Design of the Jordan 4 Retro Union LA Taupe Haze
Tinker Hatfield changed up the game on his second of many Air Jordan designs by amping up the performance and breathability. He kept the AJ 3's mid-cut height, the visible Air unit in the heel and the "Nike Air" emblem on the back. Hatfield also retained the signature Jumpman logo on the tongue.
The Air Jordan 4 implemented a more utilitarian approach. Here's what made it stand apart:
- Cost-effective Durabuck synthetic leather upper that wipes clean with ease
- An encapsulated Air unit added to the forefoot
- The word “Flight” incorporated into the Jumpman logo - Air Jordan is meant to fly, after all
- The addition of “wings,” a multiport lacing system with extra holes for a customized fit and enhanced lateral support
- A pull tab added to the heel for an easier wearing experience
- “Over-moulded” mesh panelling for increased breathability, the netting was coated with urethane, dipped in soft plastic, then air-blown to remove the plastic from the net’s gaps
History of the Air Jordan 4
On May 7, 1989, the world witnessed "The Shot", an impossible feat for anyone other than His Airness. Michael Jordan pulled off this legendary buzzer-beater with assistance from his Black Cement Air Jordan 4s. It was MJ's fifth year in the league and a brilliant display of his growing dominance as a superstar.
The same could be said for Tinker Hatfield, the lead designer for the Air Jordan line. After the tremendous success of the Air Jordan 3, Hatfield had his work cut out for him. Coming on the heels of one of the most popular trainer designs ever, did he dare mess with the formula? He opted to keep the overall design similar to its predecessor but boosted the performance features.
If the Air Jordan 3 saved Nike's partnership with Jordan, the Air Jordan 4 cemented it - primarily due to the inspired design efforts of Hatfield.
Jordan 4 Retro x Union LA Taupe Haze
This Jordan colourway was released on 20 June 2021, in honour of Union LA's 30th anniversary. It takes inspiration from outdoor gear from the '80s and '90s, with the majority of the upper in a taupe haze. Materials making up the trainers are mesh and suede. Roma Green adds bright colour to the lower plastic eyelets and back of the heel. The Nike Air logo is raised and coloured Blue Fury. This blue hue is also used for the liner. Aqua-tinged Air sole units are nestled inside the heels, visible through a window. The Jordan 4 Union LA Retro Taupe Haze also features an off-white polyurethane midsole and translucent TPU wings.
