The 6 Greatest Adidas Collabs of All Time
The 6 Greatest Adidas Collabs of All Time
From Bad Bunny to Yohji Yamamoto, these pieces that earned adidas collabs their stripes.
adidas collabs created the streetwear market
adidas has built a legacy of collaboration that has put it at the forefront of sneaker and streetwear innovation. From redefining sneaker culture with the Yeezy line to blending luxury with Gucci, adidas has consistently stayed relevant and cutting-edge.
More than that, the Run DMC X adidas collab was a first that helped create a streetwear market worth billions turning it into a €15bn business. Today, we’re looking at some of the most impactful adidas collaborations, exploring how collabs shaped trends, and influenced culture.
The Top Adidas Collabs
BAPE X adidas collab
2003 - Present
The relationship between A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and Adidas began in 2003, marking BAPE’s 10th anniversary with the release of the iconic ‘Super Ape Star’ collection. Combining BAPE’s bold Japanese streetwear aesthetic with Adidas’ timeless Superstar silhouette, the collaboration introduced four unique colourways that have since become grails in sneaker culture. Now celebrating over two decades of partnership, BAPE x Adidas continues to set the standard for blending heritage sportswear with cutting-edge streetwear.
The Impact
Known for its camo-heavy designs and streetwear roots, BAPE’s partnership with Adidas has produced some of the most coveted sneakers in history.
Signature piece
Adidas Superstar BAPE ABC Camo Green—a classic silhouette with a modern edge.
Why We Love It
This collab epitomises the intersection of Japanese street style and sneaker culture.
Pharrell Williams X adidas collab
2014 - Present
The Pharrell Williams’ x adidas collab has redefined sneaker innovation, blending bold aesthetics with advanced technology. From the vibrant “Supercolor” pack celebrating the Superstar’s 50th anniversary to the groundbreaking Humanrace Sichona, Pharrell’s designs champion self-expression and cultural inclusivity. Notable releases like the Sichona’s Primeknit “Futurenatural” upper and BOOST-filled sole reflect his forward-thinking ethos, while drops such as the NMD HU and Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 in “Earth” colourway highlight his commitment to sustainability and performance. Pharrell’s ongoing collaboration with Adidas continues to push the boundaries of sneaker design, resonating across fashion and sport.
The Impact
Pharrell’s partnership with Adidas celebrates creativity and inclusivity. The Humanrace collection brings a vibrant, artistic aesthetic to Adidas’ performance roots.
Signature piece
Pharrell Williams Hu NMD Animal Print Grey—a bold wearable statement piece.
Why We Love It
Pharrell’s designs reflect his artistic brilliance and commitment to individuality.
Gucci X adidas collab
2014 - Present
The Gucci x adidas 2023 Collection Blends High-End Luxury with Three Stripes Heritage. The iconic Italian fashion house and Adidas unveiled a collaboration that seamlessly blended Gucci monogram-infused luxury kitsch with adidas’ classic sportswear aesthetic. The collection featured a range of items, including tailored suits, tracksuits, and accessories, all adorned with co-branded motifs. The partnership reimagined classic Adidas footwear, such as the Gazelle, infusing them with Gucci’s signature materials and designs. This fusion of high fashion and athletic wear not only appealed to diverse audiences but also set a new standard for cross-industry collaborations, highlighting the evolving landscape of contemporary fashion.
The Impact
This partnership brought together two giants of fashion and sportswear, delivering high-end designs that merged retro sports aesthetics with Gucci’s opulence.
Signature Piece
Gucci x Adidas Gazelle—vintage-inspired perfection with a luxurious twist.
Why We Love It
It’s a collaboration that redefines luxury streetwear.
1986 - Present
The adidas collabs that started it all. In 1986, Run-DMC’s track “My adidas” propelled the Superstar into hip-hop prominence, cementing a lasting bond between the group and adidas. This partnership has yielded several commemorative releases, including the 25th-anniversary “My adidas” Superstar 80s in 2011, featuring gold “dookie chain” lace locks and special packaging. In 2020, celebrating the Superstar’s 50th anniversary, adidas and Run-DMC unveiled laceless editions in classic black and white colorways, honoring the group’s signature style of wearing Superstars without laces. These collaborations not only pay homage to Run-DMC’s influence but also highlight the enduring synergy between hip-hop culture and adidas.
The Impact
The story of Run-DMC’s partnership with Adidas is the stuff of legend. Read more here
Signature piece
Run-DMC x Adidas Superstar “50th Anniversary White”—a tribute to the group’s legendary style.
Why We Love It
Box-fresh, with no laces and full of attitude, the Run-DMC Superstars are as culturally significant today as they were in the ‘80s. The partnership didn’t just sell sneakers; it revolutionised how brands engaged with music and pop culture.
Stella McCartney X adidas collab
2005 - Present
Living.Lab’s Mark Alexander’s cupboard is still full of Stella‘ x Adidas extraordinary adidas collabs. They are a high fashion and athletic innovation, that consistently delivering sustainable and stylish sportswear. Notable creations include the world’s first veggie Stan Smith in 2018, a leather-free design with distinctive star-patterned stripes. In 2019, the partnership introduced the AlphaEdge 4D, a women’s sneaker distinguished by its blacked-out upper and innovative midsole technology. The collaboration extended to football in 2022, with a sustainable collection for Arsenal’s women’s team, blending performance with eco-conscious materials. Continuing their commitment to sustainability, McCartney and adidas joined forces with other fashion leaders in 2020 to form the Mylo Consortium, investing in a mushroom-based leather alternative to revolutionise material sourcing. This enduring partnership showcases a shared vision for innovative, ethical, and fashionable sportswear.
The Impact
Stella McCartney’s designs have brought sustainability and high fashion to Adidas’ performance line, proving that style, ethics and function can coexist.
Signature Piece
Stella McCartney Ultraboost 21—a sleek, eco-conscious design.
Why We Love It
Stella’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Adidas’ vision for the future.
Bad Bunny X adidas collab
2021 - Present
Bad Bunny’s adidas collab has redefined the intersection of music and sportswear, delivering innovative designs that resonate with a global audience. Notable releases include the ‘San Juan’ Gazelle Indoor, a vibrant homage to Puerto Rico’s azure coastlines, and the ‘Chalky Brown’ Campus Light, which blends warm tones with signature double-layered tongues and padded collars. The collaboration also introduced the Response CL in ‘Black/White’, featuring wavy leather overlays and Bad Bunny’s distinctive ‘El Ojo’ logo. Each release showcases a harmonious fusion of Bad Bunny’s artistic vision and Adidas’ commitment to quality, creating culturally impactful footwear that transcends traditional sneaker design.
The Impact
A rising star in the sneaker world, Bad Bunny’s collabs bring bold, eye-catching designs that cater to the next generation.
Signature piece
Bad Bunny x Forum Buckle Low “Easter Egg”—a playful yet sophisticated design.
Why We Love It
These sneakers are as vibrant and unique as the artist himself.
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