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Undefeated's Eddie Cruz and James Bond are a bit camera shy. They don't need to be the most popular kids in class. What they want is for the product they create to speak for itself. Inspired by military design and connected to the culture in a way that remains authentic and honest 12 years after its initial launch, Undefeated is the exception to the rule.
They are cool, calm, and collected, but create collaborative works with brands such as Nike, Converse, adidas, and Reebok on what seems like a monthly basis. Their designs are minimal, with the focus placed squarely on the details. A quality fabric here, a richer color palette there, or a simple design change that highlights the shape of a shoe are all found in their work. Collaboratively, Undefeated doesn't stop at just working with big name brands, their works have extended to other product areas that complement their aesthetic and provide insight into their "Sport is War" mantra. Finally, they are probably most known for the Air Jordan 4 "Undefeated"—a shoe that nearly any collector in the world would love to have in his closet. However, before we get to there, lets take a look back at the History of UNDFTD Sneaker Collaborations.
RELATED: The Complete History of Sneakersnstuff Sneaker Collabs
Undefeated x Pro-Keds
Released: 3/2005
The Pro-Keds collaboration re-introduced the classic Royal with a military theme. The hightop canvas shoe featured a green and chocolate camouflage colorway, the Undefeated logo on the tongue and the distinctive Pro-Keds Powerstripe adjacent to the toe. The Pro-Keds collaboration released in the spring of 2005.
Image via Flight Club
Undefeated x Nike Dunk Low Splatter
Released: Unreleased
The Dunk Low Splatter sports a leather upper which features a burgundy and grey colorway, blue splatter across the shoe, an off-white midsole and a pink Nike Swoosh. Only 24 pairs were created and unreleased to the public.
Undefeated x Nike Dunk Hi White Gum
Released: Unreleased
The Nike Dunk High "White/Gum" features a subtle black Undefeated logo pop and a gum-colored outsole This design was limited to 24 pairs and was unreleased to the public.
Undefeated x Nike Dunk Hi Ballistic
Released: Unreleased
The Nike Dunk High Ballistic features an olive upper of ballistic nylon material (think Air Jordan XI) and suede with the Undefeated five strikes logo on the heel and the tongue. This design was limited to 48 pairs and was unreleased to the public.
Undefeated x adidas 35th Anniversary Superstar
Released: 7/2005
The 35th Anniversary Superstar paid homage to the classic design of adidas. The design features a vintage off-white shell toe and midsole, black leather, and snakeskin gloss stripes. The 35th Anniversary Superstar released in the summer of 2005.
Undefeated x Nike Dunk Hi NL
Released: July 2005
The Nike Dunk High NL (no lining) colorway consists of blue reef, cotton candy, black, brown, and green. The shoe was exclusively released at Undefeated in the summer of 2005 as part of the Clerk's Pack.
Undefeated x Air Jordan IV
Released: 8/2005
The Undefeated Air Jordan IV Retro is one of the most sought-after pairs of Air Jordans to ever be created. The shoe features an olive, black, and orange colorway inspired by classic flight jackets, with an Undefeated logo on the inside tag and a Velcro "Flight" patch on the tongue. Only 72 pairs were released (by lottery and auction) in the fall of 2005.
Undefeated x Visvim FBT
Released: 10/2005
The Undefeated FBT sneaker is a collaboration with VISVIM. The shoe features premium materials in a modern take on Native American style footwear. This model was released in the fall of 2005.
Undefeated x Nike Air Force One Shemagh
Released: 11/2005
This Air Force One features an inside-out midsole and the shemagh design inspired by Arab scarves. Fewer than 500 pairs were released exclusively at Tier Zero accounts in the fall of 2005.
Undefeated x Reebok Iverson Question Multi-Color
Released: 11/2006
The wilder Question. The midsole features speckles and the shoe has Reebok's patented Hexalite material in the midsole. The bold colorways are what make this pair stand out. "Iverson" and "96" are boldly printed across the shoe. The tongue reads "There's gonna be a million people that love Allen Iverson. There's gonna be a billion people that hate Allen Iverson. Concentrate on the ones that care about you and keep steppin'." The shoe released in the fall of 2006.
