The sneaker community is abuzz with rumors of a potential return of one of the most iconic collaborations ever: the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 in the summer of 2025. While this news, reported on by Elden Monitors and House of Heat, has generated significant buzz, it's crucial to examine the history of this highly sought-after sneaker and understand why some might approach this rumor with a hint of skepticism.
Originally released in 2005, the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 Retro quickly cemented its place in sneaker history as one of the most limited and coveted drops ever. Only 72 pairs were available exclusively via a raffle through UNDFTD, and the sneakers sold out instantly. Over the years, their rarity and value have only skyrocketed, with pairs now fetching upwards of $25,000 on the aftermarket. This collaboration was groundbreaking, marking the first-ever collaboration on an Air Jordan sneaker.
The design inspiration came from the MA-1 flight jacket, featuring a striking olive color scheme and a removable tongue patch that revealed RARE AIR branding. The Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 not only captured the attention of sneakerheads but also set a high standard for future collaborations.
Rumors of a potential re-release have swirled multiple times over the years, sending waves of excitement through the sneaker community. In 2018, Jordan Brand created a limited run of samples, sparking speculation that a comeback was imminent. Though it was never confirmed, rumors stated that Jordan Brand made new pairs of the sneaker because Drake had requested a reproduction for his collection. However, despite the buzz, the re-release has yet to materialize.
Haven’t dropped a rumor in a while. Possibly this year. I know I’ve hinted at this one last year. This my last “rumor” for a while. Since I like standing on concrete 🙃
In 2022, the sneaker world was again hyped on a potential re-release when MrUnloved1s on Twitter hinted at a possible return of the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4. Yet, once again, it remained just a rumor. It turned out that an olive-colored Air Jordan 4 was on the horizon, though it turned out to be the Air Jordan 4 Craft Olive, which launched in November 2023.
The persistent rumors and the sneakers' significant anniversaries add an intriguing layer to this latest buzz. Next year marks the 40th Anniversary of the first Air Jordan sneaker and the 20th Anniversary of the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4, making it a seemingly perfect time for a re-release. However, it’s important to note that if Jordan Brand were to bring back this collaboration, it would be a significant departure from their usual tactics, as it would be the first time a Jordan collaboration returned.
While the sources reporting this rumor are reputable, the history of false alarms surrounding this sneaker makes it wise to temper expectations. Bringing back this sneaker could diminish the original’s impact on the sneaker world. This re-release would also open the floodgates for the return of other iconic Jordan collabs. If the brand is willing to bring back one of the rarest and the very first collaboration, who is to say that Travis Scott Jordan 1s, KAWS 4s, or other collaborations will not be brought back in the future? Others can look at it more positively, with the brand recalling this historical moment and allowing a newer generation of sneakerheads to appreciate the pair.
We’ve also seen Jordan Brand delve into the archives and bring back inline pairs through the Reimagined series, a way for OG colorways of Jordan models to return with slight differences, appeasing collectors and new sneakerheads.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
