One of the rarest celebrity sneakers ever created may finally become available to the public. Eminem’s highly sought-after Air Jordan 4 “Encore” is reportedly being prepared for a 2027 retail release, more than two decades after the original version became a nearly impossible-to-find collector’s item.
According to Sneaker News, the rumored release is currently expected to arrive on May 15, 2027. Early information lists the style code as JJ3098-400, while reports suggest that the updated pair will preserve the sneaker’s signature blue appearance but replace the original red detailing with Game Purple accents. Jordan Brand and Eminem have not officially announced the release.
The original “Encore” Air Jordan 4 was created in 2005 to celebrate Eminem’s fifth studio album, Encore. Only a small number of pairs were reportedly produced for the rapper’s friends and family, instantly placing the collaboration in a level of rarity that most sneaker releases never reach.
A second limited version appeared in 2017, but that run was also kept extremely small and connected to a charitable campaign. With so few authentic pairs entering circulation over the years, the “Encore” has remained a sneaker most collectors have only encountered through photographs, celebrity collections, auctions or expensive resale listings.
Visually, the collaboration stands out through its rich blue upper, contrasting black and grey elements and Eminem-related branding. The rumored addition of purple details would distinguish the 2027 edition from the original while allowing Jordan Brand to preserve the unmistakable identity that made the sneaker legendary.
Should the reported release move forward, the Eminem x Air Jordan 4 “Encore” would transition from a friends-and-family grail into one of 2027’s most anticipated retail launches. Official images, distribution details and confirmation from Jordan Brand are still awaited, but the possibility of owning a widely released version has already given sneaker collectors plenty to discuss.
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