Nike and Virgil did it again. Yet another sold-out collaboration between these two, released and sold out from stores immediately. I was lucky to secure a pair on the SNKRS app and was looking forward to getting the parcel. You can actually imagine my disbelief when that GOT ‘EM notification popped up on my screen.
The first thing you notice about these sneakers is the shoebox that has holes with see-through plastic windows all over it – something really sticking out amongst the pile of boxes in my room. When you open the box, the sail-colored shoes are wrapped in Jordan x Off White plastic foil, just waiting for you to try them on. Off-White definitely knows how to add more taste to an already highly-coveted release.
At this point, I have to admit that I am not usually a huge Nike x Off-White fan, but these 4’s definitely hit different. I like the universal colorway, the soft leather and the thick cushioning too. Even the raw style doesn’t bother me as much. There are loose threads and the upper is partially unstitched, so if you don’t lace them all the way up, you will have ‘wings’ hanging on the sides – just like in the Rookie of the Year Air Jordan 1.
The sneakers themselves are simple in terms of colors, but that’s what makes them nice and versatile. They are kept in a sail/muslin/white colorway with 3 extra sets of laces – white, black, and my personal favorite, mint. The midsole is quite shiny and sports an “AIR” logo printed on the side. The best thing about these is that they go well with virtually anything. Wide blue jeans? No problem. Skinny black trousers? You’re more than welcome. Camo cargo pants? Sure. A skirt or a dress? Yes, please. I have already seen so many fresh outfits featuring these, that I simply can’t wait to rock mine.
The only thing about this release that I’m not feeling is the translucent heel tab, that partially shows a dark panel underneath. It is a bit distracting to me and not exactly in line with the light-colored aesthetics, but I’m sure that was Virgil’s vision of what felt right to him.
A bigger issue than the heel tab to me was the Quality Check (or lack thereof). My pair came with a dent in the toebox, as well as scratches on the side of the upper. After paying a quite steep retail price, you’d expect your pair to be a bit closer to perfect – or I might have just been unlucky.
Nevertheless, there is an important aspect you need to keep in mind if, like me, you usually buy sneakers in men’s sizing. The Air Jordan 4 x Off-White is a women’s release, so will fit different. I usually wear men’s 8.5 and the pair I bought is women’s 9.5, which translates to men’s 8 on the label. They fit very snug, and I’d even say a tiny bit too small. If you have any dilemma, it’s better to get them a half size up, rather than too small, as they will also be a bit narrower, compared to standard men’s Air Jordan Retro 4.
Overall, I think this is a really pretty pair, definitely in my top 3 Nike x Off-White sneaker releases. If you’re hesitating whether or not to buy, I’d say do it now, before the prices skyrocket with time, as they usually do.
There will also be a Bred colorway rumored to release later this year, so make sure you stay tuned to Made For The W, as I will be aiming to cop them and share my thoughts!
