WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
When two become one, something special occurs – just ask The Spice Girls. But, we’re not here to talk about that, we’re here to discuss adidas sneaker collaborations.
adidas has carved out a reputation for fully utilising the creative minds they collaborate with. From Kanye West to Stella McCartney, the stalwart sportswear brand offers collaborators free rein to use their resources, materials and house codes to update classic silhouettes and create brand new models. More often than not, the results speak for themselves.
Below, we’ve – for want of a better word – collaborated with multifaceted sneaker expert, content creator and host Jacques Slade to run you through everything you need to know about the five best adidas sneaker collaborations. Read all about the ethos of each collab, the sizing and fit of the sneakers and more, below.
The Five Best Adidas Sneaker Collaborations
Prada x adidas
It isn’t easy to successfully merge luxury and sport aesthetics, many have tried and failed. But, there is one collaboration that’s succeeded, and that’s Prada x adidas.
Although we’re still in the early days of the Prada x adidas collaboration, we've already seen what this partnership is capable of. The two brands are trading blueprints and creative ideas to produce sneakers for athletes and high-fashion consumers alike. The shoe that I appreciate the most so far is Prada Luna Rossa 21. I believe the model equally represents the two brands and their imaginations.
How does the adidas Prada Luna Rossa 21 fit?
If you consider your foot to be of normal width, I’d recommend sticking to your true size when purchasing from the Prada x adidas collaboration. However, if your foot is a little wide, I’d consider going up a half size. Although the upper is constructed with a stretchy material, the toe box is a little cramped.
How comfortable do you find the adidas Prada Luna Rossa 21?
I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the Prada Luna Rossa 21. Who knew a luxury sneaker could feel so athletic? Admittedly, not me. From the laces to the tongue to the heel collar, the sneaker offers a unique fit that looks great as it wraps around your foot.
Palace x adidas
I love the Palace x adidas collaboration because it comes across like an organic relationship. The adidas Palace Pro sneaker unites the visions of the two brands in a way that feels both authentic and premium. I admire the colors, the use of materials and the feel of the Palace Pro silhouette, there’s a lot of energy that radiates from each iteration. To me, it represents true creativity.
How does the adidas Palace Pro fit?
The adidas Palace Pro fits just as expected. It’s not too narrow, which means your toes have a little bit of wiggle room, and it's snug enough to be appropriate for skateboarding. Additionally, the outsole is nice and firm without being too hard (skaters, you will be able to feel the board and the ground), and the upper provides the wearer with ample protection, making it ideal for trick practise sessions. In terms of sizing, I would recommend opting for your true size.
How comfortable do you find the adidas Palace Pro?
Admittedly, I’m a novice skater. Ergo, even though I’m confident that this sneaker is perfect for skateboarding, pro skaters may beg to differ. But, what I can confirm is the adidas Palace Pro is immensely comfortable, chiefly because it comes installed with padding and heel support.
Yeezy x adidas
Kanye West is larger than life, and his talents have taken him to the peak of the music and fashion industries. His ambitious sneaker designs, created in partnership with adidas since 2015, have dominated the sneaker scene for years. My favorite Yeezy x adidas silhouette so far has to be the Yeezy Boost 700.
The Yeezy Boost 700 is daring; it breaks the mould with its refreshing, experimental aesthetic. When it was first released four years ago, it challenged sneaker conventions. It’s fascinating to wonder what Kanye is going to create next. One thing I do know is that it’ll be unexpected.
How does the adidas Yeezy Boost 700 fit?
Compared to other Yeezys, the Yeezy Boost 700 is a little more defined – it fits more like a traditional shoe than the silhouettes. Therefore, I advise anyone thinking about purchasing the Yeezy Boost 700 to opt for their true size. Having said that, if you do decide to use these Boost shoes for physical activities – say, working out at the gym – you may want to consider sizing up.
How comfortable do you find the adidas Yeezy Boost 700?
Boost is one of the most comfortable sneaker technologies on the market, and it's at its prime within the Yeezy Boost 700. The sneaker is noticeably bouncy and cosy, which is why I could wear these sneakers all day, every day.
Stella McCartney x adidas
The Stella McCartney x adidas collaboration is one of the longest collabs in sneaker history. The trendsetter consistently keeps things fresh in subtle and simplistic ways; often, she adds a unique spin to a classic, such as the adidas Stan Smith.
McCartney’s take on the tennis sneaker, swaps out the leather for a vegan substitute, changes the sidewall dot stripes for star stripes and the standard white laces for a rainbow pair. Furthermore, Stan Smith’s illustrated portrait on the tongue is swapped out for one of the British designer.
How does the adidas Stella McCartney Stan Smith fit?
Over the years, adidas has perfected the Stan Smith to ensure it fits true to size. Fortunately, Stella McCartney has relied on the shoe’s blueprints instead of tampering with its structure, which means you can confidently opt for your true size when purchasing the Stella McCartney Stan Smith.
How comfortable do you find the adidas Stella McCartney Stan Smith?
Fans of classic silhouettes will know the struggle of sacrificing comfort for a retro look and feel. The Stan Smith offers that classic feel, which can feel a little rough if you’re used to treading on light foams (e.g. Boost) and other soft materials.
Pharrell x adidas
I love the Palace x adidas collaboration because it comes across like an organic relationship. The adidas Palace Pro sneaker unites the visions of the two brands in a way that feels both authentic and premium. I admire the colors, the use of materials and the feel of the Palace Pro silhouette, there’s a lot of energy that radiates from each iteration. To me, it represents true creativity.
How does the adidas Palace Pro fit?
The adidas Palace Pro fits just as expected. It’s not too narrow, which means your toes have a little bit of wiggle room, and it's snug enough to be appropriate for skateboarding. Additionally, the outsole is nice and firm without being too hard (skaters, you will be able to feel the board and the ground), and the upper provides the wearer with ample protection, making it ideal for trick practice sessions. In terms of sizing, I would recommend opting for your true size.
How comfortable do you find the adidas Palace Pro?
Admittedly, I’m a novice skater. Ergo, even though I’m confident that this sneaker is perfect for skateboarding, pro skaters may beg to differ. But, what I can confirm is the adidas Palace Pro is immensely comfortable, chiefly because it comes installed with padding and heel support.