The Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Lightning' Channels Michael Jordan’s Passion for Racing
The colorway returns for the first time ever exactly 15 years since its debut.
Over 30 years since its debut, the Air Jordan 4 remains a sneaker icon. Designed in 1989 by Tinker Hatfield, Michael Jordan’s fourth signature shoe expanded on the ideas presented in the Air Jordan 3, outfitting the progressive design with performance innovations, including a wing lace structure, mesh side panel and extended heel tab.
Originally released in four colorways, including 'Fire Red' and 'Bred,' the offerings grew over the years to include a number of celebrated variations, from 2004’s 'Cool Grey' to 2013’s 'Toro Bravo.' And while most iterations played on MJ’s Chicago Bulls color palette or kept things neutral through a subdued palette, others commanded attention for their striking execution, introducing new stories to the Jordan legacy. Enter the Air Jordan 4 'Lightning.'
The vibrant build was unlike anything that came before. Dressed in Tour Yellow with grey detailing on the mesh paneling and lace closure, 'Lightning' took inspiration from the seasonal colors of Michael Jordan Motorsports, a racing team founded by His Airness in 2004 shortly after his time with the Washington Wizards.
The sneaker dropped in 2006 alongside a 'Thunder' colorway, which came with a Rare Air jacket, while 'Lightning' was bundled with a Rare Air T-shirt. Adding to the sneaker’s exclusivity, Both were only made available to Team Jordan members signed in to Jumpman23.com. 15 years after the release of 'Lightning,' the famed colorway returns.
The Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Lightning' 2021 is faithful to the original, flooding the nubuck upper in bright yellow. Black netting and dark grey structural wings provide contrast, with matching grey accents on the woven tongue tag, interior tongue and Jumpman branding at the heel. A white PU midsole, enhanced with visible Air sole cushioning, rides on a dark grey herringbone rubber outsole, completing the 2021 edition.
Releasing August 28, 2021, the Jordan 4 Retro 'Lightning' brings back a revered makeup from the mid-2000s for the first time ever, coinciding with the colorway’s 15th anniversary while reminding us of the GOAT’s competitive nature, from basketball to racing.
The Air Jordan 4 Retro 'Lightning' is available on the app and GOAT.com
Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Lightning’ 2021 FAQs
What shoes are similar to the Air Jordan 4 ‘Lightning’ release?
The ‘Lightning’ colorway has been used on other releases across Air Jordan and Nike silhouettes. Recent and upcoming releases in a similar color include the: