Jordan 4 Retro x A Ma Maniére

The blend of rich tones found across this Jordan 4 Retro x A Ma Maniére collaboration makes for a sneaker that is full of sophistication and style. The whole shoe is founded upon a stable outsole whose multidirectional herringbone grip patterns provide excellent traction. This feature also begins to establish the tonal balance of the design, firstly with the creamy Muslin hue through the forefoot and below the arch, which evokes retro vibes. Then, Burgundy Crush adds a suave touch across the toe cap, around the heel and on the Nike branding in the smooth centre of the outsole.

Meanwhile, the midsole comes in more Muslin tones, its heel marked by a visible window on each side that shows the bouncy Air technology held within. As this lends the wearer high-quality comfort, the black layer that runs around the heel and down each flank helps to protect the upper from splashes of mud and dirt. The upper itself is made from smooth nubuck in a muted shade of purple known as Violet Ore. This fills out everything from the forefoot overlay to the collar, giving the sneaker a classy appearance.

Mesh netting can be seen on each side of the quarter as well as at the bottom of the laces, which are Violet Ore. These thread through TPU lace cages at each end of the eyestay, which have been decorated in the same gentle purple. The top two have been connected to structural wings on either side of the heel, once again in Violet Ore, their geometric shape lending the sneaker additional support.

Inside the shoe, a luxurious quilted lining coats the walls and the sockliner, for a cosy feeling around the foot. A white A Ma Maniére patch resides on the insole, a tiny Jumpman and Michael Jordan’s signature visible upon it. The quilted material also appears on the back of the tongue, while its topside is adorned with a square Violet Ore label, the left one containing a subtle A Ma Maniére logo, the right a Jumpman silhouette, and both with the word “Flight” written in white.

At the back of the shoe, a black moulded heel panel has been nestled within the Violet Ore overlay as it curves towards the midsole. Nike Air branding is embossed into its centre in Medium Ash, creating a slight variation in tone. Above this is a black pull tab in the same fan shape as the lace cages but with embossed bits where the holes should be. On the other side of these tabs is an inspirational quote from Michael Jordan himself – the right one reads “It’s not about the shoes…” and the left says “it’s about where you’re going”. The phrase is completed with the legendary player’s signature. The shoe’s final compelling detail is the small chrome stud on the lateral flank, which has been etched with A Ma Maniére’s logo, thus rounding off this outstanding pair of sneakers.