On the surface, the Nike SB Air Jordan SB Pine Green may look like your standard issue Jordan 4 but when we dig a little deeper, we start to see what makes this pair special. We all know the SB towers over General Release (GR) dunks with better materials, cushioning, and craftsmanship and it looks like Nike has taken that same approach to the Pine Green 4’s.
First things first, the materials on some of the wings have been upgraded from plastic to a firm rubber to make them more durable against grip tape. The Jordan brand allegedly toyed with the idea of removing the wings altogether during the development stages, thankfully that idea was scrapped. The midsole has received a makeover as well with a thinner design to give a better board feel. Standard 4’s feature 2 air pockets, one in the heel and one in the toe box, but the SBs do away with the forward air pocket to further enhance board feel and control.
The upper has been slimmed down using softer materials to speed the break-in process and make them more flexible for kickflips and such. On the backside of the shoe, the heel tab also received a material swap giving it more elasticity and flexibility. The heel tab also brands the Nike SB logo where the Jumpman is typically found. The suede on the toe box has been streamlined and uses a higher quality suede than we typically see on 4’s to further the mission of a better feel on the board.
If you own a pair of SB Dunks you're no doubt familiar with the increased cushioning around the heel and the Pine Greens feature that same upgrade. If you typically go a half size up in SBs, it may not be a bad idea to do the same here. The last visible difference is on the outsole. Translucent and Gum soles are notoriously tackier and have better grip than standard rubber, so the Gum has been added to the toe and heel where traction really matters. Lastly, the Jordan brand opted to stitch the shoe with a thicker than GR's to protect against blowouts and breakdowns. The upgrades seem pretty major and very tactical. Overall, the shoe seems to be built like a tank.
The Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Pine Green will cost $225 and is releasing on March 20, 2023 via the SNKRS App and select SB Skateshops nationwide. For the latest information on sneakers, clothing, and collectibles and to stay up to date with the latest drops, connect with us on Instagram and Twitter.
Images via @zsneakerheads and Nike