Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat": Key Facts and History

The return of the Air Jordan 4 Black Cat is on the horizon—and judging by the interest among fans and collectors, it could be one of the biggest releases of 2025. While at first glance the model appears to be a repeat of previous versions, this updated edition has its own uniqueness and is justifiably generating excitement.

The Air Jordan 4 silhouette itself was born in 1989 thanks to the talent of Tinker Hatfield, who was essentially redefining the language of basketball design at the time. The model featured an atypical architecture—the signature side mesh, structural lacing “wings,” a balanced shape, and functional solutions that allowed Michael Jordan to move with maximum freedom and aggression on the court. Over the years, the AJ4 has become a streetwear icon, appearing in collaborations, films, and music videos, and remains one of the most coveted models in the line.

The “Black Cat” colorway, first released in 2006, was inspired by Jordan’s nickname, symbolizing his instinctiveness, agility, and almost predatory sense of play. The monochromatic black palette with subtle dark gray accents created an instantly recognizable look—understated, versatile, and at the same time supremely stylish.

In 2020, the retro version returned and literally exploded onto the market. Demand was so high that pairs became almost impossible to find, and prices on the secondary market skyrocketed. Therefore, the current excitement surrounding the 2025 release is fully understandable—fans are eager to get their hands on this legendary pair in a fresh iteration.

The new release is not an exact replica of its predecessor. The brand introduced several important updates: the suede has become denser and more velvety, while the black color now appears deeper and richer. Certain elements of the shape were refined to bring the model closer to its original 2006 inspiration, while still meeting modern quality standards. As a result, the 2025 version represents a distinct evolution of the silhouette rather than a simple reissue.

The broader cultural context also deserves attention. From 2020 to 2025, the Air Jordan 4 became one of the most popular retro silhouettes worldwide. The pair turned into a TikTok trend and appeared on celebrities, creatives, athletes, and influencers. Releases like Military Black, Thunder, and Fire Red only strengthened the popularity of the fourth model in the lineup. The return of the Black Cat is therefore more than just a release—it is a moment that encapsulates the greatness of the AJ4 while adding a new chapter to the series’ evolution.

Demand for this model is already enormous, and the community predicts it will be one of the most sought-after pairs of the season. Many consider the Black Cat the perfect Jordan 4—versatile, stylish, easy to pair with any outfit, and just as relevant today as it was 20 years ago.

This release is not just a return to a classic. It is a refreshed take on a legend that, with every reissue, continues to cement its status as one of the greatest Jordans of all time.