One of the Rarest Air Jordans of All Time Is Returning in 2025

Update: Sept. 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET:

With the ultra-coveted Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Retro collaboration all but officially confirmed to return in 2025, the sneaker’s impending arrival just became a bit more complicated.

According to newly shared information from @zsneakerheadz, there will be two different versions of Undefeated’s Air Jordan 4 collab. Both shoes will share the original “Deep Green/Clementine/Black/Sail” color scheme but will be differentiated by a small detail: their tonal, black-on-black heel branding. 

One shoe, with a SKU of IB1519-200, will feature the Air Jordan 4’s “Nike Air” logo inspired by the original 1989 run of the model. The second iteration, SKU IB1854-200, will instead come adorned with the Jumpman logo often found on non-original styles of the shoe. 

It’s worth noting that the first Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Retro from 2005 featured Jumpman branding, meaning that pair would technically be the closest to the original version. Either way, this is a sneaker that has been sought after for such a long period of time that many fans aren’t likely to be dismayed by such a small change.

In addition to the sneakers, it’s reported that a matching MA-1 flight jacket-inspired Undefeated x Air Jordan Renegade Jacket retailing for $325 will be released alongside a wider apparel collection. 

Founded in 2002, Undefeated has a long history of working with Nike, Inc., with many of its collaborations falling under the Nike Sportswear wing. Aside from the Air Jordan 4, Undefeated’s only work with Jordan Brand was on 2022’s Air Jordan 37. Meanwhile, Undefeated x Nike collaborations have included models such as the Air Force 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 97, Air Terra Humara, Dunk, Kobe 1 Protro, Kobe 4 Protro and Kobe 5 Protro.

According to @zsneakerheadz, the Jumpman-branded Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Retro will be the more widely available version, with the Nike Air iteration expected in more limited numbers, perhaps as a friends-and-family exclusive.

The Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Retro is slated to retail for $225 with an expected release date of June 28. Be sure to check back as this story will be updated with any new developments. 

What We Originally Reported on June 29

Early sneaker leaks can be spotty — not every source is reliable, and footwear brands’ plans are prone to change ahead of rumored release dates. Sneaker-focused social media accounts last week saw a number of purported drops making the rounds, but there’s one pair in particular that is not only backed up by credible sources, but has the community buzzing over its return.

According to numerous leakers, the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 collaboration will finally be rereleased in 2025. Originally launched in 2005, the sneaker was designed by Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Undefeated (UNDFTD for short) and was Jordan Brand’s first-ever collaboration. 

In that era, special projects like this had yet to become commonplace, and thus a run of only 72 pairs were released. Equipped with a “Rare Air” Velcro tongue tag to drive the point home, the sneakers were inspired by the drab shades of an MA-1 flight jacket. Their upper was constructed with an oiled olive green suede material contrasted by bright orange hits on the tongue as well as a pair of alternate shoelaces.

Given their scarcity, the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 collaboration became even more sought after as sneaker culture grew in popularity. These days, the shoe is nearly impossible to come by in new condition. A size 10 pair sold in a 2022 Sotheby’s auction for $44,100, and StockX does not show any sales records for the original 2005 iteration. 

Sample pairs of the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 were produced in the late 2010s, which led many enthusiasts to believe a retro was imminent. Those versions ultimately did not see a wider production run. The sneaker was again rumored to see a retro in 2022, although that launch did not come to fruition either. Undefeated did, however, in ’22 apply the same colorway to the Air Jordan 37.

With the previous speculation in mind, it’s understandable that talks of a Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 retro have been met with skepticism. However, credible accounts including @zsneakerheadz are reporting that a rerelease is in fact lined up for summer ’25. The new “Deep Green/Clementine/Black/Sail” colorway matches that of the original, and more details should surface in the near future.