Adidas https://footwearnews.com Shoe News and Fashion Trends Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:46:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-FN-Favicon-2023-05-31.png?w=32 Adidas https://footwearnews.com 32 32 178921128 The Latest adidas Fear of God Athletics Basketball Sneakers Are Out Now — Here’s Why We’re Wearing Them On and Off the Court. https://footwearnews.com/shop/shoes-guide/adidas-fear-of-god-athletics-2-basketball-sneakers-1234739768/ https://footwearnews.com/shop/shoes-guide/adidas-fear-of-god-athletics-2-basketball-sneakers-1234739768/#respond Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:18:41 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234739768 If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.



adidas and Fear of God Athletics have officially dropped the highly-anticipated seasonal collection that includes the buzzed-about Basketball II Sneakers in a rich chocolate colorway. Introducing a new seasonal capsule of essential, sports-focused footwear, the adidas sub-brand continues to push boundaries — much like founder Jerry Lorenzo promised.

Earlier this year, Lorenzo mentioned that his collaborative label with adidas had more sneakers on the way, including a revamped pair of basketball shoes that put performance at the forefront. And while the original silhouette faced some on-court critiques, the Basketball II builds on what it started and progresses with intention; they’re allegedly much lighter and far more supportive, but still every bit as sleek as the initial design that debuted in late 2023 at the Hollywood Bowl show.

The latest spawn from these two iconic brands comes in both high- and mid-top silhouettes. Both pairs have three striking stripes and uppers doused in a muted shade named “Night Brown,” then placed atop grippy outsoles with a multi-directional traction pattern fit for the hardwood. As a finishing touch, each feature co-branding at the heel. Long-term ankle protection aside, a noteworthy difference between each design is the high-top’s collar strap for extra support.

And, if the adidas Fear of God Athletics sneakers already looks familiar to any basketball fans, that’s because they’ve already made their NBA debut. Lakers guard Gabe Vincent has been rocking them on-court all season long, so rest assured knowing your feet are in good hands if the pros are rocking this night in and night out.

Best of all, the latest sneakers from adidas and Fear of God are accompanied by a whole new capsule, highlighted by the Suede Fleece lineup’s enviously soft feel and sturdy, double-knit construction. Pieces in this collection include a mock-neck, half-zip, hoodie, and track jacket, as well as pairs of relaxed-fitting pants and shorts that compose a whole fit. No matter which combination you opt for, you’ll stay active and comfortable from the neck down.

Try to secure pieces from the upcoming Fear of God Athletics collection when it drops on December 6th, with the Basketball II available starting from $180.

adidas Fear of God Athletics II High Top Basketball Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $200

adidas Fear of God Athletics II Basketball Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $180

More adidas Fear of God Athletics Apparel to Shop

adidas Fear of God Athletics Suede Fleece Mock Neck
Price upon publish date of this article: $300

adidas Fear of God Athletics Crewneck
Price upon publish date of this article: $170

adidas Fear of God Athletics Hike 1/2 Zip
Price upon publish date of this article: $330

adidas Fear of God Athletics Relaxed Sweatpants
Price upon publish date of this article: $200

adidas Fear of God Athletics Heavy Jersey 3/4 Mock Tee
Price upon publish date of this article: $180

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Meet the Author

Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums.



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Bad Bunny’s Latest Adidas Collaboration Fuses Old and New Sneakers Together https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/bad-bunny-adidas-adizero-sl-72-release-date-1234738551/ https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/bad-bunny-adidas-adizero-sl-72-release-date-1234738551/#respond Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:33:06 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234738551


The Bad Bunny and Adidas partnership marches on with the pending launch of a new sneaker model which is actually two designs spliced into one.

The upcoming Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 collaboration includes three colorways of the old-meets-new model, which makes its debut in this collection. The shoe blends two distinct eras of Adidas running shoes by combining the bottom half of the Adizero Neftenga, a 2000s-era performance runner, with the top of the more retro SL 72.

