The Air Jordan 4 ‘Flight Club’ 2025 Release Revives a 1989 Legacy

In today’s world, we consume sneaker news, releases, and community info mostly online and in a heartbeat. Between Instagram leaks and SNKRS app notifications, the next kicks are always just a thumb-swipe away. However, back in 1989, things were different. If you wanted to be part of the inner circle, you had to join the Air Jordan Flight Club. Back then, this physical fan organisation was the only way to get the latest news on Michael Jordan’s footwear.

Now, Jordan Brand is honouring that with a special release. The Air Jordan 4 ‘Flight Club’, scheduled for release at the beginning of 2026, serves as a kind of love letter to the heritage of the brand.

The Story: What Was the Flight Club?

For all of you who are too young to remember, or simply haven’t heard of it, the Jordan Flight Club history is a trip down memory lane. Back in the day, the Air Jordan Flight Club was an original fan membership programme in the late ’80s and early ’90s that sent out newsletters, posters, and exclusive gear.

Joining was a rite of passage; you’d find a membership card tucked inside your shoe box, which you’d mail off to join the ranks. Members were posted a physical membership card, exclusive newsletters, and unique merchandise that is considered gold on the vintage market today.

This release now celebrates that legacy with subtle, thoughtful details. The standard ‘Flight’ script on the tongue has been replaced with specific ‘Flight Club’ branding, and the graphic insoles feature imagery pulled directly from those original 1980s newsletters.

The Design: ‘Military Black’ Meets Heritage

At first glance, the AJ4 Flight Club 2026 release feels familiar, and for good reason. The pair utilises the exact same colour blocking as the modern classic ‘Military Black’. However, while that release was sleek and monochrome, this new iteration takes a hard turn into vintage territory. Instead of stark, clinical white, the upper is crafted from a premium, creamy ‘Sail’ leather. This finish provides an aged, ‘straight out of the box’ vintage aesthetic that fits the story perfectly.

The design still maintains the sharp black details on the mudguard and wings that we know from the ‘Military Black’ from 2022, but introduces ‘University Red’ accents on the tongue and branding. This is a direct nod to the Chicago Bulls and the original Flight Club logo. The sneaker will be available in GS, PS, and TD sizes, too.

Nike Air on the Heel Tab

One for the “OGs”: the most vital detail sits at the back of the shoe. The heel tab features the “Nike Air” branding, finished with a subtle red outline. This choice elevates the sneaker from a standard retro to an “OG” style release.

In the world of Jordan 4s, the “Nike Air” stamp is a badge of quality and authenticity that distinguishes a cool colourway from a genuine must-have.

Why Membership Has Its Privileges

The Air Jordan 4 ‘Flight Club’ is, in our opinion, an exceptional retro release: one that provides a history lesson through smart detailing without sacrificing style. Thanks to the ‘Sail’ and ‘Black’ base, it offers a smooth design that is easy to style, yet carries a deep narrative for those in the know.

The Jordan 4 Flight Club will release in full family sizing, including GS, PS, and TD sizes too.

Keep an eye on our socials so you don’t miss any info on this special release!

IMAGE CREDITS: Nike ; GOAT ; Flight Club