No one could have predicted the success of the Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ when it first landed on our shelves in 2006.
Image courtesy of The Drop Date
Minimalist in design yet loud in attitude, it became one of those staple fits for sneaker purists across the globe, proving that ‘black’ on ‘black’ is not always boring.
It's just been shy of 20 years since its initial debut on our hardwoods, and this month we see it prowl back into rotations once again (If you’re lucky enough to secure a pair, that is). Before you tap into SNKRS raffles, sneaker plugs, or, if all else fails, the resale market, here are 5 things you should know about the AJ4 'Black Cat Colourway' that helped reshape the sneaker game.
1. The Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ Is Inspired By Michael Jordan’s nickname
If you were old enough to witness the ‘90s golden era of basketball, you’ll remember that Michael Jordan’s speed, agility and sharpness on the hardwoods earned him the nickname of the ‘Black Cat’. It’s the same nickname that later inspired Tinker Hatfield’s designs throughout the Jordan lineage, most notably the Air Jordan 13 with its panther-like holographic ‘eye’, a nod to MJ’s predatory precision.
2. The ‘Black Cat’ Colourway Is Not an OG 1989 Air Jordan 4
As wild as it sounds, the ‘Black Cat’ wasn’t part of the Air Jordan 4’s original 1989 lineup. Instead, it touched down as an all-new retro colourway in 2006, a stealth-mode reinterpretation that retailed for a very era-specific $117.
3. The Colourway Has Been Re-released Once Before the 2025 Version
After building a cult following and climbing to sky-high resale prices, Nike brought the ‘Black Cat’ back in 2020 following a 14-year absence. The retro arrived with subtle updates: a grey inner lining replacing the original all-black fit, reworked Jumpman logos, and a more cushioned feel thanks to an Ortholite insole supporting the stealthy midsole setup.
Air Jordan 4 'Black Cat' 2020 version with the Jumpman heel
4. The 2020 AJ4 'Black Cat' Variant Has Reached Over $1000 On Resale
Sneakerheads don’t throw the word ‘grail’ around lightly, but the 2020 ‘Black Cat’ re-release earned it. With extremely limited restocks and rising demand, pairs continue to fetch well over $1000 on the secondary market, cementing the colourway as one of the most desirable modern Air Jordan 4s.
Take a look at the Brief History of the Air Jordan 4
5. The 2025 Version Will Be The Closest To The OG 2006 Model
The 2025 retro comes with the same all-black suede upper, tonal mesh, blacked-out wings and a stealth midsole, all faithful nods to the 2006 release. But there are a few key updates worth noting. The biggest change: the return of the ‘NIKE AIR’ heel branding, replacing the Jumpman found on the original ‘06 pair. Expect slightly refined nubuck quality, improved comfort underfoot, and truer shape proportions that align more closely with modern AJ4 retro standards. In short, it stays true where it matters, but sharpens the details for today’s sneaker climate.
Air Jordan 4 'Black Cat' 2025 version
Check out the AJ4 'Black Cat' release details here
Bottom Line:
Nearly two decades on, the ‘Black Cat’ still moves with the same silent power it always has, sleek, sharp and unmistakably Jordan. With the 2025 retro bringing the legend back to life, this is one release that won’t just land in collections… it’ll dominate them.
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