The mesh of the Adizero model has been left with a raw edge as it switches to the nylon construction of the SL 72. The hybrid shoe almost looks as if the two individual models have been stitched together, resulting in a juxtaposed look that is both classic and modern at the same time. 

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Blue/Core White/Shock Yellow’ (lateral). Credit: Adidas

To further emphasize the conjoined aesthetic, two of the collaboration’s colorways feature heavily contrasting colors: one shifts from maroon nylon on the SL 72 components to a bright orange mesh, while another combines a royal blue nylon top with the tennis ball-like neon yellow Adizero Neftenga shade reminiscent of what was seen on Wales Bonner’s recent collaboration. The project’s third colorway takes a much more conservative direction, combining white and off-white shades with blue branding for a (mostly) matching look.

The public’s first glimpse at the Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 came in November, when Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles wore the white colorway at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. 

Colorways of the Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 include “Off White/Chalk White/Wonder White” (SKU JP8816), “Maroon/Chalk White/Semi Solar Red” (SKU JP8815) and “Blue/Core White/Shock Yellow” (JQ8757). Retail pricing has not been confirmed, but all three pairs are expected to be released this month. 

Readers can find more of December’s top Adidas sneaker releases here.

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Maroon/Chalk White/Semi Solar Red’ (lateral). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Off White/Chalk White/Wonder White’ (lateral). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Blue/Core White/Shock Yellow’ (packaging). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Maroon/Chalk White/Semi Solar Red’ (packaging). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Off White/Chalk White/Wonder White’ (packaging). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Blue/Core White/Shock Yellow’ (lateral detail). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Maroon/Chalk White/Semi Solar Red’ (lateral detail). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Off White/Chalk White/Wonder White’ (lateral detail). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Blue/Core White/Shock Yellow’ (toe detail). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Maroon/Chalk White/Semi Solar Red’ (toe detail). Credit: Adidas

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL 72 ‘Off White/Chalk White/Wonder White’ (toe detail). Credit: Adidas



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Tennis Legend Billie Jean King Delivers Powerful Message to Rising Stars Angel Reese, Gabby Thomas at FNAA 2024 https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/billie-jean-king-fnaa-2024-1234738501/ https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/billie-jean-king-fnaa-2024-1234738501/#respond Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:58:23 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234738501


Women’s sports had a colossal presence at the 2024 FN Achievement Awards, as Billie Jean King, Angel Reese and Gabby Thomas all took the stage through the course of the night. And while presenting the award for Person of the Year to Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden, the elder superstar had a message for the new generation of athletes in attendance.

“I’d like you to think not only about your own sport, but all sports, especially women’s. And I hope that you take your sport with you, that you truly, truly not just win and compete but start thinking in the terms of we instead of I and really tee it up for future generations,” King said. “I want you to think way beyond yourself, way beyond your sport. But even within your sport, I want you to think about how much you can give back while you’re in it and afterwards to really make a difference beyond just performing. But we are performers, we are educators, and I just want you to think about ‘we’ instead of ‘I.'”

King went on to tout Gulden’s emphasis on placing the “we” over the “I,” and Gulden himself said that the award should be for Team of the Year rather than Person of the Year because of all the people involved at Adidas.

Angel Reese took home the award for Style Influencer of the Year, while Gabby Thomas introduced New Balance CEO Joe Preston to accept the award for Company of the Year.

During her speech, Reese teased her first signature sneaker from Reebok to come in 2026. “I’m 22 years old, I’m still figuring life out, but this is just the beginning,” Reese said.

King also called out a lesser known fact in that Adidas made her the first female athlete to get a signature sneaker in 1971.

“I played this guy, I don’t know if you know, in ’73 and I got to wear these shoes,” King said, referencing her famous “Battle of the Sexes” match win against Robby Riggs. “So it’s pretty awesome, since 90 million people watched my shoes running around. I’m very indebted to Adidas for being the first to do that for women in sports.”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was also in attendance as a guest of Adidas.

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram. 