Undefeated x Reebok Iverson Questions Black
Released: 2/2007
This take on the Reebok Question was designed in commemoration of Allen Iverson. The midsole features speckles and the shoe has Reebok's patented Hexalite material in the midsole. The eyelets spell out ANSWER with "Iverson" and "96" boldly printed across the shoe. The shoe released in the winter of 2007.
Undefeated x Stussy x Mad Hectic x New Balance MT580 PT
Released: 3/2007
Another New Balance collab, this time with the help of Stussy and Mad Hectic, Undefeated goes a little outside the box with this Japan release by combining bright colors for an era (and region) appropriate design.
Undefeated x Vans SK8 Hi
Released: 5/2007
The Vans Sk8 Hi is designed for true skate heads. The shoe has reinforced ankle material wrapped with suede heel and toe sections over canvas uppers. The U-man logo of Undefeated contrasts the five bold colorways. The Vans Sk8 Hi released in the spring of 2007.
Stussy x RealMad x Undefeated x New Balance SMU MT580
Released: 12/2007
The "Three The Hard Way" MT80 was designed to give a history lesson in style and film. The pairs are named after the actors in the 1974 blaxploitation film "Three The Hard Way." The colorways were yellow and black dubbed 'Freddie' (Fred Williamson), black and metallic red represent 'Jimmie' (Jim Brown), and black and gold reflect 'Kelly' (Jim Kelly). The pairs released in the fall of 2007 in Japan only, but were made available online due to popular demand.
Undefeated x Converse Chuck Taylor "No Raw Dogs"
Released: 2008
Sold alongside a Bearbrick and a matching t-shirt, the Converse Chuck Taylor "No Raw Dogs" was created with the brand as a part of their (PRODUCT)RED campaign. The preceding was a public service message from Converse and UNDFTD.
Undefeated x Stussy x Mad Hectic x New Balance MT580 "Synthetic Series"
Released: 4/2008
A trio of shiny patent MT580s were worked up by the collaborative efforts of Stussy, Mad Hectic and Undefeated. The resulting "Synthetic Pack" is still one of the toughest UNDFTD collabs to come by.
Undefeated x adidas EQT BBall
Released: 4/2008
The adidas EQT BBALL has a military theme. The shoe features night camo, high-abrasion material on the exoskeleton, 3M panels on the toebox and tongue to catch the light, and three removable sock options. This model released in the spring of 2008.
Undefeated x didas 1979 Top Ten x Estevan Oriol
Released: 8/2008
Back in 1979, the adidas Top Ten was a state-of-the-art basketball sneaker. UNDFTD's take features a basketball-like upper, golden-plated lace jewels and eyelets, with a transparent outsole. The sneaker released in the winter of 2008 inside a black box, with real wood flooring, a book, and photographs by Estevan Oriol.
Undefeated x adidas ZX 8000
Released: 10/2008
The adidas ZX 8000 highlights different gradients of orange with consistency throughout. On the sole is the adidas Torsion system to provide independent suspension that supports the forefoot and heel. The adidas ZX 8000 released in the fall of 2008.
Undefeated x Reebok Running Man Pump Fury
Released: 12/2008
The Running Man design is based on the classic Insta Pump Fury. Designed in patent leather colorways of black, gray, and gold, each pair featured details in rainbow hues around the midsole and ankle collar. The entire collection highlighted the balance between high-tech forms, simplicity in design, and vibrant use of colors. The pairs released in the fall of 2008.
Undefeated x New Balance H574J Man vs Wild
Released: 12/2008
The H574J Man VS. WILD design is based on outdoor apparel and footwear from the '80s and early '90s. Beige represented sand and rocks, blue and purple sky and sunset, orange for the sun, brown and green for the flora. The double pack mixed a range of materials on the upper with a camouflage midsole and insole. The pairs released in the fall of 2008.
