The legendary UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Deep Green” is finally making its return to the spotlight, a homecoming 20 years in the making. Arriving on 2 August 2025, its return represents the resurrection of a cultural phenomenon that fundamentally changed the footwear industry and established the blueprint for boutique collaborations that continues to this day.

About the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 Retro “Deep Green”

The story of the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 started in 2005, when sneaker culture was vastly different from today’s collaboration-saturated landscape. UNDEFEATED, a Los Angeles-based streetwear boutique founded in 2002 by James Bond and Eddie Cruz, had been operating for just three years when destiny came knocking at their door. What happened next would create history and establish one of the most sought-after grails in the culture.

The collaboration began with a chance encounter that reads like a tale of folklore. According to James Bond, Nike executive Mark Parker, legendary designer Tinker Hatfield, and surprisingly, Lance Armstrong, casually visited the UNDEFEATED store one evening.

Eddie Cruz, who was wearing Jordan 4s at the time, suggested creating a pair in the colors of a BlackBerry phone, which was a popular trend at the time. Notes were taken, calls were made, and weeks later, the first sample arrived at the shop.

Nonetheless, the BlackBerry concept didn’t stick. Paul Mittleman, a former Stüssy designer and close collaborator with UNDEFEATED, made a pivotal suggestion that would shape history: “If you’re truly going to create something, it should be rooted in the ethos of UNDEFEATED.” An advice that led the team to scrap the original concept and develop something that truly represented UNDEFEATED’s military-inspired aesthetic.

UNDEFEATED co-founder James Bond (courtesy of UNDEFEATED)

Why the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 Is Legendary

The UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 achieved legendary status for several groundbreaking reasons that extend far beyond its extreme rarity. First and foremost, this collaboration marked the very first time Jordan Brand had ever partnered with another brand or boutique.

This unprecedented move broke new ground, establishing the framework for the numerous boutique collaborations we see today, including those with Union LA, A Ma Maniére, and Concepts. The design itself is inspired by the MA-1 flight jacket worn by U.S. Air Force pilots, a military aesthetic that was both authentic to UNDEFEATED’s brand DNA and utterly unprecedented in the Jordan catalog.

The olive green nubuck upper, complemented by black and orange accents, created a color scheme that was revolutionary for its time. As one observer noted, “in 2004, when we’re ideating this, an olive drab AJ4 would be kind of insane”.

The exclusivity factor cannot be overstated. Only 72 pairs were ever produced for the original 2005 release. The distribution was equally exclusive: most pairs were given as gifts to employees, with a few raffled off at the store and one complete size run auctioned online. The retail price tag was approximately US$200, but clean pairs today command upwards of US$20,000 on the resale market.

This scarcity, combined with the shoe’s nature as the first Jordan Brand boutique collaboration, instantly imbued it with cultural cachet. It created a new category of collectible that would influence the entire industry for decades to come.

The original UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 from 2005 (courtesy of Sotheby’s)

Design Deep Dive

The 2025 retro remains faithful to the original design while incorporating modern Air Jordan 4 construction standards. The upper is crafted from premium olive green nubuck leather, providing the rugged yet refined aesthetic that made the original so compelling. This material choice directly references the MA-1 flight jacket that inspired the collaboration, creating an authentic military aesthetic that goes beyond surface-level styling.

The black mesh panels and laces give the sneaker its tactical edge. At the same time, orange accents on the inner lining and tongue stitching create the striking contrast that makes the colorway instantly recognizable. These orange hits are a direct nod to the safety orange interior lining found in authentic MA-1 flight jackets.

One of the most distinctive features is the Velcro tongue patch, which includes interchangeable logo tags and reinforces the flight jacket aesthetic.

The 2025 version features “Nike Air” branding on the heel, a detail that differs from the original 2005 release. This choice aligns with modern retro standards while maintaining the shoe’s premium positioning. The midsole features white, black, and olive green elements, creating a cohesive design that ties all components together.

Premium details are evident throughout the construction, from the quality of the nubuck upper to the meticulous attention paid to stitching and finishing.

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UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 Release Details

The highly anticipated return of the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 is scheduled for 2 August 2025, marking exactly 20 years since the original release. The retail price is set at US$225, representing exceptional value considering the original’s current resale prices.

Its comprehensive release strategy was designed to give fans multiple opportunities to secure a pair, beginning with an online raffle through EQL, which opened on Monday, 28 July, at 11AM (EST) and closes on Wednesday, 30 July, at 11AM (EST).

In-store raffles will be conducted on Wednesday, 30 July, from 12PM to 8PM (EST). Winners will be able to pick up their pairs at the UNDEFEATED Los Angeles Pop-Up location, as well as locations in New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Notably, LA-based chapter stores will not offer pickup for this release.

