Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green”

Back in January 2020, sneaker leakers shared news that an Air Jordan 4 “Pine Green” retro would release in August of that year. The late summer month came and went without the rumored pair, but the scrapped project led to the first AJ4 by Nike SB, a pair that’s only recently appeared via official Nike photography. Rumors of a Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 began to circulate in September 2022. Initial reports and spy shots of the pair depicted the signature model in a “Black Cat” ensemble. Professional skater Paul Rodriguez was also spotted wearing the shoe, which turned out to only be a sample. Later reports stated that one of two final versions of the modified Air Jordan sneaker would don a “Neutral White,” “Pine Green,” and “Sail” color scheme. Over the last two months, unauthorized and authorized sources alike have confirmed the project, which has been received moderately well by the sneaker community-at-large. What makes the Jordans “SB”? The Swoosh hasn’t provided an “under the hood” breakdown of the collaboration, but Twitter user @tuxedoAmerica posits the following: • The side “wings” are made from a rubber compound because they withstand grip tape better than traditional plastic materials. • The sole is thinner at the forefoot to increase board feel. Furthermore, the Air unit underneath the forefoot has been removed on the Nike SB AJ4. • The “SB”-branded heel tab delivers notable flexibility to accommodate skating. • The tongue includes more padding than standard Jordan 4’s, although not to the extent of the SB Dunk. • The toecap doesn’t feature a turn-n-stitch, decreasing the robustness of the toe. • The general stitching across the “Pine Green” pair follows Nike SB guidelines as prototypes featuring traditional Air Jordan stitching blew out too fast. • The outsole has gum sections for increased grip.