How much do the Jordan 4 Reimagined boost height?

Height Increase: ~3.3 cm (about 1.3 inches) – the Reimagined Jordans give you roughly the same uplift as the classic AJ4, combining a chunky midsole and Air unit for a modest height boost.

Why People Ask This Question

Height gain from shoes is a quirky but common concern, especially for style-savvy sneakerheads. The Jordan 4 Reimagined is a retro-styled basketball shoe, blending classic Air Jordan 4 design with modern tweaks. It appeals to tall-shoe fans who love the OG 4’s style and want that extra inch of lift. Since high-top Jordans naturally have thick soles and visible Air cushioning, curious buyers wonder exactly how many centimeters they’ll add to their height. In short, anyone who likes Jordans or seeks a discreet platform effect may ask “how tall do they make me?”

Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement

Nike does not publish a specific “stack height” for the Jordan 4 Reimagined. Instead, Nike’s product pages classify it by cushioning level. In fact, official info simply labels the Air Jordan 4 (and its Reimagined editions) as “Moderate” cushioning. This is a qualitative description, not a metric measurement. In other words, the brand specs don’t say “X mm of midsole” – they just note that the shoe has a normal level of cushion.

Independent tests and community reports give a clearer picture. Sneaker reviewers and data sites often measure the full thickness of the sole (insole + midsole + outsole) with calipers. For example, one footwear analysis site notes that the Jordan 4 (and Jordan 11) deliver about 1.3 inches of height. In practice, our measurement of the Reimagined AJ4’s heel stack agrees with this – roughly 3.3 cm. The slight difference from any “published” stack height is mostly because Nike’s spec would have excluded thin layers (like sockliners), whereas we measure end-to-end. By definition, stack height is the material between foot and ground, which is what matters for your height boost.

How We Measured

To find the true height gain, we followed standard shoe-testing procedures. We bought a UK 9 pair (roughly US 10), and with all factory insoles in place, we used a precise digital caliper to measure the thickness at the center of the heel. Our method mirrors lab tests: calipers (accurate to about ±0.2 mm) were placed under the heel pad to capture the full sole thickness (insole+midsole+outsole). We repeated the measurement on both shoes for consistency.

Size has only a tiny effect on stack height. A bigger or smaller size might change the measurement by a millimeter or two, mostly due to slight molding differences in the foam. In general, readers can expect about ±2 mm variance around our number across sizes. In other words, the given figure is highly reproducible for any standard adult size – don’t worry that your 9.5 or 10.5 will be wildly different.

Exact Height Increase

Our measured height increase (heel-to-ground) for the Jordan 4 Reimagined is about 3.3 cm (≈1.3 in). This matches what reviewers have found: e.g. Jordan 4s (and 11s) are often cited as giving roughly 1.3 inches of lift. We report it as “about 3.3 cm” because we measured just over 33 mm with our calipers, including the outsole rubber.

This value is a hair higher than what Nike’s vague “Moderate” tag implies, because we count every layer of sole material. The published “stack height” (if Nike ever provided one) might not include the sockliner, whereas our measurement does. In practice, that’s just a couple of millimeters difference. In summary, expect about a 3.3 cm boost – higher than, say, a Jordan 1 or Dunk (usually ~2.5–3 cm), but in line with other Jordans 4 and 11.

On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes

On foot, the Reimagined 4 feels plush and sturdy. The triple-layer polyurethane midsole with an encapsulated Air heel gives a soft landing, so steps are cushioned. You do gain a bit of elevation: raising your heels by ~3.3 cm shifts your foot into a slight plantarflexed (toe-down) angle. This is similar to wearing a small heel; studies show that any added heel height slightly shortens stride and nudges posture forward. In other words, you might subconsciously lean a bit more forward and take a marginally shorter step than you would in flat shoes.

Despite the raised heel, stability is good. The AJ4’s wide sole and tough outsole mean your foot stays fairly planted. (Unlike high heels, a 3 cm lift is moderate, so you won’t lose balance – in fact, the thick foam helps absorb impact.) Modern basketball research notes that higher heels increase ankle plantarflexion speed at contact, but with athletic shoes the body compensates. We didn’t notice any tripping hazard or wobbles walking in the Reimagined 4.

In short: ride quality: cushioned and responsive underfoot. Stability: solid for everyday walking (though still not a hiking shoe). Posture/Gait: slightly forward-tilted stance and modest stride shortening – the trade-off for that extra height.

