Unveiled in September last year, the Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Rare Air’ is set to become one of the most anticipated Jordan releases of 2025. Paying homage to the iconic "Rare Air" series introduced nearly two decades ago, this upcoming Jordan 4 evokes the rare Air detailing that tells the story of Jordan’s heritage.
In 2006, Jordan issued the “Rare Air” Collection - a tribute to the exclusivity and prestige synonymous with their releases. One of the defining elements of the series was the "Rare Air" branding on the bottom of the tongue’s removable patch. It marked a year of innovation and storytelling for Jordan Brand, with standout releases like the Air Jordan XXI and the Retro 7, each release brought something unique to the table in colourway, materials and the stories they represented.
Fast forward to 2025, and the "Rare Air" legacy continues with a lineup that includes the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3, and, of course, the Air Jordan 4. This iteration of the AJ4 stays true to what we’ve come to love about Jordan’s, combining a timeless palette of black, grey, white, and red. However, the addition of blue accents on the midsole, heel, and interior lining sets this pair apart, earning it the nickname “Pistons 4s” among fans of this release.
What truly cements its "Rare" status is the removable tongue patch. The textured “Jordan Rare Air” patch overlays the classic Jumpman logo, offering a nod to the exclusivity of the original ’06 series. To add to the rarity of the entire design, some believe that a number of pairs reveal Gold lettering beneath the patch, adding an extra layer of intrigue and collectability to this release.