There aren’t many names in the world of music that are bigger than Bad Bunny. There aren’t many names in the world of sports that are bigger than Lionel Messi. Now, the two are coming together as part of a new collection from adidas that sits directly at the intersection of sport and culture.
some moments are made for the world to see. ⁰this is one of them.⁰⁰introducing Messi x Bad Bunny collection, available 10/26.
The aptly named ‘Bad Bunny & Messi’ Collection features special silhouettes of two shoes. One, the adidas Gazelle, is a favorite of Bad Bunny, while the other is the adidas F50 cleat, which Messi has worn throughout his decorated career. To celebrate two of the biggest stars on the planet linking up, adidas dropped a campaign film on Instagram on Monday afternoon.
Both releases will share a number of details, which adidas laid out in a release.
Each model in the collection pays tribute to individual trophies honoring Messi’s status as the best male footballer in the world, with gold hues inspired by the prestigious trophy and design elements like the ‘X’ stripe heel that reference Messi’s number 10 jersey number. The blue accents connect the designs to adidas’ heritage, blending tradition with excellence. Both the Gazelle and F50 models feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi on their famous stripes, symbolizing their mutual respect and enduring legacy. The shoes also sport the Trefoil and Badge of Sport logos, along with the inscription ‘Bad Bunny Para Messi’ on the tongue. These designs transcend their original athletic purpose, fostering a new community that merges sport, music, fashion, and creative expression.
The F50s will be a worldwide release, while the Gazelles will only be available in North and South America. Both Messi and Bad Bunny expressed their admiration for one another in an interview with ESPN, with the latter saying a collaboration with Messi is “a dream come true” and Messi praising Bad Bunny’s music as being “part of the mix that always plays.”
Today, adidas Originals announces a one-of-a-kind partnership between two global superstars, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, and soccer legend Lionel Messi. The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection celebrates the incredible connection between music and sport, two passions that unite fans across the world, and pays homage to the individual legacies of Bad Bunny and Messi, while cementing adidas’ role in culture.
Bad Bunny has long admired Messi, referencing the soccer superstar in his music, including five mentions in his latest album. Messi, in turn, has expressed his own admiration for the Puerto Rican artist, revealing that seven Bad Bunny tracks are included on his personal pre-game playlist. As two adidas ambassadors, this collaboration reflects a deep mutual respect between the two stars — two titans in their fields — pushing the boundaries of their respective crafts.
The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection draws inspiration from adidas heritage models, materials, and colorways from its rich brand archives. It features two of adidas’ most celebrated silhouettes – the adidas Gazelle and the adidas F50 cleat. The F50 has been worn by Messi throughout his playing career and is widely recognized as one of the best soccer cleats of all time. The Gazelle has evolved from being worn in indoor soccer gyms to a lifestyle footwear icon and one of Bad Bunny’s favorite styles.
Each model in the collection pays tribute to individual trophies honoring Messi’s status as the best male footballer in the world, with gold hues inspired by the prestigious trophy and design elements like the ‘X’ stripe heel that reference Messi’s number 10 jersey number. The blue accents connect the designs to adidas’ heritage, blending tradition with excellence. Both the Gazelle and F50 models feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi on their famous stripes, symbolizing their mutual respect and enduring legacy. The shoes also sport the Trefoil and Badge of Sport logos, along with the inscription ‘Bad Bunny Para Messi’ on the tongue. These designs transcend their original athletic purpose, fostering a new community that merges sport, music, fashion, and creative expression.
“Messi’s last name has become its own word, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart,”said Benito Martinez Ocasio.“Watching him play with the passion he does is a privilege. I compare the love he feels for his country and his sport to the love I feel for music and Puerto Rico. Collaborating with him is an honor that so many people dream of and I never even imagined I could achieve it. Today, I feel so grateful to be able to represent our culture with the GOAT.”
“This campaign celebrates our fans. Seeing people who follow me and support me does more than just inspire me, it makes me feel very grateful. I always try to give everything I have on the pitch, so it’s great to see that there are people who appreciate that effort and always support me, even in bad times,”said Lionel Messi. On the collaboration with Benito, he commented, “Music is connected to many aspects of my life, and Bad Bunny is an artist who is never missing from my playlist.”
To coincide with the launch, adidas is releasing a campaign that commemorates this groundbreaking partnership by honoring the millions of Bad Bunny and Messi fans who have voiced their devotion through social media, in the stands, and beyond, over the years. At the center of the campaign is a touching letter, crafted from the heartfelt words of fans on Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). This powerful message is brought to life in a short film featuring Messi and Bad Bunny, who read excerpts from the letter which begins with a soulful truth for both stars, “this country wouldn’t be the same,” says Messi, “… if you were born anywhere else,” continues Bad Bunny.
With a focus on creativity and excellence, this collection redefines the interplay between soccer and music, creating a moment that will resonate far beyond the worlds of sport and entertainment.