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



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Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden Calls Out Nike at FNAA 2024: ‘They Aren’t Here This Year’ https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/bjorn-gulden-fnaa-2024-1234738067/ https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/bjorn-gulden-fnaa-2024-1234738067/#respond Thu, 05 Dec 2024 02:04:15 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234738067


Just like last year’s appearance while accepting the award for Samba as the Shoe of the Year, Adidas chief executive officer Bjørn Gulden couldn’t resist taking a shot at Nike again while receiving the 2024 FN Achievement Award for Person of the Year.

“As I said last year when Nike was here — they’re not here this year, which is funny; It was a joke, it was a joke — I said we had a lot in the pipeline,” Gulden said. “And when you have 75 years of history, you have a lot in the pipeline. So to the people in the US, Europe China, Mexico and wherever, they should have the prize.”

Prior to the jab at Adidas largest competitor, which drew laughs from the audience, Gulden shifted focus to the broader company.

“There shouldn’t be any award for person for the year because we all known in this industry it’s the team,” Gulden said. “It should be renamed Team of the Year.”

At last year’s award show, Gulden also garnered laughs when he said: “To the Nike people in the room, watch out. We have a lot in the pipeline… not a joke.”

Gulden was introduced by Billie Jean King, who honed in on his connection to soccer (or football) and said his superpower is “making us all want to buy more sneakers.

Since taking over as the CEO of Adidas in January 2023, Gulden as led a remarkable turnaround for the German footwear giant. Adidas has raised its guidance three times over the course of 2024, and in its most recently reported quarter, sales hit 6.44 billion euros (or $6.79 billion at current exchange), compared with 5.99 billion euros (or $6.31 billion) in the third quarter last year.

The reversal in sales under Gulden’s stewardship testifies to Adidas’ quickly renewed grasp of the zeitgeist following the high-profile exit of Kanye West. His award comes after the Samba was named Shoe of the Year at the 2023 FN Achievement Awards, and the Anthony Edwards 1 (or AE 1) has generated more buzz than any other basketball sneaker, debut or otherwise, in a number of years.

“Adidas’ turnaround stood out because they didn’t just navigate challenges. They set the tone for the industry,” said Martin Badour, president of Snipes USA, said in the FN story on Gulden’s award. “In a tough market, they leaned into innovation, stayed culturally relevant and delivered products that resonated with consumers, proving they’re always a step ahead.”

Snipes CEO Dennis Schröder added: “A strength of Bjørn Gulden is definitely his realistic and holistic perspective on the market. As a leader, he not only manages to keep up with the speed of the market but is regularly ahead of it, focusing on the right product and optimized supply chains. Bjørn sets the right impulses for success.”

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram. 

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



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Billie Jean King Goes for Comfort on the FNAA 2024 Red Carpet in Athletic Sneakers to Honor Adidas CEO Bjórn Gulden https://footwearnews.com/fashion/celebrity-style/billie-jean-king-adidas-fnaa-2024-1234738214/ https://footwearnews.com/fashion/celebrity-style/billie-jean-king-adidas-fnaa-2024-1234738214/#respond Thu, 05 Dec 2024 01:47:14 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234738214


Former tennis superstar Billie Jean King graced the red carpet at the FN Achievement Awards held tonight at Cipriani South Street in New York. King will be presenting the award for Person of the Year to Adidas CEO Bjórn Gulden.

The star athlete went for comfort in a pair of simple black sneakers. Although they were hard to see beneath the hem of her trousers, the style included jet-black mesh uppers and coordinating black rubber soles that offered a non-slip feel. Lace-up closures likely rounded out the set.

Billie Jean King, sneakers, Adidas, FN Achievement Awards 2024, red carpet, suit
Billie Jean King attends the Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAAs) 2024 at Cipriani South Street on Dec. 04, 2024, in New York.

King and Adidas have had a storied relationship over the years. The tennis star could often be found wearing blue suede Adidas sneakers during her matches in the early 1970s. She went on to make the shoes famous during her pivotal 1973 Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs.

Accompanying her sporty footwear, King wore a black blazer with white speckles throughout worn over a black long-sleeve shirt and tailored black suiting trousers. A string of chunky pearls sat around her neck.

