In sneaker culture, few releases reach grail status. Even fewer maintain it for 20 years. But the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4, originally released in 2005, did exactly that—and now it’s coming back. In 2025, Jordan Brand is set to re-release the iconic collaboration, bringing one of the most mythical sneakers of all time back into the spotlight for a new generation.
The Origin: 2005
Back in 2005, Undefeated was still a rising streetwear and sneaker boutique out of Los Angeles. Known for its military-inspired aesthetic and West Coast energy, it became the first sneaker boutique to collaborate with Jordan Brand. The result? A limited run of 72 pairs of an olive-and-black Air Jordan 4 with orange hits, inspired by flight jackets and military tones.
The pairs were friends-and-family exclusives at first, with a few raffled or auctioned. Retail price? Around $200. Resale value? Today, you’d be lucky to find a clean pair for under $20,000.
The 2005 Undefeated Jordan 4 wasn’t just rare. It was significant. It marked a shift in how Jordan Brand approached collaborations—trusting boutiques to reinterpret its legacy models. This opened the door for future boutique partners like Union LA, A Ma Maniére, and Concepts to get in the mix.
The Design
What made the Undefeated AJ4 stand out wasn’t just scarcity—it was the vibe. The olive nubuck upper, black netting, orange accents, and velcro tongue patch (in place of the standard Jumpman) gave the sneaker a raw, tactical energy. It didn’t scream for attention; it flexed with quiet authority.
The design was rooted in military influence, but the shoe became a flex piece for those deep in the culture. Chris Gibbs (of Union) once described it as a sneaker that felt like a secret handshake among true heads.
The Legacy
Over time, the Undefeated 4 grew into legend. It appeared in sneaker documentaries, elite sneaker collections, and was rarely seen in the wild. James Bond, Undefeated’s co-founder, and various tastemakers in the early 2000s elevated its aura. You didn’t just wear Undefeated 4s—you told a story when you did.
And that story was exclusive, unattainable, and impossible to replicate… until now.
The 2025 Return
Fast forward to 2025: Nike confirms a re-release of the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4, nearly two decades later. Though details are still emerging, early leaks suggest the retro will closely mirror the original design—olive upper, orange accents, and co-branded tongue tags intact.
However, this drop will be far more widely available than the original 72-pair run. Expect raffles, tier-zero boutique releases, and likely a SNKRS drop. The democratization of the silhouette brings excitement—and debate.
Some collectors are thrilled: finally, a chance to own a piece of history. Others are more guarded, fearing the re-release might dilute the mystique of the original.
But one thing is clear: the re-release introduces the sneaker to a new generation of sneakerheads who never had the chance to chase the OG pair.
Impact on Sneaker Culture
The return of the Undefeated 4 is bigger than just another retro. It’s a moment. It reminds us of a time when collabs were rare, when boutique storytelling was still new, and when scarcity created cultural weight.
In many ways, this release highlights how much sneaker culture has evolved—and how brands are now looking backward to honor what made the scene iconic in the first place.
Expect this drop to dominate 2025 conversation. Expect resale to be strong—especially if the materials and shape stay true to form. Expect nostalgia. And expect debates over whether grails should ever be re-released.
But most of all, expect a celebration of one of the most respected collaborations in sneaker history.
The AJ4 x Undefeated Legend Returns
From 72 friends-and-family pairs in 2005 to a global re-release in 2025, the Undefeated x Jordan 4 represents a full-circle moment. It’s a reminder that great design, storytelling, and culture can live on for decades.
Whether you’re a collector, a casual fan, or just someone who loves sneakers with history, this release is more than a shoe—it’s a legacy.
Enter the raffles here, via Undefeated.com.
