I’m on a world tour with Michael, my man.
Twenty years ago, Jordan Brand released a trio of Air Jordan 4 colorways that captured the sneaker consciousness above most non-OG colorways.
Accented with vibrant yellow, the “Thunder” and “Lightning” Air Jordan 4 introduced a new colorway to the iconic Jordan Brand silhouette. Both released in 2006, the sneakers marked the brand’s well-known turning point. Back then, Jordan Brand continually experimented with new colorways to widen its reach. The experimentation worked as both sneakers became hits with fans. The pack didn’t stop at two pairs, though. Because before the Thunder and Lightning pairs graced us in August of 2006, the “Tour Yellow” pair introduced the palette in May of that year.
The 2006 Tour Yellow 4 via Flight Club
While its yellow counterparts would defect from the mold, the Tour Yellow 4 looks and feels similar to a 1989 original. It was built on a leather base like several of the OGs. All the while, it featured black accents and a classic white netting. Of course, where the sneaker did change, it became one of the most iconic Air Jordan sneakers ever. The speckled midsole that we fell in love with on the White Cement 4 is introduced to this bold yellow color that created the pack. The wings are accented by smoky lace eyelets. Perhaps the most iconic detail of them all- the tear-away tongue that was only replicated by another classic Air Jordan sneaker.
While the Thunder and Lightning colorways have enjoyed retro releases, several in the case of the Thunder, the Lightning pair has remained in the vault for 20 years. The most tame, and often most wearable, of the pack remained the most unobtainable. While the Thunder branched out into a separate line with new colorways, the Tour Yellow remained off the road. Until now.
Twenty years after its last release. Twenty years since it watched its counterparts make a comeback, the Tour Yellow is finally back. With it comes a classic reputation. The reputation of a sneaker that kicked off a new era for the Air Jordan 4. A reputation that will return it to shelves this weekend.
The Air Jordan 4 Tour Yellow releases this Saturday, September 5th, via Nike and Jordan Brand retailers like JD Sports.
Photos courtesy of Nike
