Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Mars Blackmon Motorsport’ Sample | Size 11

The Air Jordan 4 is one of the most popular models in the Air Jordan lineage. First debuted at the 1989 NBA All-Star Game, and designed by Nike legend Tinker Hatfield, it was the first global release for the Jordan Brand. The silhouette immediately turned heads, due to its mid-cut, visible air unit, mesh side panels, and iconic ‘wings’ which allowed the wearer 18 different lacing options. 

Worn by Michael in the second half of the 1988-1989 season, the Air Jordan 4 would soon become synonymous with one of the most memorable moments of Jordan’s career, recognized by many as ‘The Shot’. 

While the on-court presence of the model was iconic, off the court, the Air Jordan 4’s presence was just as strong. Throughout 1989, Nike teamed up with Spike Lee for a number of Air Jordan 4 commercials, and in July of 1989, the silhouette was featured on the feet of a character in Spike Lee's Oscar-nominated film; “Do the Right Thing”.

In 2004, due to a longtime affinity for motorsports, Michael Jordan founded the Michael Jordan Motorsports Racing Team. In 2006, it was rumored that Jordan Brand gifted the team with an exclusive white, black, and Varsity Royal Jordan 4. The pair was quickly deemed the ‘Motorsport Jordan 4’ by collectors.

Extremely unique, this Air Jordan 4 Motorsport sample features Spike’s iconic ‘Mars Blackmon’ character from the Air Jordan adverts on the heel. Throughout the Air Jordan Lineage, there have been a number of Mars Blackmon colorways, and Motorsport colorways, however this sample, combining the two motifs, was never released to the public.