The History of the Air Jordan 4 Thunder
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The Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" is set for a highly anticipated comeback on May 13, 2023. It will mark the third release for this non-OG colorway of the Air Jordan 4 and the first in more than ten years. To mark the occasion, we have compiled a history of the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder," from its debut to its current re-release. Follow along for everything you need to know about the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder."
The Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" debuted in August 2006. It was released as a part of a limited, online-exclusive collection alongside the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Lightning." This collection was a part of Jordan Brand's LS (lifestyle) line, which was made to experiment and bring new colorways and materials to classic Air Jordans on a limited basis. Alongside the sneakers, Jordan Brand also released accompanying apparel. Both the "Thunder" and "Lightning" colorways of the Air Jordan 4 Retro LS were instant classics and highly sought after, which came as no surprise due to their limited availability. On the "Thunder," a black-based nubuck upper is paired with yellow accents. Subtle hits of white are found via the Jumpman logo on the tongue and back heel, as well as the visible Air unit in the heel.
Fast forward to 2012. For the holiday season, Jordan Brand took the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" out of the vault and brought it to stores for the first time. They were also available in full-family sizing, while the initial drop was only available in men's. The materials and color placement mirrored its 2006 predecessor. Giving the 2012 release time to breathe, it wasn't until May 2023 that the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" would appear on the release calendar again. This third drop features a slight change in design, as the shape is more faithful to the original 1989 silhouette than prior retros. Like the 2012 version, this latest retro also comes in full-family sizing.
The Air Jordan 4 Retro Thunder is set to release May 13 through Nike, via the SNKRS app, and at select Jordan Brand retailers worldwide, both in-store and online. Coming in full-family sizing, retail is set at $210, $150, $85, and $65, respectively. Keep it locked to our Twitter and Mobile App to stay up to date on future releases.
Air Jordan 4 Retro LS "Thunder" (2006)
In 2006, Jordan Brand released an online-exclusive collection. Titled "Thunder and Lightning," this LS (lifestyle) collection featured two Air Jordan 4 Retros with accompanying apparel. Each sold separately, and you had to be a Team Jordan member (known today as Nike+) to purchase the limited-edition product.The Air Jordan 4 Retro LS "Thunder" retailed for $500 and came with a matching track jacket.
Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" (2012)
Six years after the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" debuted, Jordan Brand re-released it. This time it came out as a general release, in full-family sizing, for all the masses. Available in-stores for the first time and once again online, you didn't have to cop any apparel to get this pair. Even as a GR, the 2012 release of the Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" was one of the most popular drops for the year and sold out quickly.
Air Jordan 4 Retro "Thunder" (2023)
They say the third time's a charm, right? Well, if that's true, then the 2023 edition of the Air Jordan 4 Retro is better than ever. While it keeps things true to its 2006 predecessor, this pair's overall shape and cut are more like the original AJ4 from 1989. This subtle change is one no one will complain about.
In this article
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
