The History and Legacy of the Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" Sneakers

The History of the Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat"

The Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" is one of the most iconic colorways in the storied history of Michael Jordan's signature shoe line. First released in 2006, the "Black Cat" 4s played off of Jordan's "Black Cat" nickname and featured a stealthy black color scheme. Let's take a closer look at the history and legacy of the coveted Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat."

Inspiration From Michael Jordan's "Black Cat" Nickname

Michael Jordan earned the "Black Cat" nickname from his teammates because of his grace, agility, and cat-like reflexes on the basketball court. The darker shoe colorway was meant to evoke the image of a prowling black panther ready to strike. When the Air Jordan 4 retro debuted in early 2006 in this "Black Cat" color scheme, it immediately resonated with sneakerheads and Jordan fans.

Original Release and Materials

The Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" originally released on January 28, 2006 with a retail price of $150. The shoes featured a stealthy black nubuck leather upper with matching black laces and a black plastic heel tab. Other details included a black midsole, black plastic lace locks, and a black rubber outsole. The simple two-tone color scheme let the classic Air Jordan 4 silhouette speak for itself.

Rerelease in 2020

After years of hoping for a retro, the beloved "Black Cat" 4s were finally rereleased on January 22, 2020 coinciding with the NBA All-Star weekend. This gave a new generation of sneakerheads a chance to own this coveted colorway. The 2020 retro stayed true to the original materials and color scheme, once again featuring premium black nubuck upper, black plastics, and a black rubber outsole.

On-Feet Looks and Styling

The Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" colorway is famous for its versatile styling. The all-black scheme allows it to seamlessly match a variety of outfits from streetwear to athletic apparel. The dark colorway also means that the shoes won't get too visibly dirty which makes them perfect for everyday wear.

Casual and Athletic Wear

A pair of black joggers or black jeans nicely complements the "Black Cat" 4s for a casual, street-inspired outfit. The sneakers also pop nicely when paired with a simple white t-shirt and black bomber jacket. For athletic outfits, black joggers or training pants allow the shoes to blend in seamlessly.

Stylish Look with Light Denim

Light washed denim is another go-to option for rocking the Air Jordan 4 "Black Cats." A vintage looking pale denim jacket with a white v-neck t-shirt allows the white accents of the midsole to stand out. Ripped light wash jeans also contrast nicely against the black nubuck upper of the shoes.

Legacy and Influence

As one of the first Jordan retros done up in a "murdered out" all-black color scheme, the Air Jordan 4 Black Cat has left an indeliable mark not just on Jordan Brand but streetwear culture as a whole. Over 15 years after its initial release, the shoe remains sought after and beloved by both sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts.

Impact on Celebrity Culture and Fashion

The Air Jordan 4 Black Cat's impressive legacy can also be measured by its continued popularity among athletes, musicians, and celebrities. From DJ Khaled to Travis Scott, many cultural influencers and stars have been spotted rocking the all-black 4s. In doing so, they pass on its cultural cache to new audiences.

Paving the Way for All-Black Sneakers

By boldly releasing an all-black Jordan 4, the "Black Cat" colorway also helped pave the way for other popular all-black sneaker collaborations. This includes shoes like the "Triple Black" Adidas Ultra Boost, all-black off-white Nike collabs, and the infamous "Red October" all-black Yeezy 2.

FAQs

When did the Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" originally release?

The Air Jordan 4 "Black Cat" originally released on January 28, 2006 with a retail price of $150.

What materials are used on the "Black Cat" 4s?

The shoes feature a black nubuck leather upper with matching black laces, a black plastic heel tab, black midsole, black plastic lace locks, and a black rubber outsole.

How much did the 2020 retro of the "Black Cat" 4s retail for?

When the "Black Cat" 4s retroed in 2020, they stayed true to the original colorway and retailed again for $150.

Why is the "Black Cat" 4 considered such a versatile sneaker?

The all-black color scheme allows the shoe to seamlessly match with a variety of casual and athletic outfits. The dark color also doesn't show dirt easily.