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Needless to say, Nike was exploding in popularity by the late ’80s. Michael Jordan’s sneakers were selling like crazy, Bo Jackson’s ad campaign made everyone want cross-trainers, and “Just Do It” was the slogan of the decade. The athletic brand aimed to parlay this surge with an exclusive (now defunct) fan program called Flight Club, building hype and loyalty around MJ’s signature line for the pre-internet sneakerhead. For just $15 a year, mail-in applicants received a welcome pack with a membership card, autographed photo of His Airness, a t-shirt, and a poster, along with the biannual newsletters. For its latest drop, Nike is honoring the AJFC with the special-edition Air Jordan 4 Retro “Flight Club” variant.
Based on Tinker Hatfield’s original AJ4 design — his second in the Air Jordan series — this “Flight Club” release doesn’t stray too far from the 1989 sneaker that has since become a favorite of enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. It starts with the Sail White leather uppers, which extends to the iconic large grid mesh underlay panel on the top and side, as well as the free-floating plastic eyeleted wings near the ankle. Black accents can be found on the mudguard, heel, and plastic wings attached to the laces.
You’ll notice the Flight Club logo clearly on the tongue with the University Red Jumpman and printed on the insole atop a mosaic of black-and-white images of MJ himself. Extra stitching has also been given to the white mudguard below the toebox.
If you’ve ever worn a pair of AJ4s, you know they’re among the most comfortable early-era Jordans, with plush Max Air cushioning and solid support underfoot. Meanwhile, the rubber outsole with herringbone tread helps with traction on and off the court.
Priced at $220, the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Flight Club” are available now from Nike’s web store.
