First released in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 has become a true sneaker icon. With its distinct design and unmatched performance on the court, it’s one of the greatest shoes from Michael Jordan’s signature line, transcending athletic footwear to become a timeless fashion piece. However, its immense popularity often makes it hard to find, leading many to seek out shoes like Jordan 4s instead.
Given their status as some of the best sneakers ever made, Jordan 4s can come with hefty price tags, especially on the resale market. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of solid alternatives to the legendary Jordan 4. From visually similar styles to sneakers from the same basketball era, our list has you covered with great options to consider.
Which Shoes Are Most Like the Jordan 4?
The shoe most like the Jordan 4 is probably the Air Jordan 3, though it's not the only similar sneaker. There are a ton of alternatives away from the Jordan line too...
- Air Jordan 3 - the best Jordan alternative
- Nike Air Force 1 Mid - a great option from Nike
- adidas Forum Mid - one to consider from adidas
- New Balance 650 - best alternative from New Balance
- Air Jordan 4 11Lab4 - a slightly different pick
Why we chose the Air Jordan 3
We're starting with one of the best Air Jordans ever made in the Jordan 3. We're sticking with the Jordan brand here for one very good reason: the Jordan 4 features such a distinct style that few shoes share a visual likeness.
Why the Jordan 3 is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- Designed by Tinker Hatfield – the same visionary behind the Jordan 4.
- Similar visual style – echoes the late '80s era and shares key design elements.
- Jumpman branding – features the iconic logo just like its successor.
- High-quality build – not a budget option, but well worth it for the craftsmanship.
- Authentic feel – not a knock-off, but a legitimate, stylish alternative.
While it may not be cheaper, the Jordan 3 offers a comparable look and feel to the Jordan 4, making it a top pick for sneaker enthusiasts who value both design heritage and quality.
- Read More: Best shoes like Jordan 1s
Why we chose the Nike Air Force 1 Mid
Next up is the Nike Air Force 1, specifically the Mid variation. It may not look all that like the Jordan 4 compared to the 3, but the Air Force 1 does have a history in basketball, and its mid-cut collar height gives it somewhat of a similar silhouette.
Why the Air Force 1 Mid is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- Basketball DNA – originally built for the court, just like the Jordan 4.
- Mid-cut silhouette – offers a comparable ankle height and overall shape.
- Nike Air cushioning – delivers similar comfort and feel underfoot.
- Everyday comfort – both the AF1 Mid and Jordan 4 are great for all-day wear.
- Better price point – often more affordable at retail without sacrificing quality.
If you're after a sneaker with basketball heritage, solid comfort, and a silhouette that loosely mirrors the Jordan 4, all at a lower price, the Air Force 1 Mid is a smart pick worth exploring.
- Read More: Best shoes like Air Force 1s
Why we chose the adidas Forum Mid
Moving away from Nike now to one of the best adidas shoes ever created, the adidas Forum. Again, we're highlighting the Mid variation specifically to try and replicate the Jordan 4s' higher-cut collar as best as possible.
Why the adidas Forum Mid is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- '80s basketball heritage – like the Jordan 4, it was made for the court and born in the same era.
- Mid-cut design – mimics the higher collar height of the Jordan 4.
- Unique style – not a visual match, but delivers its own classic aesthetic.
- More affordable – typically cheaper at retail while still offering solid build quality.
- Non-Nike option – perfect for diversifying your sneaker rotation.
So, don't feel you have to stick to the same brand, as the adidas Forum Mid provides an excellent Jordan 4 alternative for you to consider.
- Read More: Best shoes like Nike Dunks
Why we chose the New Balance 650
Another alternative to Nike is the New Balance 650. In our opinion, this one somewhat resembles the Jordan 4 with its similar padded collar and multilayered color blocking.
Why the New Balance 650 is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- Similar padded collar – adds to the visual likeness and comfort.
- Multilayered color blocking – reminiscent of the Jordan 4’s design style.
- '80s basketball heritage – born in the same era, with performance origins.
- Higher collar than the 550 – closer in height to the Jordan 4.
- Budget-friendly – generally more affordable than the Jordan 4 at retail.
Ultimately, the New Balance 650 is a well-rounded, inexpensive alternative to the Jordan 4, which we'd say strikes the closest visual likeness for a sneaker not made by Nike.
- Read More: Best shoes like Vans
Why we chose the Air Jordan 4 11Lab4
Okay, this last one may be cheating slightly as it is technically a Jordan 4. The entire shape and silhouette are identical as it is a 4 at its core, but it differs slightly as it is actually a hybrid of a 4 and a Jordan 11, making the Air Jordan 4 11Lab4, as it's known, an incredibly unique and great alternative to consider.
Why the Air Jordan 4 11Lab4 is a great alternative to the Jordan 4:
- True Jordan 4 silhouette – identical shape and structure at its core.
- Jordan 11 influence – features glossy patent leather across the upper.
- Premium design details – includes waxed laces and a shiny sole for a luxe finish.
- Ultra-unique – combines two legendary models into one standout sneaker.
The only issue here is that the shoe is fairly rare, with only two colorways ever released at the time of writing. This means the 11Lab4 commands a fairly high price on the resale market. However, you won't find a closer match visually than this alternative Jordan 4 model.
- Read More: Best shoes like Converse
Final Thoughts: Which Shoes Should You Buy?
If you love the Jordan 4 but want something more affordable or different, there are several great alternatives that offer similar style, comfort, and heritage.
Finding the perfect replacement for the Air Jordan 4 isn’t easy, as it’s one of the most iconic sneakers ever made. But depending on what you're prioritizing, there are plenty of strong contenders that fit the bill.
Closely related models like the Jordan 3 offer a near-direct connection in both look and legacy, while shoes like the New Balance 650 and adidas Forum Mid echo the high-top retro aesthetic in their own distinct ways.Ultimately, sneaker style doesn’t live or die with one silhouette. These alternatives deliver standout design and everyday wearability, all while channeling a bit of what makes the Jordan 4 so iconic.