Nike Air Flight 89 in Black / Zen Grey / Cool Grey

I imagine that most true fans of Air Jordan 4's are also fans of the Air Flight '89 which came out at the same time the 4's did. There were clear similarities between the two, particularly the sole & midsole design, the plastic lace tabs and the fact that both shoes were the mid-top variety. I don't know how much the Air Flight 89's cost when they came out, but they were surely considered the poor man's AJ4. Even to this day the AF89 is a relatively affordable high quality sneaker with timeless good looks. I have owned many pairs of these shoes and at the moment I am down just to one pair, which was a Nike ID shoe I had customized in white/grey. I really liked the original colorways and of course the original leather they used was very supple and would easily get creased. I don't know about you guys but I don't mind the creasing. Just give me the high quality leather they used back in the day. The leather they use nowadays--and I may be generous by calling it leather--is so stiff and vinyl-like that the shoes have fake look to them. And for whatever reason, Nike ID is no longer offering the AF89 as a customizable shoe.

But here is a pair I once had. These came out in the late 2000's or early 2010's. All black smooth leather with some grey highlights. I never wore these. I was saving them for a rainy day. Eventually they too ended up leaving my collection. Another decision I regret to this day. These are impossible to find now. I like black sneakers but not all black. The only sneaker I'll wear in 100% black is Vans Authentic. (I must admit I once had an all-black pair of AF89's that were not bad at all). Everything else I gotta have some highlights in other colors, preferably white. This was a kickass pair of shoes and I can only hope that Nike will make these again in this colorway. Air Flight 89 is definitely in my top 10 of all-time best sneakers.

2004 Nike Air Jordan IV Retro in White, Chrome, Classic Green

Here is another Air Jordan IV retro that came out in 2004. This was was nearly all white, with some green and chrome highlights. I bought a few pairs of these and only wore one but I was never really into them either. I don't think they were ever as popular as the originals. Below are photos of the pair I never wore and kept stored in its box. As you can see, the mesh 'net' areas turned yellow.

These also were fillers for me until I would be able to get one of the original colorways I wanted so bad. Having a pair of AJ4's that I could wear was better than not having any even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted.

1989 Nike Air Jordan IV in White, Red & Black

I believe I only bought three pairs of Jordans from Vintage USA auction. Make that four. And the first one I ever got was a pair of original 1989 Air Jordan IV in white/red/black. The shoes did not have their original laces or any laces for that matter and I was bummed out by that because, as you can see in the photos, bright new laces on old beat up sneakers is not a great look. At least not to me it isn't. But I was thrilled to be getting my very first pair of Jordan IVs. And these were a size that I could definitely wear.

As far as the condition of these, well, the pictures speak for themselves. Heavily creased, lots of sole wear, ripping inside lining, air pockets shot, etc. As you can see, the soles seemed to be pretty curved especially on the instep sides. But despite all this, the shoes were very comfortable and I was even able to wear them, unlike the cement AJ IV I wrote about before which just came apart after one wearing. Even though these were virtually trashed and the air pockets were popped, the foam midsoles were pretty much intact and I could wear them without causing additional damage. I do remember wearing them just one time and that was to Dominick's grocery store.

Eventually I parted ways with this pair of Jordans as well. I don't remember getting much for them, even though I think I paid a pretty penny for them on Vintage USA. I might have held onto them if they had their original laces. But I still intend to get a pair of these whenever they shall be released again. I know, they will cost $220 or more. But I don't care. If I can I will.