Jordan 4
(GS) Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Black Cat’ 2020 Review: Sleek, Stealthy, and Street-Approved
Introduction
When minimalism meets legacy, the result is the (GS) Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Black Cat’ 2020. Re-released for the first time since 2006, this all-black classic pays homage to Michael Jordan’s stealthy court presence—earning it the nickname “Black Cat.” And in grade school sizing, it’s the perfect fit for the next generation of sneaker lovers.
Whether you’re a parent shopping for a stylish, durable pair of Nike shoes, or a young sneakerhead looking for a monochrome masterpiece, the Black Cat 4 delivers a timeless aesthetic wrapped in Jordan heritage.
Design: Stealth Mode Activated
The design of the Black Cat 4 is unapologetically dark—built around a near-monochromatic black color palette that gives the shoe an understated but elite presence.
Design Highlights:
- Triple-black upper made from soft nubuck suede
- Black mesh paneling on the sides and tongue for breathability
- Matte black midsole and outsole for a clean, uninterrupted silhouette
- Glossy black Jumpman branding on tongue and heel
- Subtle textural contrast gives depth without breaking the tone
Perfect for those who prefer sleek and versatile stylish sneakers, the Black Cat 4 stands out by blending in.
Materials & Build Quality
Despite being a GS (Grade School) release, the Black Cat AJ4 doesn’t skimp on quality. It mirrors the adult version with premium materials and attention to detail.
Material Breakdown:
- Upper: Nubuck suede for a smooth yet rugged finish
- Overlays: Mesh netting adds ventilation and texture
- Midsole: Foam cushioning with visible Air-Sole unit
- Outsole: Durable rubber with classic herringbone tread
This sneaker offers great structure and longevity, making it an excellent choice for kids and teens who are active but also care about style.
Comfort and Wearability
Even with its basketball DNA, the Air Jordan 4 performs exceptionally well as an everyday lifestyle shoe. The GS version maintains that comfort while catering to smaller, growing feet.
Comfort Features:
- Foam-padded collar for ankle support and flexibility
- Air-Sole unit in the heel absorbs shock on impact
- Lightweight cushioning ideal for all-day school wear or casual outings
- Secure lace-up system for a locked-in feel
Whether heading to class, skating after school, or pulling off a streetwear look, the Black Cat is reliable and comfortable from morning to night.
Styling the Black Cat 4 (GS)
One of the biggest advantages of the Black Cat colorway is its styling flexibility. It goes with everything—from jeans and joggers to shorts and streetwear layers.
Outfit Ideas:
- Back-to-school fit: Slim-fit jeans, oversized hoodie, and a black backpack
- Weekend casual: Cargo pants, graphic tee, and a beanie
- All-black streetwear: Techwear joggers, bomber jacket, and silver chains
- Minimalist look: Monochrome outfit with a subtle pop of color (e.g., red hat or socks)
It’s hard to find a sneaker that balances fashion and function as well as the Black Cat 4—especially in youth sizing.
Who Should Buy It?
The GS Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cat’ is ideal for:
- Young sneakerheads developing their collection
- Parents seeking durable and fashionable kicks for their kids
- Teens and pre-teens wanting a pair that matches everything
- Collectors adding youth-size grails to their display
It’s a must-have for anyone looking for authentic Nike shoes that don’t go out of style.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-black design is versatile and timeless | Suede material may scuff or mark with rough use |
| Premium build quality in youth sizing | Slightly harder to clean due to dark materials |
| Comfortable and well-cushioned for all-day wear | May run a bit snug—consider sizing up if needed |
| Matches adult version for mini-me styling | Often sells out quickly in popular sizes |
Compared to Other Youth Stylish Sneakers
| Sneaker | Highlight | Compared to Black Cat 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Max 90 GS ‘Triple Black’ | Lightweight & casual | Less premium feel, more everyday-friendly |
| Air Jordan 1 Low GS ‘Shadow’ | Low-cut for summer looks | Less support and presence |
| Adidas Forum Mid GS ‘Core Black’ | Chunky retro design | More aggressive, less iconic than AJ4 |
| Puma RS-X GS ‘Black/Red’ | Streetwear-ready and bold | Cheaper, but lacks Jordan legacy |
The Black Cat AJ4 stands out as a premium youth sneaker that blends performance, fashion, and heritage.
Where to Buy
Because it’s a past release (2020), the Black Cat GS pairs aren’t available at retail anymore—but you can still find them at reputable resale platforms.
Recommended Stores:
- TheenStyle – Trusted for hard-to-find sizes and exclusive youth kicks
- GOAT – Authentication guarantee and buyer protection
- StockX – Real-time market prices and secure transactions
Look for style code 408452-010, and double-check GS sizing guides to get the perfect fit.
Final Verdict
The (GS) Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘Black Cat’ 2020 proves that less is more. With its clean triple-black aesthetic, premium materials, and legendary Jordan 4 construction, it’s a must-have for young sneaker lovers—or anyone wanting a sleek, all-purpose shoe in a smaller size.
✔ Stylish
✔ Comfortable
✔ Versatile
✔ Collectible
Whether for school, casual hangs, or building a solid sneaker rotation, the Black Cat AJ4 stands as one of the most fashionable sneakers in the Jordan Grade School catalog.