Heat or Yeet: The Air Jordan 4 gets a net-centric makeover

As a writer specializing in the fashion industry, I naturally have my own tastes and preferences when it comes to styles and offerings, whether in apparel, accessories, or, particularly, footwear. One of the perks of my job is the opportunity to express my opinions on the latest trends and upcoming releases. Recently, I came across news of a reimagined Air Jordan 4 release designed exclusively for women. The unique design and bold makeover immediately caught my attention. Although I’m not the biggest fan of the Air Jordan 4 silhouette—I'm more of an Air Jordan 3 enthusiast—I can certainly appreciate its appeal. I’ve noticed that the Air Jordan 4 has consistently been a popular choice among women, so it’s no surprise that this latest release is available only in women's sizes.

The model in which I've been referring to is the Air Jordan 4 Net "White/Phantom/Metallic Gold" colorway. According to Footwear News, the sneaker is set to be released on December 2nd at a starting retail price tag of $210, it is expected to be followed by black and rattan colorways later in 2025.

What specifically threw me off about this particular model? Well, to put it simply, the design isn't the most flattering. The combination of matte white with gold trim doesn't do it any favors. While white and gold are often regarded as an elegant and classy color combination that evokes a sense of luxury without necessarily being prohibitively expensive, this shoe simply misses the mark. In fact, it comes across as quite unattractive. On social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), a significant number of responses echo my negative sentiments.

It wouldn't much of a surprise if the upcoming Air Jordan 4 "Net" is an absolute dud

I understand the appeal of redesigning iconic sneakers to give them a fresh twist or a unique spin on a timeless look. Sometimes, change breathes new life into a popular silhouette or style. However, this particular design feels too difficult to pull off. I can’t imagine many women feeling bold enough to wear such a whimsical sneaker in public. While I appreciate the boys’ efforts to embrace quirky and unconventional sneaker designs, I’m not convinced this particular style will resonate with women.

Without sounding overly critical, it would be simpler to say that these Air Jordan 4 "Net" sneakers are definitely a miss. If the colorway were slightly different, I might be more inclined to support these sneakers. However, it's difficult to envision anyone fully endorsing such an unusual design.