Black Friday 2025 means one thing for sneakerheads: The return of the “Black Cat” Air Jordan 4! That’s right, one of the most popular Air Jordan models is back in an all black colorway for the first time since 2020.
The “Black Cat” Air Jordan 4 RETURNS this Friday (11/28) in full-family sizing. 🐈⬛🔥
Who’s copping?! pic.twitter.com/rJJJJIBnsv— zSneakerHeadz (@zSneakerHeadz) November 24, 2025
One of the most interesting stories of the sneaker space for the last few years has been the sudden cooling of the Air Jordan market. After being red hot during the pandemic era, the bubble has burst a bit on Jordan retros, thanks in part to Nike/Jordan Brand oversaturating the market with too many colorways. We’ve seen classic colorways shockingly sit on shelves, including the Air Jordan 3 Black Cement, the Air Jordan 11 Legend Blue and the Air Jordan 5 Grape. And no shoe has been the symbol for this burst bubble more than the Air Jordan 1, with even favorites like the “Shattered Backboards” not moving the way Jordan 1s did just a few years ago.
However, the one silhouette that has seemed immune to that struggle has been the Air Jordan 4. The Air Jordan 4 is responsible for not one, but two trendy Sneaker of the Year candidates — the Undefeated 4s and the Nigel Sylvester “Brick by Brick” collab. Data from StockX supports the notion that the Air Jordan 4 remains en vogue with a generation that seems to be pivoting to comfort over hype.
In its latest Big Facts trends report released earlier this month, StockX reported that the Air Jordan 4 has seen +204% search traffic year over year, the only Jordan model amid a sea of mesh runners and streamlined silhouettes. Additionally, the Air Jordan 4 was the most “favorited” sneaker on StockX, meaning it was the model that was saved and tracked the most by StockX users. All this to say, I think the “Black Cat” 4s could buck the current trend and deliver an end-of-year hit for Jordan Brand.
The “Black Cat” 4s take their inspiration from a secret nickname that only Michael Jordan’s closest friends knew about (and design guru Tinker Hatfield somehow inadvertently tapped into for the Air Jordan 13). The upper, which will likely feature the excellent, more true to the OG shape ushered in by the original Pine Green Nike SB 4s in 2023, is described by SNKRS like this:
A monochromatic silhouette of black nubuck leather and graphite matte finishes combine with signature OG features like molded eyestays and breathable net-inspired accents. With a Jumpman tongue logo, and a glossy blackout Nike Air logo on the heel—this stealthy rendition is made for playing above the rim, and staying below the radar.
So, the shoe features all the traditional features you would expect from the 1989 classic. The Air Jordan 4 was initially worn on court by Michael Jordan during the 1988-89 NBA season for the Bulls and features some similar design cues from the Air Jordan 3 such as visible air in the heel and prominent Nike/Jordan branding on the back. However, the AJ4 also featured a few noteworthy departures, including the famous wings on the back toward the heel and the mesh panels in the middle of the upper as well as a unique lacing system that allows for a number of different lacing patterns. The “Black Cat” 4s made their debut in 2006, and returned again in 2020. Interestingly, where past versions of this colorway featured the Jumpman logo on the heel tab and on the outsole, this 2025 version replaces it with OG Nike Air branding. Some people will love this, others will be upset that these aren’t true to the Black Cat 4s they remember.
Speaking of things some people are upset about, not everyone seems pleased with this nice nubuck material used on the upper, as some have complained about the shoe “squeaking.” Obviously I can’t speak to this, not having a pair in hand, but Chris (aka Nightwing2303) of the excellent Weartesters YouTube channel offered an explanation for the squeaking and how to alleviate those concerns.
The 2025 “Black Cat” 4s currently have an average price of $321 on 216 sales over the last three months on StockX, while the 2020 version has retained its value as evidenced by its $834 average price on 11 sales over the last three months. All of that to say, I don’t think these will sit in a similar fashion to other recent Jordan retro releases. Don’t expect to be picking these up on discount.
The Air Jordan 4, and the “Black Cat” colorway in particular, remains one of the most popular models in the entire Air Jordan line. Where I think the traditional holiday Air Jordan 11 drop may lose a little luster because of the sheer volume of 11s dropping this year, I think this “Black Cat” 4 could be the brand’s top holiday performer to close out 2025.
The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” release date is November 28, 2025, with a retail price of $220 USD and full-family sizing available via Nike SNKRS and major retailers. Best of luck to all looking to pick up a pair!
Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” Release Details
- Release Date: November 28, 2025 (Black Friday)
- Retail Price: $220 USD
- Sizing: Full family sizing
- Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS, Foot Locker, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Finish Line, StockX, GOAT
To see more of this month’s releases, check out our release date calendar.
