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Why Choose the Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Shoes?
Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Shoes put the AJ4 on older kids' feet for school days, weekends and everyday wear, in two versions: the Jordan 4 Retro and the reworked Air Jordan 4 RM. Other size groups and adult editions of the model sit in the wider Air Jordan 4 range.
- Jordan 4 Retro: Leather and grid mesh with free-floating eyestays near the ankle that tighten over the foot as the laces are pulled.
- Air Jordan 4 RM: Parts of the genuine leather upper blend into a strong, flexible cage that wraps the shoe for everyday toughness.
What Makes the Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Unique?
Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 4, and Nike describes it as the first global release of the franchise and the first in the line to use its signature over-molded mesh. The Retro brings that design to grade school sizes, alongside other re-released grade school Jordan Retro styles, while the Air Jordan 4 RM reimagines it for life on the go.
How to Pick the Right Pair of Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retros
Both versions come in grade school sizes, so the choice is between the Retro and the RM; when neither suits the child, grade school Jordan shoes cover other models in the same size group.
- Size group: Grade school sizes run US 3.5 to 7. Measure the length of the foot and match that number to the Hibbett size chart, then check there is room for the toes to move.
- Upper material and upkeep: Smooth leather, velvety nubuck and denim all appear across the editions. Leather cleans with a damp cloth and mild soap, while nubuck needs a suede brush worked with the grain, so pick the finish that fits the child's routine.
- Retro or RM: Choose the Retro for the floating eyestays and leather-and-mesh upper, or the Air Jordan 4 RM when you want the toughness of a cage-wrapped genuine leather upper.
What Are the Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Shoes Tech Specs?
Max Air Cushioning in the Grade School AJ4
Nike lists Max Air cushioning, which it describes as plush, on the grade school Retro editions such as Black & Infrared 23, Imperial Purple and Tour Yellow, and on the Air Jordan 4 RM. The Cave Stone and Black edition also lists soft foam underfoot and a foam midsole.
Leather and Grid Mesh Upper on the Jordan 4 Retro GS
Real and synthetic leather combines with grid mesh underlays in the upper of the Jordan 4 Retro GS. Nike says the leather adds durability and structure, while the underlays add texture and dimension. The Imperial Purple edition switches to premium nubuck, and She's A Star mixes denim with brush-off leather.
Free-Floating Eyestays on the Jordan 4 Retro GS
Free-floating eyestays sit near the ankle on the Jordan 4 Retro GS and tighten over the foot as the laces are pulled. Nike describes the result as a secure feel once the pair is laced.
Rubber Outsole on the Grade School Jordan 4 Retro
Nike lists a rubber outsole with a herringbone tread pattern on the Black & Infrared 23 grade school pair for durable traction. Other grade school editions list rubber in the outsole, so the exact tread can vary from pair to pair.
What Colorways Do Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Sneakers Come In?
White leads the upper on Tour Yellow, a colorway Nike describes as a departure from Michael Jordan's Chicago-themed colors that captured the brand's experimental energy of the early 2000s, and on the Comic pair and the Air Jordan 4 RM, where yellow, pink or Infrared work as accents. Darker looks come from Black & Infrared 23, with Infrared 23 and Bright Mango accents on black, and from Cave Stone and Black. For a bold color across the whole upper, Imperial Purple sets a deep purple nubuck, and the girls' She's A Star pair mixes denim in Sweet Beet and Desert Pink.
Key Terms for the Grade School Air Jordan 4
- Nubuck - Leather whose outer side is sanded or buffed until it takes on a short, velvet-like nap.
- Free-floating eyestays - Lace-hole panels near the ankle that tighten over the foot as the laces are pulled.
Grade School Shoes Member Benefits
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Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Shoes FAQs
Do Grade School Air Jordan 4 Sneakers Run True to Size?
Nike notes that the grade school Air Jordan 4 RM fits small and recommends ordering a half size up; that note does not cover the Retro pairs. Try the pair on with the socks the child usually wears and lace it fully: the heel should stay put while walking and the toes should have room to move. Sizing can vary from one model to the next, so check the Hibbett size chart before you order.
Can Kids Wear the Grade School Jordan 4 Every Day?
Yes. Nike builds both versions as lifestyle sneakers and lists Max Air cushioning on the RM and on Retro editions such as Black & Infrared 23.
How Do Grade School Air Jordan 4 Retro Shoes Compare With the Air Jordan 4 RM?
For a parent, the difference shows in lacing and wear. On the Retro, the laces pull the upper snug over the foot, which Nike describes as a secure feel, while the RM keeps classic laces and puts its strength in the leather cage. The RM also carries a Nike Air logo on the heel and a Jumpman on the tongue and sole.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Grade School AJ4 Retro?
Brush off loose dirt with a dry, soft brush, then clean the upper with warm water and a little mild detergent on a soft brush or damp cloth. Finish by letting the pair air dry at room temperature, as Nike's guide advises. Skip the washing machine, which Nike does not recommend.
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