Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro KAWS Black
Jordan Brand • Air Jordan 4 • Black/Black-Clear Glow
Confidence Level
95% — Significant discrepancies in material texture, toe box shape, and hangtag construction compared to authentic pairs.
Overall Assessment
This pair is a replica. The primary indicators of a counterfeit product include the incorrect nap and texture of the suede, a bulky toe box silhouette, and a hangtag that lacks the proper debossing depth and material quality of the authentic KAWS collaboration. Furthermore, the overall construction quality and 'feeling' of the suede 'Companion' hand embroidery lack the precision seen on retail pairs.
Style Code
930155-001
Release Year
2017
Retail Price
$350 USD
Market Value
$800 - $1,200 USD
Materials Analysis
The authentic KAWS Jordan 4 uses a premium, long-haired hairy suede alongside a smoother, embroidered suede. On this pair, the suede appears overly uniform and flat. The contrast between the panel textures is less pronounced than it should be, and the 'Companion' arm embroidery is not deep enough into the material.
Stitching Analysis
Stitching on the lateral side panels appears inconsistent in depth. The double-stitching around the toe cap is slightly uneven. On authentic pairs, the stitching is extremely tight and follows the curves of the suede panels with surgical precision; this pair shows slight wavering near the wings.
Sole Analysis
The midsole paint finish appears slightly too glossy. The translucent outsole, while having the correct glow-in-the-dark tint, appears to have a slightly different opacity than retail units. The visible Air unit window looks standard, but the internal pillars are difficult to verify from this angle.
Logo & Branding Analysis
The KAWS 'XX' logo on the hangtag is a major red flag; the 'XX' and 'AIR' text look embossed/raised rather than neatly debossed, and the texture of the plastic/rubber tag is too smooth. The tongue height and the shape of the flight tag also appear slightly off-spec.
Tag & Label Analysis
Size tags and interior labels are not visible in the provided image for a typography audit.
Box Analysis
The box features the KAWS hand print, but the print density and the matte finish of the cardboard seem slightly off. Authentic boxes have a very specific tactile feel and a high-definition print quality that appears slightly muddied here.
Construction Quality
The build is moderately high for a replica, but the glue line visible where the midsole meets the upper near the toe is more prominent than typical Jordan Brand Special Project releases. The tongue lacks the proper rigid structure found on authentic pairs.
Shape & Silhouette
The toe box is too 'boxy' and high. Authentic Jordan 4s from this era have a slimmer, more tapered profile from the side view. The heel collar also appears slightly shorter than expected.
Color Accuracy
The black tone seems fairly accurate, though the lack of movement in the suede affects how light hits the shoe, making it look like a flatter black than the multi-tonal charcoal/black of the original.
Red Flags
Incorrect suede texture, bulky toe box shape, poor hangtag quality, and lack of definition in the 'Companion' hand embroidery across the upper.
Positive Indicators
The color coordination of the laces and the general layout of the special edition box are consistent with the KAWS release.
Key Details
This was a highly limited collaboration between Jordan Brand and artist Brian Donnelly (KAWS), featuring a fully suede-wrapped midsole and glow-in-the-dark outsoles.
Care Recommendations
Since these are suede, avoid all contact with water. Use a specialized suede brush and eraser to maintain the nap. Store in a cool, dry place with silica packets to prevent the glow-in-the-dark sole from oxidizing or yellowing.