Undefeated x Converse Poorman's Weapon (Black)
Released: 1/2009
The black Converse Poorman's Weapon is inspired by the military bomber jacket. The black nylon shoe features removable velcro patches, a 'War is Big Business' embroidered patch, and a manila inventory card. The black Poorman's Weapon released in the winter of 2009.
Undefeated x Gourmet Quattro
Released: 2009
Looking to expand their reach, Gourmet hooked up with Undefeated in 2009 for a special version of the Quattro. The model rocked white leather and a black midsole with the Undefeated stripes in all white.
Undefeated x Stussy x RealMad x New Balance MT 580 "Full Metal Jacket"
Released: 3/2009
The MT580 pack is themed around the classic film Full Metal Jacket. The different colorways pay tribute by using a camouflage lining and insert, barbed wire fence graphics on the sole, and military-inspired tongue labels. The highlight is the effect conveyed by the metallic silver, gold, and black colorways, all using a red and white fade effect on the midsole. All three sport premium perforated leather uppers, red accents and a signature UNDFTD lace style. The collection released in the spring of 2009.
Undefeated x Stussy x RealMadHectic New Balance MT580 Triple Threat
Released: 4/2009
The Triple Threat MT580 models were originally created as a trail running shoe for Japan's mita sneakers. The shoe features ABZORB cushioning, and ROLLBAR technology for heel stability. The pairs came in three different colorways all featuring bright, bold, colors in patent leather with speckled midsoles. The collection released in the spring of 2008.
Undefeated x Converse Poorman's Weapon
Released: 5/2009
The Poorman's Weapon is inspired by the military flight jackets worn by pilots. The black and olive nylon shoe features removable velcro patches and a flight helmet bag in a similar colorway designed by Undefeated. The Poorman's Weapon released in the spring of 2009.
Undefeated x Entourage x Nike Air Force One "Fukijama"
Released: 7/2009
The Fujikama Air Force 1 was designed specifically for the HBO series Entourage. The shoe featured custom graphics, lasered details and gold-leaf leather. The pair released in the summer of 2009.
Undefeated x Livestrong Nike Air Force One
Released: 2009
The Livestrong Air Force One features a return of the shemagh pattern inspired by Arab scarves, a leather-wrapped midsole, leather liner and a laser etching. This shoe released in fall 2009 as the last model of the Nike Livestrong collection.
Undefeated x PUMA 24K Mid Gold
Released: 7/2009
The PUMA 24K Mid Gold is designed in contrast to the suede silhouettes in the 24K collection. The design features mirror gold leather, matching midsole stitching and a perforated formstripe. The shoe also has a studded Undefeated "five strikes" logo piercing through the outer collar. This design was limited to seventy-two pairs and was exclusively sold at Undefeated. The collection released in the summer of 2009.
Undefeated x PUMA 24K Mid
Released: 7/2009
The PUMA 24K Mid Collection includes four classic colors, all done in a perforated suede, matching midsole stitching, and accented with an embossed snakeskin Formstripe. The inner sole has the Undefeated logo while a studded "five-strikes" pierces through the outer collar. The shoes came with three different lace options, and the double-sided metal hangtag featured both the PUMA and Undefeated logos. The collection released in the summer of 2009.
Undefeated x adidas Rod Laver
Released: 8/2009
The Rod Laver shoe blends a luxury look with a high-end, holdall theme. The design features a sand-colored canvas, leather detailing, stitched eyelets, choice of colored laces, a gum outsole, and a beige 'UNDFTD' on the heel tab. The shoe was released in the fall of 2009.
Undefeated x adidas x HUF x DQM x GoodFoot
Released: 9/2009
The 3Way Consortium is a collaboration of Goodfoot, HUF, DQM, and Undefeated. The pairs released in the fall of 2009 featuring the adidas Stan Smith, Samba, Superstar, Nizza, and Forum.