For those who miss the raffles, a direct launch on UNDEFEATED.com is scheduled for 2 August, 11AM (EST). Additionally, an international launch will take place on Sunday, 3 August, at UNDEFEATED chapter stores in China, Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

Only one version of the UNDEFEATED x AJ4 will be available to the public—the “Nike Air” version with style code IB1519-200. While early rumors suggested two versions would be released, Jordan Brand has confirmed that the Jumpman logo version will remain a Friends & Family exclusive, maintaining some level of exclusivity even within this broader release.

The pair will be housed in special packaging commemorating its 20th anniversary, referencing both the original 2005 release and the 2025 retro release.

The UNDEFEATED Store (Courtesy of UNDEFEATED)

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UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4 Sizing Guide

The Air Jordan 4 model features Nike Air cushioning in the heel. The padded collar and tongue enhance the overall fit, while mesh panels offer breathability. The structured design creates a secure fit around the foot without being overly restrictive.

Most agree that the Air Jordan 4 runs true to size, which means if you typically wear a size 9 in other Nike or Jordan models, you should stick with a size 9 for the Jordan 4. The consistency across the Jordan line means that your Jordan 1 size should translate directly to your Jordan 4 size.

Considerations for Different Foot Types

Standard Width Feet: Stick with your regular Nike/Jordan size. The Air Jordan 4’s design accommodates standard-width feet well without requiring size adjustments.

Wide Feet: If you have wider feet, consider going up half a size for additional comfort. The Air Jordan 4 can feel slightly narrow in the midfoot and forefoot areas, particularly for those with wider feet. Many with wide feet report that going up half a size is more comfortable for extended wear.

Narrow Feet: Those with narrow feet can confidently stick with their true size or consider sizing down slightly for a snugger fit, if preferred. Its structured design provides good support even for narrower feet.

On-foot looks (courtesy of @holy_stephan)

Break-In Period and Long-Term Comfort

The Air Jordan 4 has a brief break-in period, as the premium leather, suede, or nubuck uppers may feel slightly stiff initially. These materials soften over time and mold to the shape of your foot with wear, resulting in improved comfort after several uses.

The Nike Air cushioning system provides excellent long-term comfort, making the Jordan 4 an ideal choice for extended wear. The combination of the Air unit and padded construction creates a comfortable experience once broken in.

Sizing Recommendations by Preference

Snug Fit Preference: Stick with your true size. The Air Jordan 4’s lacing system allows for fine-tuning the fit without requiring a smaller size.

Loose Fit Preference: Consider going up half a size, especially if you plan to wear thicker socks or prefer additional room in the toe box.

Extended Wear: If you plan to wear the shoes for extended periods, consider going up half a size to prevent discomfort, particularly in the forefoot area.

On-foot looks (courtesy of @holy_stephan)

Air Jordan Size Conversion Charts

Understanding size conversions is essential, especially for international buyers or those purchasing from different regional releases.

US Men’s	US Women’s	UK	EU	CM
7	8.5	6	40	25
7.5	9	6.5	40.5	25.5
8	9.5	7	41	26
8.5	10	7.5	42	26.5
9	10.5	8	42.5	27
9.5	11	8.5	43	27.5
10	11.5	9	44	28
10.5	12	9.5	44.5	28.5
11	12.5	10	45	29
11.5	13	10.5	45.5	29.5
12	13.5	11	46	30

For women looking to purchase men’s shoes in women’s sizes, the general rule is that women’s sizes are typically 1.5 sizes larger than men’s. For example, if you typically wear a Women’s US 8, you would need a Men’s US 6.5.

Measuring Your Feet

For the most accurate sizing, especially for such an important purchase, proper measurement is essential:

• Measure in the afternoon: Feet naturally swell throughout the day, so measuring in the afternoon may provide the most accurate sizing.
• Stand while measuring: Weight distribution affects foot size, so measure while standing.
• Measure both feet: It’s common for a foot to be slightly larger than the other. Use the measurement of your larger foot.
• Include appropriate socks: Measure while wearing the type of socks you plan to wear with the sneakers.
• If between sizes, size up: Nike and most sizing experts recommend sizing up when measurements fall between sizes.

Specific Sizing Advice for the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4

Given the premium nubuck construction of the pair, the break-in period may be slightly longer than standard leather versions. The nubuck material, while more luxurious, can feel stiffer initially. Consider this when deciding on sizing—if you’re between sizes, the half-size up option may provide better immediate comfort during the break-in period.

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Best Air Jordan 4 Colorways

Before you go, consider checking out some of the best-selling and most popular Air Jordan 4 colorways on the SNKRDUNK App as well:

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