Billie Jean King, sneakers, Adidas, FN Achievement Awards 2024, red carpet, suit
A closer look at Billie Jean King’s shoes.

The iconic tennis star is a pioneer for equality in women’s sports. Back in 2023, she starred in an Adidas ad spot via voiceover. In 1972, King stood in front of Congress to testify on behalf of Title IX for girls and women to advance in their sport.

When Title IX passed that year, it ended discrimination based on sex and remains one of the few laws that grants women equality in America. Following this win, she created the Women’s Sports Foundation to protect the sports side of Title IX in 1974.

Billie Jean King, sneakers, Adidas, FN Achievement Awards 2024, red carpet, suit
Billie Jean King attends the Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAAs) 2024 at Cipriani South Street on Dec. 04, 2024, in New York.

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram. 



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Asics, Timberland and Adidas Had Best-Selling Products on StockX Throughout Cyber Week https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/asics-timberland-adidas-stockx-best-sellers-cyber-week-1234737491/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:19:47 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234737491


Asics, Adidas and Timberland have all performed exceptionally well on StockX throughout 2024, and that success continued during Cyber Week.

On Tuesday, StockX revealed several highlights from Cyber Week, which took place from Wednesday (Nov. 27) to Monday (Dec. 2). This included a strong performance of Asics. StockX confirmed Asics had multiple releases among the top 100 best-selling products throughout Cyber Weekend, which was measured from Friday (Nov. 29) to Monday (Dec. 2), and that the top picks included the Gel-1130 “Black Pure Silver” and the Gel-Kayano 14 “Cream Black Metallic Plum.”

What’s more, StockX stated Asics — one of the platform’s fastest-growing sneaker brands — will set a new sales record in 2024. Asics was one of the fastest-growing brands on StockX in 2023, which has continued throughout 2024, and has been a mainstay on the marketplace’s trend reports.

Asics Gel-1130, StockX
Asics Gel-1130 “Black Pure Silver.”

As for Adidas, the marketplace stated the Spezial ranked among the top 100 products on Cyber Weekend for the first time. Specifically, the women’s Handball Spezial “Earth Strata Gum” and the Handball Spezial “Navy Gum” ranked in the top 100.

The Timberland 6-Inch Boot, too, had a strong showing. Led by trades of the iconic boot, StockX confirmed Timberland experienced triple-digit growth on Black Friday. Much like Asics, Timberland, too, has experienced massive sales growth on StockX in 2024. For instance, in its “Big Facts: Brands Making Moves” trend report released in August, StockX stated Timberland experienced 184 percent growth for the first six months of 2024 (Jan. 1 to June 30) compared to the same period in 2023.

Another Cyber Week standout from the “Sneakers” category on StockX was the Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack TR “Dark Mocha” — which released on Nov. 26 — landing among the top-traded sneakers with an average resale price of more than $400. Also, the Air Jordan 11 Retro “Legend Blue” that released Nov. 26 via shock drop on the SNKRS app was a top pick throughout the weekend.

Ugg Lowmel Boot, StockX
Ugg Lowmel Boot.

As for the “Shoes” category, the Ugg Lowmel Boot was among the top 30 best-selling products during Cyber Weekend and multiple Yeezy slides — including “Slate Grey” and “Dark Onyx” — were among the top-traded products, with an average price of roughly $100.

In terms of overall performance, StockX stated year-over-year trades on Wednesday (Nov. 27) and Thursday (Nov. 28) were up nearly 40 percent and 50 percent, respectively, and the six-day shopping week closed with more trades than the same time period in 2023. Also, single-day sales records using Xpress Ship, the marketplace’s quick shipping feature, were set from Wednesday through Cyber Monday.

“This Cyber Weekend was a testament to the continued demand for sought-after products around the globe,” StockX president, chief operating officer and co-founder Greg Schwartz said in a statement. “Though many consumers remain price-conscious this year, we saw record trades on Cyber Monday and multiple brands achieved triple-digit growth over 2023. These results reflect the trust our community has in StockX and the power of our vast product catalog of sought-after items.”

