Communities around the world have worn Adidas collaborations for decades. Getting its start in Germany, what was once solely a sportswear company has exploded into a defining headliner in the fashion industry. Curating designs for every season, their sneaker portfolio has been a cultural force as far back as the 1950s. Blending nostalgia with modern-day trends, Adidas has pioneered the comeback of many vintage trends over the past decade.
Adidas first got its start in the sporting goods industry. With the three stripes being born in 1949, the West German players dubbed their football shoe “The Samba” after a match in 1950. The name stuck, acting as the launching pad for a company that would eventually branch out from the sport’s trademark. To this day, The Samba remains one of Adidas’ best-selling sneakers. By the 1970s, people were repping their clothing for the purpose of fashion just as much as for athletic performance. This dual influence quickly propelled Adidas into one of the household names in the clothing industry. Today, we’re looking at some of the greatest sneaker collaborations from Adidas over its 73-year history.
Wales Bonner
British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner infused European heritage with an Afro-Atlantic spirit when she curated the Wales Bonner-Adidas collection. Adidas Originals by Wales Bonner offers vibrant colorways which mirror 70s-80s African vintage culture. Most recently, the two came together for a Spring/Summer drop in 2022.
Speaking on the collaboration in an interview with CNN, she stated, “Things need to stand out for something very strongly, both culturally and visually. This is bringing out the best in designers, and the audience is responsive – they’re valuing expression and beauty. I think that’s what people will continue to celebrate.” The Wales Bonner collaboration has certainly been celebrated, with it being one of the most in-demand Adidas sneakers during the summer season.
Gucci
While Adidas was rooted as an affordable company for the average working-class person, many of their recent collaborations have dived into the world of luxury. Their Gucci collaboration saw Adidas get out of their comfort zone with the Adidas Gazelle sneaker, a collection that retails at $850 USD. The final product took inspiration from the 1979 version of the shoe. First teased on the Italian house’s Milan runway in February, their Winter/Fall collection sold out rapidly in 2022. The drop was re-issued at the beginning of April 2023. The classic Adidas Gazelle sneaker blends formalness with a down-to-earth touch, making its look applicable to the monotony of daily life or high-end occasions.
Prada
Prada is one of the most iconic brands in the fashion industry. The collaboration between Prada and Adidas was one that pays homage to their extensive heritages. Adidas x Prada Luna Rossa sneakers sported a sleek and simplistic design that tributes to their respective backgrounds. The two colorways were either all-white or all-black. The shoe is currently listed in the range of $650-$700 USD. In retrospect, we’re still in the early days of the two brands collaborating. As they continue to trade creative ideas, this partnership should be one of the most profitable in the fashion industry over the coming decade.
Pharrell Williams
Adidas has a unique ability to release sneakers that fit into any and all scenarios of daily life. Whether you’re skating around town or heading out to an expensive restaurant, many of their collaborations find a way to create a single sneaker that camouflages into each of these worlds. Adidas’s collaborations with Pharrell Williams haven’t been any different. Since 2014, Pharrell and Adidas have undertaken a variety of different launches. The first Pharrell collaboration saw the Superstar sneaker released in an unprecedented 50 different colorways. Adidas stated, “The sneakers were curated with everyday use in mind, making sure they can handle anything life throws at you. But every day does not mean plain.” The two also came together for the Adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams collaboration.
Raf Simons
Adidas by Raf Simons RZ Ozweego/Adidas
Adidas first collaborated with Raf Simons in 2013 on the original Ozweego Runner. The partnership has lasted a decade, ranging from the Stan Smith to the New Runner. The Ozweego III is one of the most desirable sneakers in fashion, introducing droves of creative colorways and slight variations of the original release. The shoe is best known for its comfortability, often being seen as a cheaper alternative to the Yeezy. The Belgian Designer and Adidas have gone on to curate some of the most profitable partnerships in fashion to date. In addition, Simons has worked as the Creative Director for brands such as Calvin Klein and Christian Dior.
Kanye West
Image via Adidas
Kanye West is larger than life, which has proved both a blessing and a curse for the Adidas Brand. Certainly not one to mince his words, Adidas cut ties with Ye amidst a slew of controversial statements made by the Donda artist. However, the Yeezy collaboration proved to be one of their most profitable and ambitious to date. Take the Yeezy Boost 700, which showcases a refreshing and experimental aesthetic. The Yeezy sneakers consistently challenged the status quo, resulting in $1 billion to $2 billion of Adidas’s overall net worth.
It remains to be seen how the dust will settle between Ye and Adidas. While Adidas cut ties with him, there’s still a massive inventory of Yeezy products. Some reports hinted that Adidas would essentially dump the shoes, while others have suggested that the two sides reached a settlement agreement in order to sell the remaining products earlier this year. Either way, the ending of their partnership closes one of the most iconic partnerships in the fashion industry to date.
Stella McCartney
One of the largest collabs in sneaker history, McCartney (daughter of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney) is best known for adding a subtly unique spin to classic Adidas shoes. The Adidas Stan Smith, for example, changes the sidewall dot stripes for star stripes and the standard white laces for a rainbow pair. While some criticize the shoe for sacrificing comfort for a retro look and feel, there’s a reason why the pair have continued to collaborate for over a decade.
The Stella McCartney collaboration has played a key role in Adidas being role to expand their target market beyond the 15–30-year-old demographic. With 00s teens growing up with the shoe, they’ve continued to sport the shoe as they’ve entered the latter stages of adulthood. With a penchant for sharp and tailored femineity, the McCartney-Adidas collaboration isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.