Ventilation? Those little mesh windows? Mostly for show — your feet will get warm. Also, the midsole paint on some older pairs is notorious for chipping (a.k.a. "creasing"). And at around $200+ USD, you're not getting cutting-edge tech. You're buying into a legend, not performance innovation. That's a dealbreaker for some. Who should "avoid" it? Serious ball players looking for modern court feel — please look elsewhere. Also, if you have very sensitive feet or need arch support, you might find the platform too firm. The Air Jordan Retro 4 is a lifestyle shoe now. Think of it as wearable art from the Jordan series, not a performance tool. On feet, the Air Jordan Retro 4 just has "presence". The way the mesh panels and plastic wings break up the design – it looks even better in person than in pics. For a Jordan series retro, it's a statement piece. Honestly, it's one of those shoes that looks great with jeans or joggers, super versatile. Comparing it to other Jordans? The "Air Jordan Retro 4" sits between the AJ1 and the AJ5 in terms of cushioning. It's more comfy than a flat AJ1, but doesn't have the visible air of a 5. For all-day wear, I'd pick these over a 1. The silhouette is also more unique than a lot of other models. If you're new to the Jordan series, the Retro 4 is a fantastic - and iconic - place to start. Just know what you're getting into comfort-wise.