He continued, “We expect this momentum to continue through the holiday season, and our team will be ready to deliver a best-in-class experience for both buyers and sellers.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.



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1234737491 stockx-cyber-week Asics Gel-1130, StockX Ugg Lowmel Boot, StockX
How FNAA 2024 Person of the Year Bjørn Gulden Put Adidas on an Exciting New Path https://footwearnews.com/business/business-news/bjorn-gulden-person-of-the-year-fnaa-2024-1234736881/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:30:00 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234736881


On Dec. 4, Bjørn Gulden will be honored with the Person of the Year award at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards. Below is a conversation with the Adidas CEO from the magazine’s Dec. 2 print issue, talking about his part in the company’s dramatic turnaround.

When Bjørn Gulden assumed control of Adidas in January 2023, the industry veteran inherited a company in turmoil. With determination, grit and seasoned business instincts, the chief executive officer led a remarkable revival that has once again put the Three Stripes at the center of the sneaker conversation.

But if you ask Gulden, its his team at Adidas that deserves all the credit.

“We have worked hard to get where we are. That result is because of many people,” the Adidas chief told FN last month. “We have a long way to go, but we have the things in our hands to take it to the next level. But this is a team thing, not an individual thing.”

Adidas raised its guidance three times in 2024, and in October, the company predicted growth of roughly 10 percent for the year, rather than a previously expected increase in the mid-single digits. In its most recently reported quarter, sales hit 6.44 billion euros (or $6.79 billion at current exchange), compared with 5.99 billion euros (or $6.31 billion) in the third quarter last year.

Bjorn Gulden, Adidas, Footwear News, FN, cover, cover story, interview, FNAA, person of the year, award

Though the rapid pace of this turnaround seemed unlikely last year, since Gulden’s appointment, the company has found success in several areas. For instance, the Samba — which was the 2023 FNAA Shoe of the Year — led the soccer-inspired “terrace” trend. And in performance basketball, it won over hoops fans with the release of Anthony Edwards’ signature shoe, the AE 1.

“Adidas’ turnaround stood out because they didn’t just navigate challenges. They set the tone for the industry,” said Martin Badour, president of Snipes USA. “In a tough market, they leaned into innovation, stayed culturally relevant and delivered products that resonated with consumers, proving they’re always a step ahead.”

And Snipes CEO Dennis Schröder added that Gulden’s leadership has been an important component in its resurgence.

“A strength of Bjørn Gulden is definitely his realistic and holistic perspective on the market,” Schröder said. “As a leader, he not only manages to keep up with the speed of the market but is regularly ahead of it, focusing on the right product and optimized supply chains. Bjørn sets the right impulses for success.”

Here, Gulden talks more about Adidas’ highs and lows this year, as well as where the athletic giant is headed next.

Bjorn Gulden, Adidas, CEO, FN, cover, Footwear News, executive, interview

You were under a lot of pressure when you took the reins. How have you approached the turnaround process?

Bjørn Gulden: “I’ve known the Adidas brand for many years, and I respect the possibilities. When I got the chance to run the company, I [knew we could] turn it around, but your enemy is always time. The beauty of coming from the outside when you have a management change is that they allow you that. They would not have hired me if I needed to turn things around in six months. If you have unlimited time, you can turn any company around because you can do things at the right sequence. Being public, you’re always under short-term pressure. The reason why I’m calm is that I’m old and I’ve done this a couple of times. As long as I’m healthy, I will always be calm.”

How did you make sure the industry understood your vision?

BG: “[We] showed both retailers and consumers that Adidas is back. If we please the consumers well enough and the retailers are with us, they can make money, and that’s the whole purpose. I’m a tool for them to make money, and if they don’t, then they don’t need me. The suppliers, the brand and the retailers need to work hand in hand, and maybe one of my strengths is that I know that chain and I am trying to be a fair partner. You need to trust people more in the chain, and you need to be more local in your decision-making because you cannot do everything [centrally]. It just doesn’t work anymore.”

