Breaking Down the Differences: Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 2025 vs 2005

What a godlike year 2005 was for sneakers! From x , Kid Robot x A to and 35th Anniversary Collection, sneaks 20 years ago just hit different. But out of all the historic footwear that touched down in 2005, the remains the GOAT.

This year, decided to one of the greatest sneakers of all time, and despite there being two decades in between drops, killed at keeping accurate, albeit with a couple small changes… let’s break 'em down.

First, a Brief History

Undefeated are one of the most legendary sneaker stores to ever kick it, and have a long history and to match. Launching operations in 2002, they’ve always been top-tier stockists of all brands and have engaged in a plethora of ultra-hype and iconic colabs, alongside and Jordan Brand. Everyone has their favourite linkup by the LA store, but for many the 2005 Air Jordan 4 is the holy grail. This venture marked the first time the Jordan Brand name was ever used in a collaboration alongside a boutique. Over the past decade, co-branded Jordans have become an everyday thing – but to have locked in the very first occasion is a wild achievement, and at the time many thought it would never happen again.

Undefeated’s Air Jordan 4 was one-of-a-kind, and increasing the model's desirability, there were only 72 pairs ever created. By today’s sneak standards, it may seem pretty basic – but in 2005, it was revolutionary. A militarised inspiration was chosen for the original, looking to the 1950s MA-1 fighter pilot bomber jacket for its palette. The upper was crafted using an olive nubuck, with orange lining, complementary Air unit, white midsole, and black outsole.

The limited run was sold through an infamous in-store raffle in Los Angeles, alongside an online drop with only a single pair available in each size. Trying to secure your size of the 2005 Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 in 2025 would be just as hard as copping on that OG release day. Take a crack at any major resale site and you won’t be able to find a single pair – and if they do happen to turn up, expect a four-figure price tag. Resale prices have only increased over the past few years, with one pair selling at prestigious auction house for $44,100!

Returning With Some Changes

The rumours of the Undefeated x Air Jordan 4's return to shelves have been boiling away for years. Way back in 2017 and 2018, a circulating sample gave hints at a comeback – though it didn't eventuate, and that particular pair was auctioned off in 2024 for $12,000. Rumours and leaks started to circle again in 2022, but it wasn't 'til 2024 that things really started heating up.

Last year, word rippled through the 'sphere that an Air Jordan 4 was landing in a ‘Deep Green/Clementine/Black/Sail’ colourway, which was a direct match with the original. It wasn’t long until more leaks came through, all but confirming the pair was landing.

Ahead of the official drop, unauthenticated info declared there would be two versions of the 2025 Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 released – one with the 'Nike Air' logo and another with a Jumpman logo. But you can't always believe the hype: it never actually eventuated, with Undefeated confirming they'd be launching only the single 'Nike Air' iteration. Unlike the OG, this year’s pair landed late July in a pretty sizable run, with the drop poised for August.

The Differences Between the 2025 and 2005

The differences between the two Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 editions are incredibly slim – Undefeated did a great job with this bringback.

The first of the variations comes in the colours and materials used on the upper. The 2025's saturation looks darker and richer compared to the 2005, but this is simply due to the age of the older pair. Secondly, the shape and silhouette of the Air Jordan 4 has been adjusted in two decades, so the 2025's heel tab and tongue are shortened slightly from its forbear. The 2005 OG also came with a bag that acted as a shoe box and promotional t-shirt – that little merch perk doesn't turn up for the 2025. The only major change from the 2005 to the 2025 is on the heel; this year's pair is adorned in the favoured Nike Air branding over the Jumpman logo (which featured on the 2005).

While there are some subtle changes, the jury is definitively in: the 2005 Undefeated x Air Jordan reigns supreme as the top dog.

You can witness the best sneakers of 2005 yourself by perusing our list from Issue #9 of that year's top 10 releases, – it’s back-to-back bangers!