From a nickname to an era-defining sneaker, the Black Cat Air Jordan 4 is returning next weekend.
By now, the story is familiar to sneaker heads. Though the exact originator is unknown, it has become a common tale that players within the NBA began calling Michael Jordan a “Black Cat” after his ferocity and agility on the court. Jordan was known for being the unstoppable force on the court- and players in the league felt it was easy to compare him to the top of the food chain.
Tinker Hatfield, naturally, took that nickname and created Jordan Brand legacy from it. First, Hatfield used the nickname to inform the design language of the Air Jordan 13. Then, the “Black Cat” became the colorway inspiration for some of the most beloved Air Jordan sneakers ever.
The original Black Cat 4 launched in 2006. Photo via Flightclub
In 2006, Jordan Brand introduced the world to an all black Air Jordan 4. The pair was dressed in all black nubuck and was only broken from that motif by a few grey accents. Naturally, it was dubbed the Black Cat Air Jordan 4. In the era where Non-OG retros began taking command of the Air Jordan fan’s headspace, the Black Cat 4 grabbed everyone’s attention.
The success of the Black Cat 4 led the colorway to become a staple. The theme would soon appear on other iconic Air Jordan sneakers. The Air Jordan 3 Black Cat soon followed. In the years after, the Jordan 13 released a Black Cat colorway, perfectly on the nose. Since then, many all-black Air Jordans have received the moniker and the responsibility of carrying the nickname’s legacy.
In 2020, the Black Cat 4 returned and caused utter mayhem at the peak of the pandemic. An era defined by everyone who was bored at home wanting a piece of the sneaker hobby. Prices were at an all-time high, and the 2020 Black Cat Four retro was prime for the taking.
Funny enough, the 2020 Black Cat 4 was released a mere few weeks before the entire world shut down. In the months following, though, prices on the secondary market skyrocketed the sneaker into another stratosphere.
The 2020 Black Cat 4 via KITH
The Black Cat 4 was an easy gateway for new sneaker fans. Not only was it on one of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing of Air Jordan models, but it was also easy to wear. The beloved all black sneaker lent itself to endless possibilities. Soon enough, the 2020 Black Cat 4 went from a welcomed retro to the upper echelon of sneakers in the secondary market. Thus, creating a juxtaposition- the epic nickname turned sneaker became a status symbol for those with the most discretionary funds.
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Next week, the Black Cat 4 is returning. The 2025 retro will mark the third time Jordan Brand has released the sneaker.
In 2025, things are certainly different. Gone are the days of four-digit resale prices. Gone are the days of seeing people who weren’t truly fans wearing a sneaker with such history.
The 2025 retro, in a lot of ways, feels like one for the truest Air Jordan fans. Though plenty are anxious, due to the history of the 2020 retro in the secondary market, next week’s release will surely please fans of the iconic sneaker. A sneaker that started a trend within Jordan Brand and created a legacy of demand that still follows it in 2025.
The Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ releases via SNKRS and participating Jordan Brand retailers on November 28th. This 2025 retro will mark the first time the pair releases with the iconic ‘Nike Air’ branding on the heel.
Official images courtesy of SNKRS