Undefeated x adidas LA Trainers
Released: 10/2009
The Undefeated adidas Originals L.A. Trainers are inspired by the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The design combines adidas's Polyair midsole with heel rod inserts for a custom fit. The L.A. Trainers released in the fall of 2009.
Stussy x Mad Hectic x Undefeated x New Balance SMU MT580
Released: 11/2009
The SMU MT580 is designed to emphasize quality and simplicity. The upper is made with tonal nubuck suede with a creamy off-white midsole. The subtle gum outsole upholds the design and color of the shoe. The interior is made from purple patterned satin to insure comfort. The SMU MT580 released in the fall of 2009.
Undefeated x Timberland 6" Premium Boot
Released: 12/2009
The Timberland Premium Boots design is centered on quality in construction and durability in performance. The boots were available in three colorways, all bearing the Undefeated logo. The Timberland logo is embossed on the side, carrying the name Undefeated underneath it. The boot released in the fall of 2009 rocking a leather piece with the five strikes logo.
Undefeated x WTAP x Timberland 3-Eye Boat Shoe
Released: 12/2009
The WTAP 3-eye boat shoe is a handcrafted Timberland moccasin. The shoe features a quilted toebox and tongue and fur lining, as well as a logo tag on the inside and customized eyelets, all set on top of a natural colorway lug outsole. The shoe released in the winter of 2009.
Undefeated x Stussy x New Balance 47J "Ducky"
Released: 2010
Staying true to Undefeated military angle, the brand once again linked up with Stussy to create a coveted version of the New Balance 47J.
Mad Hectic x Stussy x Undefeated “Trailbuster” Pack
Released: 4/2010
Taking timeless color blocking and adding it to an often overlooked silhouette, Undefeated, with the help of Stussy and Mad Hectic, created this New Balance Trailbuster pack in April of 2010.
Undefeated x New Balance 1500 Desert Storm
Released: 5/2010
Based on military designs from the Gulf War, the New Balance 1500 Desert Storm model was Undefeated's first collaboration with New Balance. The colorway has light and dark brown panels with red and blue hits inspired by the Desert Storm operations patch. The premium suede fabrication of the shoe has been chosen to correspond with real army boots that were worn in the Gulf War. The chocolate chip camo, which is found on the shoe bed, interior lining, and shoe bag, is a specification to commemorate the design's introduction in the Gulf War. The 1500 Desert Storm released in the spring of 2010.
Undefeated x New Balance 574 Sonic Weld
Released: 10/2010
The New Balance 574 Sonic is designed with a technology of the environment concept. The pack came in grey and black colorways. The shoe featured a textile suede construction using Sonic Welding, and released in the fall of 2010.
Undefeated x K-Swiss Deuce
Released: 2011
Released in late October of 2011, the classic tennis model featured a monochromatic upper made of canvas with a gum toe and a white midsole. The model released in a total of five colorways—white, tan, navy, royal blue, and brown. Image via Unbar
Undefeated x Converse Ballistic Capsule Collection
Released: 2011
The third edition of the Ballistic Capsule Collection featured the Converse Academy Low and the Converse Star Player. Both pairs featured ballistic textured uppers with white vulcanized soles. The collaboration is set off by the Undefeated five strikes logo on the sole and a military-inspired A.L.I.C.E. backpack. The collection released in the fall of 2011.
Undefeated x PUMA Canvas Clyde Collection
Released: 2011
The PUMA Canvas Clyde Collection was released back in 2011 and saw the classic silhouette dressed in durable canvas materials. Colorwise, Undefeated mixed it up a bit with two-tone uppers and branded tongues. They also subtly re-worked the classic Clyde shape to make it more wearable, and added an anti-microbial footbed for sockless days.
Undefeated x Stussy Deluxe x The North Face
Released: 2011
The "Back to Berkeley" Boot is a mid-cut design based on a classic leather hiking boot. The design features a nubuck suede upper, waterproof suede mudguard and a durable rubber outsole. The boot released in the fall of 2011.
