For years, the Eminem x Air Jordan 4 “Encore” was the kind of shoe most people could only admire from a distance. That’s set to change in 2027, with the colorway finally getting its first retail release. The original pair dates back to 2005, when it was made for friends and family around Eminem’s Encore album. The new version keeps that connection, but it won’t be a straight copy of the original.

Only about 50 pairs of the original are believed to exist, which has made the “Encore” one of the toughest Air Jordan 4 collaborations to find. Jordan Brand brought the shoe back in 2017 around Eminem’s Revival album, but that run was even smaller at just 23 pairs. Those never hit stores either, though one pair was made available through a StockX charity campaign benefiting the Marshall Mathers Foundation.

For 2027, the Air Jordan 4 comes dressed in Blue Ribbon, Game Purple, Stealth, and Black. Blue nubuck covers most of the upper, joined by translucent wing eyelets and black accents throughout. Purple replaces the red detailing seen on the original, including on the Jumpman branding, while “Eminem” lettering is tucked behind the tongue.

The shape is also expected to be updated to more closely match the original Air Jordan 4 build. White wraps around the visible Air unit, with Stealth and Black finishing the outsole.

One part Jordan Brand has yet to clear up is the heel. The 2005 pair used Jumpman branding, but the upcoming release could make the switch to Nike Air.

The Eminem x Air Jordan 4 “Encore” releases May 15, 2027, at select Jordan Brand retailers and Nike SNKRS for $230.

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Source: Sneaker Files / @zsneakerheadz

(Mockup pictured below)