You’re fiercely passionate about great product. How do you tell the innovation story in the right way?

BG: “Given the negativity that was around the company, it needed a new leader, and that happened to be me. But there are many people who could have done the same, or maybe even better. If there’s one thing I stand for, it’s focusing on the things that are relevant — the people, the product and the consumer, and therefore the retailers and the athletes. There’s a joke about me that we now have 35,000 articles sampled and we have a building full of products. The reason for that is, when you’re being accused of not having the right product, the best thing to do is showcase that it’s not true and show the product. If you’re a buyer and you see 2,000 products on the showroom wall, it takes you five minutes to get the impression of what this is all about. If you look only at a screen, you lose interest after 10 screens. If I should take credit for one thing, I think it was bringing back the focus on the strength of ideas when it comes to product and the brand.”

It was a big sports year across the board. How did Adidas capitalize?

BG: “Having the Euro [UEFA European Championship] here in Germany and seeing how the brand showed up across the activations, the players, the teams, and then ending with Spain winning, that was great. And parallel, Argentina won the Copa [América]. And then going to the Olympics and seeing Adidas showing up as the sports brand it is. Those two events, for me, were goosebumps things because it showed the importance of sports again. The fans, the full stadiums, the positivity, and Adidas in the middle of it looking great. That’s where, at least emotionally, everything comes together and you say, ‘Wow.’ But then you see that the brand is turning around and your like-for-like sales are going up every week, every month, and you get this feeling again that the consumer wants your product. There is nothing nicer than that.”

Lionel Messi, Messi, Adidas, CEO, Bjorn Gulden, FN, cover, Footwear News, interview, executive, soccer, football
Adidas partner Lionel Messi and Bjorn Gulden.

What did you struggle with the most this year?

BG: “In the beginning, it was to supply the demand. It’s frustrating when there’s a demand and you can’t fulfill it. It’s bad when you have people screaming for your product, but you don’t have any. The pressure put on manufacturers and the supply chain was tough because when the momentum came, we knew we had to deliver. That was a challenge, but the team was fantastic. And a difficult emotional thing was the negotiation with the German [Soccer] Federation. We came to the conclusion that, after all the years, we would give up the German national team, this symbol of Adidas in Germany. It was difficult because it created so much noise. The decision was rational, it was easy, but the consequence was it became a huge issue. That was emotionally not easy to deal with. I struggled with that personally.”

Is the Kanye West saga fully behind Adidas?

BG: “The relationship with him was over at the end of 2022 and I started in ’23. What I have dealt with is to get rid of the inventory and then try to utilize whatever income we got out of that to do something good. For me, we start in 2025 clean. We have no more inventory and we have business plans and product plans that have nothing to do with it, so that chapter is over.”

The second Trump term could bring new tariffs and other changes to the U.S. market. How are you preparing?

BG: “Regardless of who the president is, it starts with what Adidas can do for the American consumer. John [Miller], the president of Adidas North America, and Torben [Schumacher], who heads up the lifestyle piece in L.A., they decide what we do in the U.S. My job is to facilitate so we can do the right thing. Supply chain-wise, regardless of what happened in the U.S., we have already separated the China-to-U.S. supply chain. So what we need to do is better connect with the U.S. consumer, [such as] being in high school sport, college sport — and be part of American street culture. You can only do that in the U.S.”

Bjorn Gulden, Adidas, CEO, FN, cover, Footwear News, executive, interview

Nike is looking to reboot under a new CEO, and brands including New Balance and Asics have a lot of momentum. How do you stave off the competition?

BG: “By focusing on the consumer. I don’t see my job as competing. I see my job as satisfying and pleasing a consumer, and there are enough consumers out there. If you do a good job with her and him, we will win the consumer. Far too many people are trying to measure what they’re doing compared to somebody, and you can look at market shares in 10 different ways. My goal for my team is to make innovative products that are linked to what the consumer will buy and do that better and better — and then we will grow.”

