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Michael Jordan Archive
The

Air Jordan IV

1988–1989
Air Jordan IV

Air Jordan IV, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was introduced in winter 1988-89 and worn by Michael Jordan during the second half of 1988–89 NBA season. Internal coding on early pairs indicates production dating to mid-October 1988, preceding the November promotional photography. These early images document prototype and sample pairs prior to retail standardization, including mismatched configurations and incomplete sets.

Jordan first wore the Air Jordan IV in January 1989, with rotation increasing by February.

Model Summary

Air Jordan IV

Audit in Progress
Total Documented Examples
3
Publicly Sold Examples
3
Privately Held Examples
0
Archive Updated March 28, 2026
Methodology & Identification

Footwear identification within the archive extends beyond direct visual comparison. Analysis incorporates model chronology, production coding, material behavior, and player-specific wear patterns observed across game imagery and surviving examples.

Particular attention is given to structural deformation during use, including creasing patterns, lace tension habits, and outsole or mid-sole stress responses resulting from Jordan’s movement and play style.

Final identification is determined through the convergence of these characteristics rather than any single matching detail.

Documented Examples

Known Air Jordan IV Record

The following entries represent documented Air Jordan IV examples associated with Michael Jordan across the early development, promotional, charitable, and competitive use phases of the model. Each record combines construction details, sale history, and archive research.

1989 Air Jordan IV - White | Cement Grey

Game DateMarch 31, 1989
OpponentCleveland Cavaliers
UsageRegular Season
VerificationVerified Code
Public ExampleYes
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989

Air Jordan IV attributed to the March 31st game.

Archive ReferencePair A
Production Code881112FT2
Size13 L / 13 R
Although the Bulls lost, Jordan would go on to have a triple double on this night.

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Goldin Auctions
  • Sale Date: January 30, 2016
  • Lot #: 1175
  • Sale Price: $14,400

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: No
  • Games Photo-Matched: 0
  • Photo-Matched By:
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from a friend of Michael Jordan's (Ronnie), a letter is provided stating she attended this game and was given the shoes off his feet directly after the game.
  • Internal images and video are apparent to this game and held within the archive.

1989 Air Jordan IV - Black | Cement Grey

Game DateFebruary 12, 1989
OpponentWest All-Stars
UsageAll-Star Game
VerificationPhoto Matched
Public ExampleYes
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989

Air Jordan IV worn by Michael Jordan.

Archive ReferencePair B
Production Code890112FT1
Size13 L / 13 R
Worn during thr 1989 All Star Game at the Houston Astrodome.

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Heritage Auctions
  • Sale Date: August 04, 2011
  • Lot #: 80065
  • Sale Price: $10,755

View Sale Listing →

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: Yes
  • Games Photo-Matched: 1
  • Photo-Matched By:MJA
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from former ballboy for the Houston Rockets and Houston Rockets paperwork verifying his employment at the time.
  • Independent research and internal archive images and video have verified a positive photo-match to the game. and shoes.

1989 Air Jordan IV - White | Black | Red

Game DateMarch 31, 1989
OpponentLos Angeles Lakers
UsageRegular Season
VerificationPhoto Matched
Public ExampleYes
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989
Air Jordan 4 — 1989

Air Jordan IV attributed to the March 21st game.

Archive ReferencePair C
Production CodeBBMB76-881011-FT
Size13 L / 13 R
Air Jordan worn during Jordan's second highest career assists.

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Sotheby's
  • Sale Date: December 19, 2023
  • Lot #: 5
  • Sale Price: $88,900

View Sale Listing - Dec 2023→ View Sale Listing - Aug 2023→

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: Yes
  • Games Photo-Matched: 1
  • Photo-Matched By: MJA, SIA, Resolution Photomatching
Research & Provenance
  • Accompanied by a letter of provenance from a former NBC employee who participated in an NBC event and received the shoes as part of the event.
  • Originally sold at auction in August 2023 without a confirmed photo-match.
  • Subsequent analysis using internal archive imagery established a conclusive photo-match prior to the second sale in December 2023. Materials from the archive, including images not publicly available, were later used externally without authorization, consent or credit.
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