Divisions Unite in the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green”
Divisions Unite in the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green”
March 21, 2023
Charlie Tyas
Images: Nike
It’s no secret that Nike’s most popular subdivisions are their Skateboard and Basketball ranks and although one is significantly older than the other, both have their own faithful contingents and the latest project to come from their rarely active, joint office has been engineered with both SB and Jordan at its core, amassing a special level of hype for the long-awaited release.
In a statement from James Arizumi, Global Senior Design Director of Jordan Brand’s Special Projects,
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"skate and basketball may have lived in two parallel universes when the AJ4 first came on the scene, but the spirit of rebellion and style that MJ brought to the game is inherent to the DNA of skateboarding.”
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Considering Jordan is the older sibling in this situation, it is only fair that their model takes the spotlight. With the added research and development from team SB, the Air Jordan 4 has been revamped and packed with thrashable features that check all the boxes a skate shoe needs, presented in the neat package that is the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4.
Using the universal combination of white and green on the 4th generation sneaker, an internal redesign of the shoe has been undertaken to achieve what Nike claims is the pinnacle of crossover design and despite the appearance, is a true hybrid skate/ basketball silhouette.
The first design tweak comes on the toe-box, which has reverted to its OG 1989 shape for an improved fit, that when paired with the extra-grippy outsole allows for deeper levels of board control for any kickflips, heel flips or shuvits. Further tinkering comes on the flexi-plastic lace-holsters and cages, which over time, will mould to the wearer’s foot through heavy skate or court sessions.
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Finally, a note of grey suede on the tip acts as a reference to Nike SB’s favoured textile.
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Retailing at $225, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green” will first release at skate shops like Rufus, SHRN and Blowout on Friday, March 17th.
*Tier 0 ‘Skateshop’ retailers will also be stocking the collaboration over in the U.S.A - check out Nike SB’s store locator for more information on how and when to cop from your local haunt.