The Bad Bunny & Messi F50 will be available globally at RRP 300 EU. The Bad Bunny & Messi Gazelle will be available exclusively in North & South America at RRP 180 EUR. Sign-ups for the collection will be available on the CONFIRMED and adidas flagship apps starting October 21st, and in adidas flagship stores starting October 26th.
adidas Basketball has unveiled the limited-edition D.O.N. Issue #6 in collaboration with HARIBO, celebrating NBA star Donovan Mitchell’s love for the iconic gummi brand. This partnership brings Mitchell’s childhood favorite, HARIBO Goldbears, to life through a unique sneaker design.
The D.O.N. Issue #6, “Determination Over Negativity,” is crafted to inspire athletes and enhance on-court performance. The shoe supports Mitchell’s explosive playstyle, featuring zoned energy return, advanced cushioning, and a midfoot harness for stability.
The sneaker comes in two colorways: red, white, and green, inspired by HARIBO’s Goldbears flavors—Raspberry, Pineapple, and Strawberry—Mitchell’s favorites.
HARIBO created 2,500 custom bags of “Spida’s Picks” Goldbears to commemorate the collaboration, featuring a bespoke mix of flavors Mitchell chose.
The D.O.N. Issue #6 x HARIBO will be available for $130 on adidas.com and select retailers starting October 31, 2024.
adidas Basketball has officially revealed the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Light Purple” colorway, a new addition to the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s signature shoe line. Inspired by Minnesota icons who embrace the regal purple shade, the sneaker builds on Edwards’ rising success both on and off the court.
Designed for peak performance, the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid features cutting-edge technology to match the demands of explosive athletes. Key innovations include the Generative Support Wing, a distinct TPU design that provides stability and breathability, and Jet Boost technology, which enhances energy return and cushioning. Additionally, the shoe’s herringbone outsole offers superior traction for dynamic movement.
The Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Light Purple” will retail for $120 and be available on adidas.com, select adidas stores, and retailers like Foot Locker and Champs Sports starting October 5, 2024.
To stay updated on the latest releases, including the upcoming Anthony Edwards 1 Low, visit adidas.com/Anthony_Edwards.
adidas Basketball has officially launched the HBCU Crazy 8 Low collection, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This collection, featuring five distinct colorways, arrives just in time for the 2024 Homecoming season, paying homage to each partner school’s culture, heritage, and community.
Homecoming, a hallmark of HBCU life, is more than just a reunion. It’s a celebration of sport, fashion, and culture where students, alumni, and supporters gather to embrace the unique spirit of their universities. The HBCU Crazy 8 Low collection captures this energy, weaving school colors, logos, and historical motifs into the design of each shoe.
The collection includes the following schools, each with its own dedicated sneaker:
Alabama State University (Homecoming: October 5th vs. FAMU)
Alcorn State University (Homecoming: October 5th vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff)
Grambling State University (Homecoming: October 19th vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff)
Prairie View A&M University (Homecoming: October 26th vs. TAM-Commerce)
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Homecoming: October 26th vs. Mississippi Valley State)
The design of the Crazy 8 Low sneakers features a smooth leather and mesh upper, accented with shiny patent leather Three Stripes. Each sneaker’s bold color blocking reflects pivotal moments from HBCU history, infusing school pride and tradition into every step.
The HBCU Crazy 8 Low collection is priced at $120 and will be available for purchase on adidas.com starting October 1, 2024, just ahead of this year’s Homecoming celebrations.
Today, adidas Basketball launched the Anthony Edwards 1 Low “Lucid Lime,” a bold extension of Edwards’ signature shoe line. Reflecting the electric style of the NBA star’s game, the “Lucid Lime” is designed to be impossible to ignore.
Built to inspire self-belief and push the boundaries of performance, the Anthony Edwards 1 Low incorporates adidas’ cutting-edge design and technology. Key features include the Generative Support Wing, a TPU structure that provides stability and mid-foot breathability for explosive movement, and Light Boost, which ensures maximum energy return without adding weight. The enlarged herringbone outsole guarantees superior traction, allowing athletes to dominate on the court.
The Anthony Edwards 1 Low “Lucid Lime” retails for $110 and will be available starting September 21, 2024, exclusively at Foot Locker, on the adidas app, and in select adidas stores.
For more information, visit adidas.com/Anthony_Edwards.
adidas Originals continues its partnership with global superstar Bad Bunny, unveiling their latest release: the Gazelle Indoor. This new drop offers a bold reinterpretation of the classic Gazelle, embodying the theme “The right thing in the wrong place,” which promotes styling freedom through creative design choices.
The concept focuses on design details that might seem out of place, yet become defining features when reimagined. This innovation is showcased through the shoe’s combination of a classic double tongue and disruptive elements like the Flipped T toe and an exterior size label on the heel. These unexpected features blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic, redefining the iconic silhouette.
Inspired by Benito Martinez Ocasio’s (Bad Bunny) daring style and artistic fearlessness, the Gazelle Indoor mirrors his boundary-breaking creativity. This release further cements his influence not only in music but also in fashion and culture.
