, not the usual leather you might expect all over a Jordan 4. It has this sort of mesh, almost technical fabric feel on the upper. It’s unique, I’ll give it that.
The build quality seemed decent, typical Jordan Brand stuff. All the usual AJ4 elements were there: the netting, the wing eyelets, the heel tab. The black accents really do pop against the orange, and the grey and white on the sole help balance it out a bit. It felt solid.
Wearing the Starfish 4s
Okay, so how do they feel on foot? Let’s be real, Jordan 4s aren’t exactly cloud-like comfort from the get-go. They need some breaking in. These felt pretty much like any other pair of 4s I’ve worn. A bit stiff initially, snug fit. Definitely true to size for me, though.
Styling them was interesting. They don’t just blend in. You gotta commit to the orange.

- Looked pretty good with black jeans.
- Tried them with some neutral cargo pants, that worked okay too.
- Definitely makes a statement, not a shoe for blending into the background.
I wore them out a few times. Got a couple of comments, mostly just people noticing the bright color. They hold up alright, but I’m a bit careful with that mesh upper, worried it might snag or get dirty easily compared to leather.
Final Thoughts
So, the Jordan 4 Starfish. It’s grown on me. It’s not an everyday shoe for me, personally. Too bright for just throwing on without thinking. But when I want something that stands out a bit, it’s a fun option. The unique materials make it interesting in the collection.
Was it worth the effort? Yeah, I think so. It’s a cool twist on a classic silhouette. If you like Jordan 4s and aren’t afraid of a loud colorway with different materials, it’s definitely one to check out if you can find it reasonably. Just know what you’re getting into – it’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s a Jordan 4 through and through.