Soccer-inspired footwear has been a style staple the past couple of years. Will that continue?

BG: “The relaunch of the brand came with the Samba, Gazelle and Spezial — and people are worried that when that slows down, what happens? But if you look at our range, you will see that the Samba consumer has so many options. At the same time, we’ll utilize the brand heat to establish a wider offer in lifestyle running, which started with the SL 72. You have the Aruku, which is very directional, you have Megaride. We have basketball with [Anthony Edwards], we have soccer, running and we are increasing our other performance businesses. We have a good plan for the next 18 months and have all the tools to react to any changes and be as humble and nimble as we should be.”

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.



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1234736881 Bjorn-feature Bjorn Gulden, Adidas, Footwear News, FN, cover, cover story, interview, FNAA, person of the year, award Bjorn Gulden, Adidas, CEO, FN, cover, Footwear News, executive, interview Lionel Messi, Messi, Adidas, CEO, Bjorn Gulden, FN, cover, Footwear News, interview, executive, soccer, football Bjorn Gulden, Adidas, CEO, FN, cover, Footwear News, executive, interview
10 adidas Gifts Our Shoe Editors Are Giving This Year https://footwearnews.com/shop/fn-gift-guides/best-adidas-shoe-gifts-2024-1234736217/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:29:17 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234736217 If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.



Top adidas Gifts of 2024
adidas Bad Bunny Campus Shoes
adidas Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes
adidas Adifom Stan Smith Mules
adidas Terrex Unity Leather Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoes
adidas Supernova Rise Running Shoes

You don’t have to be a die-hard sneakerhead to appreciate a great shoe gift for him or sneaker gift for her, particularly when it’s one from adidas. Our Footwear News editors consider the Three Stripes a one-stop shop for holiday gifting, whether you’re shopping for your friend who’s always making predictions on the next ‘It’ sneaker or a runner who needs responsive cushioning to crush their next PR.

2024 has been a year full of major comebacks for some of the most iconic adidas sneakers, including Gazelles, Sambas and Stan Smiths. These styles have popped up in tons of different colors (the brand’s burgundy sneakers, in particular, continue to trend) and through collaborations with stars like Bad Bunny. The Samba even took home the prize for Shoe of the Year at Footwear News Achievement Awards’ in 2023. 

While a major part of adidas’ surge in popularity is due to its lifestyle sneakers, the brand is also known for their running and workout styles that make equally great gifts for sneakerheads, runners, and gym rats. The Ultraboost and Supernova lines have been staples for runners for years, and adidas has only improved on previous iterations of the sneakers in 2024 with launches like the Ultraboost 5x sneakers. These silhouettes offer as much support as they do style, which is a hard combo to come by. From brightly-colored lifestyle options to sleek running shoes for the marathoners in your life, it’s hard to think of a single person who wouldn’t be amped to see these under the tree. 

Now is a great time to stock up for yourself and everyone on your holiday shopping lists, as many of our editors’ favorite adidas sneaker gifts are currently on sale during Cyber Week shoe deals. That means that the most popular shoes will be quick to sell out — to help you out, we’ve rounded up our editor-tested favorites to add to your e-cart now.

adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes
The only difficult consideration when it comes to these shoes is which color to get. This brown colorway has been making a major comeback, but the bright blue and green options are also always a good idea. Made with a leather and synthetic upper, these retro kicks are trending on TikTok with nearly 60 million posts.

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

adidas Bad Bunny Campus Shoes
On Sale 30% off
It’s hard to find a cooler shoe than this Bad Bunny and adidas collab. The sandy beige colorway makes them easy to pair with jeans or joggers, but it’s the incognito comfort that will have your giftee itching to slip them on: These adidas walking shoes have contoured outsoles and a leather upper that contours to your feet the more you wear them. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $112

adidas Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes
On Sale 25% off
The latest Ultraboost sneakers are a no-brainer gift for runners. The Ultraboost 5X Shoe is the most lightweight version of the beloved adidas running shoes, crafted with a new adaptive Primeknit upper for blister-free comfort straight out of the box.