Sign-ups for the Gazelle Indoor will be available on the CONFIRMED app and adidas’ flagship app starting September 16th. The shoe officially drops on September 21st, priced at $140 USD for adults, and will be available in stores, on adidas.com/badbunny, and at adidas flagship locations.
Kanye West held up a middle finger as his fans chanted “F**k Adidas” during his Vultures listening event in China over the weekend. After doing so, he joked, “I hope that was okay,” before launching into a performance of his iconic track, “All Falls Down” from 2004’s The College Dropout. He was referencing the government’s strict laws about obscenity.
It’s far from the first time he’s publically criticized the company. He previously led a crowd in South Korea on a “f*ck Adidas” chant while performing another Vultures event in August. Adidas cut ties with West back in October 2022 after he went on an infamous antisemitic tirade on social media. Earlier this year, he made headlines for going off on the company on Instagram. “F*ck adidas and everybody who works there or with them. Anyone who goes to school with anyone who’s parents work at adidas. Just know they tried to destroy me and here we are with the number 1 song in the world,” he wrote back in March. He also claimed they’re suing him for over $200 million.
Kanye West Performs With Ty Dolla Sign At Rolling Loud
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Rapper Kanye West performs onstage during the “Vultures 1” playback concert during Rolling Loud 2024 at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 14, 2024, in Inglewood. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Adidas diss isn’t the only reason West has made headlines for the performance in China. He’s also been getting attention for bringing all four of his kids, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm, on stage to perform “Everybody.” West’s wife, Bianca Censori, filmed the wholesome moment from the VIP section. The kids have joined them on several international stops in recent months.
Kanye West Flips Off Adidas
Kanye and Ty Dolla Sign released Vultures 2 back on August 3. Check out the video of West holding up his middle finger in China below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Kanye West on HotNewHipHop.
Today, Adidas Basketball introduced the latest addition to Damian Lillard’s signature shoe line: the Dame 9 “Purple Burst.” This colorway celebrates Lillard’s journey from an overlooked prospect to becoming one of the NBA’s Top 75 players. The shoe features a striking purple-to-red gradient, with the purple paying tribute to his college days at Weber State and the red symbolizing his 11-year tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Adidas plans to release a campaign film for each new colorway that embodies the essence of “Dame Time”—a state of unwavering focus, determination, and resilience that Lillard exemplifies on and off the court. The latest film, “Ironing Out A Few Creases,” highlights Lillard’s rise from Weber State to the NBA, blending the story of his career with the everyday routines that reflect his relentless mindset.
The Dame 9 is crafted for optimal performance, featuring a lightweight design of only 14.5 oz to enhance mobility. It includes a nubuck toe cap for reinforced durability in high-abrasion areas and full-length Total Torsion for maximum force transfer. The shoe’s internal Lycra bootie offers comfort and stability during intense movements, while the Lightstrike cushioning provides a lightweight midsole to reduce overall weight. Additionally, the multi-directional outsole pattern ensures superior agility and comfort.
The Dame 9 “Purple Burst” is priced at $120 and will be available starting Sept. 13, 2024, on adidas.com, select Adidas stores, and retailers like Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Kids Foot Locker.
adidas Basketball has launched the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Pure Ruby” colorway, a new addition to Anthony Edwards’ signature shoe line that pays tribute to his Georgia roots and highlights his growing influence in basketball. The “Pure Ruby” colorway, featuring red and black tones, is a nod to Edwards’ upbringing and his season at the University of Georgia, further embedding his journey into the fabric of his signature shoes.
The Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Pure Ruby” continues to push the boundaries of basketball footwear by combining innovative design with advanced technology, ensuring it meets the high-performance needs of athletes. One of the key features is the Generative Support Wing, a bold TPU design that provides excellent stability and containment. This unique structure allows athletes to play explosively in all directions while ensuring mid-foot breathability, enhancing comfort and control during intense play.
Complementing the shoe’s stability is Jet Boost technology, a full-length TPU-encased system that delivers enhanced energy return and cushioning. Composed of smaller energy capsules fused together, this technology creates a more responsive experience, providing greater bounce and support with every step, which is essential for maximum agility and endurance on the court.
The shoe also features an enlarged herringbone outsole, designed to offer superior traction. This pattern gives athletes the grip needed to maintain control and stability during rapid movements and directional changes, making it ideal for those looking to dominate their game.
The Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Pure Ruby” will retail for $120 and be available starting September 7, 2024. It can be purchased on adidas.com, select adidas stores, and retailers such as Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Kids Foot Locker.
The release of the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Pure Ruby” follows the momentum of Edwards’ growing influence both on and off the court, reinforcing his journey from his days at the University of Georgia to his status as an NBA star. As adidas continues to innovate in the world of basketball footwear, the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Pure Ruby” stands out as a symbol of self-belief and performance excellence.
⁰this is one of them.⁰⁰introducing Messi x Bad Bunny collection, available 10/26.
https://t.co/wuoSxzYqel pic.twitter.com/5T7EkQw6vX
