In 2005, a tiny LA boutique reshaped sneaker history forever. Undefeated, then just a three-year-old streetwear shop, dropped what would become the most coveted Jordan ever: a deeply military-inspired Air Jordan 4 limited to 72 pairs.
It wasn’t just a shoe. It was the first-ever Jordan Brand collaboration with a boutique, an event so unprecedented that resale prices skyrocketed into the five and even six figures. Instagram+15Sneaker Freaker+15Sneaker News+15
The Origin Story: From Blackberry Sample to Bomber Jacket Aesthetic
The project’s inception started as a casual dinner conversation between Undefeated’s co-founders, Nike’s co-president Mark Parker, and legendary designer Tinker Hatfield. Their initial idea: a Blackberry-themed colorway. GQ
Then Paul Mittleman, Union veteran and early Undefeated creative adviso, suggested rooting the design in the brand’s ethos instead of a phone tone. The aesthetic pivoted to an MA‑1 flight jacket concept: olive nubuck, safety-orange accents, velcro tongue tags, and crisp black mesh. GOAT+14GQ+14Sneaker Freaker+14
Undefeated pushed hard to collaborate, and Jordan Brand gave the green light, a decision that launched a century of boutique-Jordan collaborations. GQ
Limited & Legendary: The Original 2005 Run
Just 72 pairs were produced, and the distribution was as exclusive as the design. Most pairs were gifted to staff or somehow incentivized partners; the rest were raffled in Undefeated’s LA shop or auctioned off at charity events supporting local basketball teams. GOAT+9Sneaker Freaker+9GQ+9
Today, the original Undefeated AJ4 is one of the most sought-after sneakers in history. Pairs have traded hands for up to $50,000 at Sotheby’s and other luxury auction houses. YouTube+2Sneaker Freaker+2GQ+2
Back for Round Two: The August 2, 2025 Re-Release
To commemorate 20 years of sneaker culture disruption, Undefeated brings back the AJ4, bigger than ever. Drops include two versions: one with Nike Air heel branding, a nod to the 1989 classic; the other featuring Jumpman, matching the 2005 edition. GQNice KicksKicksCrew
Launched via online and in-store raffles starting July 25, and officially releasing August 2 on Undefeated.com, Undefeated chapters and selected stockists. GQ+1Instagram+1
Balancing Legend and Legacy: Chris Gibbs’ Creative Mission
Minimal changes distinguish OG vs. 2025, fabric sourcing, heel logos, subtle stitching tweaks, but the outcome respects the original while adapting for modern production realities. Creative Director Chris Gibbs emphasizes that the goal wasn’t to replicate it exactly, but to preserve the soul of the sneaker. GQ
His logic? Too perfect a replication risks devaluing the myth. Instead, this version honors the original while building accessibility. A sneakerhead who doesn't own the OG now has a chance to experience it. KicksCrewGQ
Why This Release Still Matters
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It pioneered the now-common collaboration model between boutiques and Jordan Brand
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It redefined exclusivity in footwear culture
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It remains a benchmark for minimalist, military-inspired design
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It spans generations, from sneaker OGs to Gen Z discovering it for the first time
This release is more than product, it’s a textbook case in how sneaker design can shape culture. Sneaker Freaker+1en.wikipedia.org+1
How to Score a Pair
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Online raffle (EQL) available on Undefeated.com starting July 28
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In-store raffles across flagship Undefeated chapters (LA, NYC, SF, Vegas, Phoenix)
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First-come-first-served launch online on Aug 2 at 11 AM EST
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Global release rolls out to Asia and Europe on Aug 3
Not a single pair of the OG dropped publicly. This time around, while still limited, availability will be exponentially wider. Nice Kicks+4GQ+4Instagram+4
For some brands, heritage is a marketing strategy. For Undefeated and the AJ4, heritage was the product. This collaboration didn’t just launch a shoe—it launched an entire chapter in streetwear history. The 2025 re-release isn’t an echo. It’s a passing of the torch.
If you missed it in 2005, consider this your second chance!
