The Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 is set to return on August 2, 2025, nearly two decades after its original debut. First introduced in 2005, the original release consisted of only 72 pairs and was never made widely available. That scarcity gave the sneaker immediate cult status, turning it into one of the most sought-after Jordan collaborations ever produced. The 2025 reissue brings the rare design back into focus, this time with a retail release accessible to a broader audience.
The Legacy of Undefeated’s First Jordan Collaboration
Undefeated, a Los Angeles-based sneaker boutique and streetwear label founded in 2002 by James Bond and Eddie Cruz, quickly became influential for its curatorial approach to sneaker releases. The brand’s 2005 collaboration with Jordan Brand marked the first official partnership between Jordan and a sneaker store. The design gained attention for its scarcity as well as for its construction. Unlike other retro 4s at the time, this version incorporated premium materials and a color scheme rooted in utilitarian style, rather than sport-driven aesthetics.
Undefeated’s military influences came through clearly. The olive green upper, drawn directly from the MA-1 flight jacket worn by U.S. Air Force pilots, defined the sneaker’s identity. The addition of orange lining, a nod to the interior of those same jackets, elevated the reference without overstating it. Undefeated had built a narrative that felt authentic to both sneaker enthusiasts and streetwear followers. The Velcro patch on the tongue, with interchangeable logo tags, further highlighted the tactical feel.
Flight Jacket Design with Two Distinct Heel Logos
The Undefeated Jordan 4 2025 expands on the legacy of the original by offering collectors two distinct options for the first time. The 2025 reissue of the Undefeated x Jordan 4 introduces two versions of the coveted design, both built around the original concept inspired by the MA-1 flight jacket. One pair stays true to the 2005 release, featuring a Jumpman logo on the heel tab (SKU: IB1519-200). The second version updates the heel branding with a Nike Air logo (SKU: IB1854-200), aligning with Jordan Brand’s recent trend of using OG Nike branding on retro models. This marks the first time the Undefeated 4s will be offered with the Nike Air logo, giving collectors a new twist on the original design.
Both versions feature the signature olive green nubuck upper, black molded eyelets, TPU support wings, and Velcro patch tongues. Inside, a vibrant orange textile lines the tongue, drawing from the MA-1 jacket’s high-visibility interior. The off-white polyurethane midsole and orange-tinted Air unit remain consistent across both pairs, preserving the functional-meets-military aesthetic that defined the original release.
Updated Structure, Same DNA
Jordan Brand rarely reissues collaborations from the early 2000s in their original form, especially when they were produced in such limited numbers. This re-release maintains fidelity to the original blueprint while meeting modern standards for comfort, structure, and fit. The materials used for the upper have been updated for durability, while the cushioning in the sole reflects improvements in midsole composition seen in other recent Air Jordan 4 retros.
The shape of the 2025 version also follows the modern Jordan 4 mold, with adjustments made to panel curvature, toe box height, and tongue construction. Collectors familiar with both the 2005 and current Jordan 4 builds will notice these structural shifts, but visually, the sneaker remains true to its original concept.
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A Rare Drop in a Busy Season
The release of the Undefeated x Jordan 4 adds momentum to Jordan Brand’s already packed summer calendar. Scheduled for August 2, the drop arrives shortly after other notable releases such as the Air Jordan 4 Rare Air, which features removable tongue patches and a distressed black and grey upper. While those models offer new takes on the Jordan archive, the Undefeated 4 brings something very different: a direct link to one of the most referenced and unattainable sneakers of the past 20 years.
The sneaker’s history places it in a category few others can claim. Resale pairs of the original regularly fetch prices well over $20,000, with collectors considering it a grail item. The 2025 version does not attempt to undercut that legacy but instead offers access to the design for those who never had the chance to experience it firsthand.
Retail Details and Where to Buy
Retailers expected to sell the Undefeated x Jordan 4 include Nike SNKRS and select Jordan brand partners. While exact production numbers remain undisclosed, this release will significantly exceed the original 72-pair run. Even with increased availability, demand is expected to exceed supply. The Jordan 4 Undefeated release date is set for August 2. Retail pricing is set at $225, reflecting its status as a collaborative release. Packaging has not yet been officially revealed, but early images suggest custom branding will accompany the pair, with co-branded inserts and possibly unique boxing materials that reference the original 2005 drop.
