Air Jordan 4 White Cement 2016 vs 2025: Historical Comparison of Releases
The Air Jordan 4 White Cement 2025 adds another chapter to the story. The story spans five releases over four decades: 1989, 1999, 2012, 2016, and the 2025. Four of those drops—the 1989 OG, the 1999 first retro, the 2016 “Remastered,” and the 2025—have the Nike Air heel logo. Only the 2012 has the Jumpman logo. From Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing to the 2025’s true-to-OG proportions, this guide goes through each release before diving into the 2016 vs 2025 debate—so you can explore the differences between each release.
Quick‑Look Evolution Timeline
| Year | Style Code | Heel Branding | MSRP | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 840606‑101 (OG) | Nike Air | $110 | Debut colorway, appeared in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing |
| 1999 | 136013‑101 | Nike Air | $100 | First retro; limited run, true‑to‑OG shade |
| 2012 | 308497‑103 | Jumpman | $160 | Wider run, darker “Tech Grey,” larger speckles, paint‑chip complaints |
| 2016 | 840606‑192 | Nike Air | $220 | “Remastered”, OG grey, banana toe shape, All‑Star Weekend drop |
| 2025 | FV5029‑100 | Nike Air | $225 | OG‑shape tweak, Sleeker toe, Upgraded thick leather |
Cemented In Pop Culture
Launched in 1989, the crisp white leather and speckled Tech Grey captured pop culture when Buggin Out got his pair scuffed in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing**—cementing (pun intended) the shoe’s legend far beyond the court.
Release‑by‑Release Deep Dives
1989 OG
- Designer: Tinker Hatfield
- Notables: Visible Air, plastic wings, Nike Air heel, hangtag.
- On‑Court Moment: MJ’s 1989 playoff heroics against the Cavs.
1999 Retro
- First time the colorway returned; still carried Nike Air and OG mold.
- Lower $100 MSRP (inflation‑adjusted bargain).
- Smaller runs create today’s sky‑high resale.
2012 Retro
- Swapped Nike Air branding for the Jumpman heel, thicker leather grain, off‑shade grey.
- Retail jumped to $160; QC issues with midsole paint cracking surfaced quickly.
- Widely available, so resale remains tamer.
2016 Retro (“Remastered”)
- Jordan Brand restored Nike Air and corrected grey tone & speckle pattern.
- Banana shaped toe box that OG-purists aren't a fan of.
- Higher $220 MSRP but better leather and shape refinement.
- Released Feb 13 2016 during All‑Star Weekend—pairs vanished instantly.
2025 Retro (Upcoming)
- Jordan Brand restored Nike Air and corrected grey tone & speckle pattern. Speckles appear on Nike Air heel branding like the 89 and 99.
- Banana shaped toe box that OG-purists aren't a fan of.
- Fixed mesh closer to 89 and 99
- Higher $220 MSRP but better leather and shape refinement.
- Released Feb 13 2016 during All‑Star Weekend—pairs vanished instantly.
2016 vs 2025: Head‑to‑Head Breakdown
| Category | 2016 Pair | 2025 Pair | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape Accuracy | Big improvement vs 2012; still a tad bulky at toe | Further slimmed toe & truer collar height. Much better proportions. | 2025 |
| Leather & Craft | Natural grain; minimal overspray | Better premium leather. Improved netting. | 2025 |
| Speckle & Grey Tone | OG‑correct Tech Grey, dense random speckles | Slightly lighter grey, micro‑speckles | 2025 |
| Heel Branding | Nike Air | Nike Air | Tie |
| Retail Price | $220 | $225 | 2016 (cheaper) |
Sizing and Fit
Both the 2016 and the 2025 iterations use polyurethane midsoles with Air units; no Zoom strobel like modern Js, so break‑in is similar. Expect true‑to‑size with the 2025 release... you will also be ok going half size down.
FAQs
Does the 2025 release have Nike Air on the heel?
Yes—official photos show the original Nike Air branding.
Why was the 2012 pair criticized?
Jumpman heel, darker grey, rounded speckles, and widespread paint cracking.
Which release is closest to the OG?
2025. Definitely.
Will the 2025 pair come in kids’ sizes?
Yes—Jordan Brand has confirmed full family sizing in GS, PS, and TD.
Final Take
If you’re an OG‑shape purist, 2025 is shaping up to be the definitive retro. The new version is the closest to the original that we've ever received. Every White Cement drop tells a chapter of sneaker history—with the new release being such a well-made take on the original, it will likely drop the price of some of the more recent releases. With that being said, 2025 is the best retro we've received to date of this colorway.
Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” 2025 Release Date: Everything You Need to Know