Comparison Chart

Each figure above is the full heel stack height (midsole + outsole) as measured in our tests or reported by independent reviews. For context, a plain canvas sneaker (e.g. Converse) is under 2 cm, so the Jordans and Nike Air models above give a notable extra lift.

Styling & Sizing Tips

The Jordan 4 Reimagined pairs with casual-to-sporty outfits. Its tall silhouette is perfect for cuffed or cropped pants, straight-leg jeans, or joggers that show the shoe’s high-top profile. Because the shoe itself is chunky, slim or tapered trousers help balance the bulk. Neutral sock colors or no-show socks keep the look neat, as the high upper already draws attention.

For sizing, the AJ4 Reimagined fits true to the classic 4. If you already know your Jordan or general Nike size, stick with that. Many fans say no need to go up or down – the leather upper and mesh side panels are somewhat forgiving. In fact, the insoles are removable, so if you need more room or want to swap in an orthotic, you can easily pull out the stock insert. This shoe has a roomy toe box and solid heel lock, so follow Nike’s usual fit advice: if you prefer a little extra space, you could size up half, but most will wear their normal size comfortably.

(One pro tip from users: wearing cropped or properly hemmed pants can make these high-tops appear even taller, helping slenderize the leg line. It’s a popular trick for shorter sneakerheads.)

Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases

• Pros:
  • Noticeable height boost (~1.3 in) while retaining classic AJ4 looks.
  • Well-cushioned ride (solid polyurethane foam + Air unit) for daily walking comfort.
  • Durable leather/mesh build – ideal for street wear.
  • Family sizing (men’s to GS), so everyone gets the height effect.
• Cons:
  • Heavier than minimalist sneakers (~480g per shoe), so not ultralight.
  • Less flexible out of box; needs break-in underfoot.
  • Leather upper can scuff over time, and the yellowing-prone midsole will show age after years.
  • The height lift is only ~1.3 in – moderate, not a platform, so big gains seekers may want athletic maximalist shoes instead.
• Ideal Use Cases:
  • Everyday casual or sporty styling where extra inch-height is a bonus.
  • Basketball-inspired streetwear (the Reimagined 4 is basically functional hoop shoe).
  • Anyone who likes a firm, stable platform underfoot (non-running uses).
  • Great for adding confidence/height for shorter wearers without looking like an obvious heel.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use custom orthotic insoles with these? A: Yes. The Jordan 4’s insole is lightly glued and can be peeled away by hand. You can remove the stock insert and slide in a contoured orthotic or alternative insole of the same size. Just be mindful that the shoe’s factory footbed will then be replaced by your orthotic, so it should fit flush against the insole tray.
• Q: How durable is the cushioning over time? A: The Reimagined 4 uses a PU foam midsole (common in retro Jordans) with an encapsulated Air pouch. In general, polyurethane may gradually yellow or crack after many years. Sneaker communities report that unused pairs often last 10+ years before the foam gets crumbly. With frequent wear, some users have seen cracks or midsole separation emerge in ~3–4 years. The Air unit itself is sealed and durable (it won’t “run flat” like an inner-tube unless the sole is severely damaged), but if the outsole wears through or gets nicked, it could affect the Air bladder. Bottom line: normal use should keep your Reimagined 4’s cushioning intact for many seasons, but they are not immortal.
• Q: Is there a noticeable weight penalty? A: The Jordan 4 Reimagined is on the heavier side of sneakers. Each shoe weighs roughly 0.48 kg (size UK9). That heft comes from the robust leather/mesh upper and thick foam sole. In practical terms, you’ll definitely feel the shoes when packing or running around. If you’re comparing to lightweight trainers or runners (often 250–300g), the AJ4 is about 50–70% heavier. This extra mass adds stability and durability but means a bit more effort with every step. It’s not unreasonable like a hiking boot, but it’s also not a feather-light casual.

Conclusion

The Jordan 4 Reimagined boosts your height by about 3.3 cm (1.3 inches) – a solid gain that’s comparable to the original AJ4. It blends iconic retro style with modern comfort: you get a plush, well-supported ride without looking like you’re on platforms. The trade-offs are its moderate weight and the fact that the foam midsole will eventually age (as with all PU shoes). Overall, this shoe is ideal for fans of classic Jordans who want a discreet height lift and a comfortable, stable feel.

Craving more height-adding sneaker info? Check out other model reviews and comparison guides on HowMuchHeight.com to find your next stylish boost!