Air Jordan 4 History: From "The Shot" to Today's Top Releases

Quick answer: Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 4 in 1989. That May, Michael Jordan wore it when he hit "The Shot," a playoff buzzer-beater over the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the shoe became a legend. Decades later, Jordan Brand kept telling that story with colorways like the women's "Frozen Moments" (August 2023), named after a 1990s Nike commercial about what it felt like to watch Jordan play. Want a Jordan 4 today? Classic colorways like Bred and White Cement have come back many times. The shoe fits true to size, and wide feet should go up a half size.

Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 4 as the follow-up to the Jordan 3. He made it lighter and more breathable, with plastic lace "wings," mesh panels and visible Air in the heel. It came out in 1989.

On May 7, 1989, in the deciding Game 5 of a first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jordan hit a buzzer-beating jumper over Craig Ehlo to win. Fans call it "The Shot," and he was wearing Air Jordan 4s. That same year, Spike Lee put a pair of Jordan 4s in a famous scene in his film Do the Right Thing. Those two moments turned the Jordan 4 into one of the most loved sneakers of all time.

Jordan Brand keeps telling the Jordan 4 story through new colorways. One of the best known is the Frozen Moments.

JD Expert Question: What's the story behind the Air Jordan 4 Frozen Moments?

JD Expert Answer: The name nods to a 1990s Nike commercial about what it felt like to watch Michael Jordan play, when his best moments seemed to freeze in time. The women's release in August 2023 told that story with icy grey suede, white laces and shiny chrome wings. It's now mostly found on resale. For details on its materials, fit and care, see our Air Jordan 4 Frozen Moments buying guide.

Today's Jordan 4s keep the same features that made the 1989 original special:

• The wings: Plastic lace supports that let you lace the shoe for a custom fit and help hold your midfoot in place.
• The mesh: Netting on the side panels and tongue that lets air in. It was a new idea for basketball shoes in 1989.
• The traction: A grippy rubber outsole that works well on court and on the street.

• For the history fan: Look for the Bred (black and red) and White Cement colorways, the looks most tied to the 1989 story.
• For an everyday pair: Neutral and grey colorways are easy to style and give a similar clean look to the Frozen Moments.
• For new drops: Jordan 4 colorways come and go. Check the JD Sports release calendar for upcoming launches.

• Most people: Buy your true size.
• Wide feet: Go up a half size. The toe box is snug and the leather doesn't stretch much.
• Women's pairs like Frozen Moments: Men should go down 1.5 sizes from women's sizing (a men's 9 is a women's 10.5).
• Kids: Big kids' (GS) Jordan 4s fit the same way. See kids' Jordans at JD Sports.

• When did the Air Jordan 4 come out? In 1989. Tinker Hatfield designed it.
• What shoes did Michael Jordan wear for "The Shot"? He wore Air Jordan 4s when he hit the game-winner over Cleveland in the 1989 playoffs.
• Why is it called the Frozen Moments? The name comes from a 1990s Nike commercial about what it felt like to watch Michael Jordan play.
• Do Jordan 4s run true to size? Yes, for most people. Wide feet should go up a half size.

Which Jordan 4 should a history fan buy?

• For the 1989 story: Choose a Bred or White Cement Jordan 4.
• For the Frozen Moments look: It's a past release, so check resale, or pick a grey or neutral Jordan 4 for a similar style.
• Fit tip: Buy your true size, or go up a half size if you have wide feet.
• Ready to shop? See every Air Jordan 4 at JD Sports.

• Brand History: Background on the 1989 Air Jordan 4, "The Shot" and the Frozen Moments name.
• Design History: Background on Tinker Hatfield's Air Jordan 4 wings, mesh panels and heel Air.
• Sneaker Release Coverage: Reports on the August 2023 women's Air Jordan 4 Frozen Moments release.
• JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.