Undefeated x Puma Clyde RipStop Nylon
Released: 2011
The PUMA Clyde is a classic silhouette that has seen several collaborations, but the work with Undefeated put the model on a different level. In 2011, the team at Undefeated gave the model a new ripstop upper and let release to the world in four colors.
Undefeated x Puma Clyde "Color Block Clyde"
Released: 10/2011
The "Color Block" Clyde marked the fourth collaboration on Puma Clydes. The pack featured four different colorways: Black suede, blue suede, red suede, and green suede. All of the colorways featured white rubber toecaps and solid uppers sitting on white soles. The collection released the fall of 2011.
Stussy x Mad Hectic x Undefeated New Balance CM996
Released: 11/2011
The Stussy x Mad Hectic and Undefeated partnership has resulted in a number of quality collaborations and in 2011, UNDFTD and friends pulled a classic from the New Balance vault, the CM996.
Undefeated x colette x LA MJC x New Balance 1500
Released: 2012
New Balance pulled in several heavy hitters in late 2012 for an even-more-premium take on the New Balance 1500. The blue and yellow "UCLA" upper was the main course, set off by a leopard print liner that definitely grabbed your attention. Via CNCPTS
LaMJC x Undefeated x colette x New Balance MT580
Released: 10/2012
Talk about a powerhouse collab effort. This MT580 released alongside the 1500 that also shared the La MJC x colette x Undefeated branding.
Undefeated x Converse Jack Purcell
Released: 2012
The Converse Jack Purcell collection had red and navy racing stripes on the rubber rands, and was produced in white, black, or red canvas. The design features an Undefeated logo pull-tab at the heel with terrycloth lining and footbed. The pairs released in the spring of 2012.
Undefeated x Beauty & Youth x Bedwin & The Heartbreakers x adidas Originals Rod Laver
Released: 4/2012
The Bedwin adidas is a casual sneaker. The collection includes two all-mesh kicks in white and black, a leather and mesh constructed cream sneaker, and an all-black pair. They all released in the spring of 2012.
Undefeated x Converse "Born Not Made" Collection
Released: 2012
Established in 2012, the Converse "Born Not Made" Collection celebrates some of the classic silhouettes in the Converse library with strong colors that harken back to their origins. The Born Not Made collection marked the first time Undefeated designed colorways to be sold in major chain retailers like Foot Action and Foot Locker. The series was loaded with dozens of colorways in a pioneering effort that changed the game forever.
Stussy x realmadHECTIC x New Balance ML999 “Selle Francais”
Released: 10/2012
The ML999 made a strong comeback in 2012 and the always popular combination of minds from Stussy, Mad Hectic and Undefeated capped off a solid year with the “Selle Francais” edition. The name coming from the most popular sport horse in France, also got its colorway from the same inspiration.
Undefeated x Fragment Design x Converse Chuck Taylor Hi
Released: 2012
The UNDFTD x fragment x Converse collab was highlighted by triple branding on the inside of the tongue, as well as discreet UNDFTD and fragment rubber tags on the midsole and part of series of colorways that released in 2012.
BAPE x UNDFTD x adidas Consortium Collection
Released: 2013
Spotted in 2012, but making its official debut in 2013, this eagerly anticipated collaboration saw Undefeated tie their military-inspired designs with the recognizable style and camo created by Bathing Ape. Both brand's logos were stamped in gold on the heels of both the ZX5000 runner and Campus '80s, although overall the Campus was a more subdued take.
Undefeated x Nike "Bring Back" Pack
Released: 2013
Tying the old in with the new, the Nike "Bring Back Pack" brought the Nike old world of the Nike Dunk together with the new technology in the Nike Hyperdunk 2012. In addition to the technology aspect, the shoes served as a reminder of the quality of work and craftsmanship completed by the team at Undefeated. But most importantly, the packs gave people a chance at buying makeups that were formerly just for friends and family.
CLOT x UNDFTD x Converse First String Chuck Taylor OX
Released: 2013
Blending their two different styles with military influence, Undefeated and Hong Kong's CLOT came together on a Chuck Taylor OX, both lending their own design styles to the project.