Price upon publish date of this article: $135

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adidas Adifom Stan Smith Mules
On Sale 34% off
Go big or go home! These chunky Adifom Stan Smith Mules have large proportions that the cool girl on your gifting list will love to style. A two-inch platform provides a height boost without straining the feet, while a roomy last and rounded toe box make them a great pair of shoes for those with wide feet. Available in nine different colorways from muted to statement-making, these are great for far-flung, sunny getaways or gardening at home.

Price upon publish date of this article: $46

adidas Country OG Shoes
This super retro style has been enjoying a major comeback, thanks to their sleek silhouette that plays into today’s retro sneaker trends. This burgundy and silver colorway of the Country OG sneakers feels apropos for holiday gifting — and hits on two of the year’s hottest sneaker color trends.

Price upon publish date of this article: $100

adidas Terrex Unity Leather Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoes
On Sale 20% off
Get them ready to hit the trails with these supportive and ultra-grippy hiking shoes. A nubuck leather upper will mold to their feet with regular wear, while adidas’ RAIN.RDY technology keeps feet dry in wet conditions. Most importantly, adidas designed these trail shoes with a Traxion rubber outsole to keep them stable on any terrain they’re exploring.

Price upon publish date of this article: $80

adidas Samoa Shoes
On Sale 35% off
If they already have multiple pairs of Sambas and Gazelles on hand, surprise them with an under-the-radar pair of retro adidas sneakers. These Samoa shoes feature the low profile that trendsetters are loving right now, done with a pebbled leather upper and a distinct rubber toe bumper to add a sporty touch to any outfit.

Price upon publish date of this article: $52

adidas Samba OG Shoes
It doesn’t get much more classic than the OG Sambas, which earned a coveted spot on Footwear News’ list of the greatest shoes of all time this year. They’ve been spotted on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes, Kendall Jenner, and many, many more, and this neutral colorway makes them easy to style in any adidas Samba outfit.

Price upon publish date of this article: $100

adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes
Take their adidas shoe style to new heights with these Gazelle Bold sneakers that feature a triple stacked gum sole and on-trend suede upper. We’ve seen multiple colorways sell out in recent months, so they’ll count their lucky stars that you secured them a pair.

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

adidas Supernova Rise Running Shoes
There’s no better way to kickstart their New Year’s resolution — or cap off the perfect athleisure outfit — than with these sleek running shoes. The Supernova Rise Running Shoes feature Dreamstrike+ technology for cushioning and impressive responsiveness, plus Support Rods that keep the feet in proper alignment from foot strike to toe off.

Price upon publish date of this article: $140

How We Selected the Best adidas Gifts of 2024

 For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

Our Footwear News editors are always testing adidas lifestyle sneakers, running shoes, and technical footwear like hiking boots. Each pair of shoes on our list has been vetted by an editor and earned high marks during testing for value, comfort, and performance. Beyond personal testing, our editors created this list to reflect current sneaker trends as well as top-rated adidas shoe styles. We made sure to include adidas gift options for men and women that cater to different stylistic preferences, foot types, and activities. Learn more about us here

Meet the Author

Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer who’s work has been published in outlets like WWD, InStyle, Real Simple, The Cut, and Architectural Digest. During her journalism career, she has spent hours researching and testing products across fashion, home, and beauty categories. Loggins wrote this article on top adidas gifts of 2024.



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The Best Sneakers Releasing in December https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/sneaker-release-date-calendar-december-2024-1234735847/ Sun, 01 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?p=1234735847


With Black Friday passed and the holiday shopping window fully open, the sneaker giants are duking it for your attention in a month packed with high-profile releases.

Be they retro Air Jordans, flame-riddled Nike runners or a divisive sneaker-loafer hybrid from New Balance, December is shaping up to be a strong end of the year for kicks. Lil Yachty will get his first release through a special Air Force 1 Low, while a Kobe Bryant tribute will also decorate the same model. Fear of God is set to debut its second Basketball sneaker from Adidas, and the Brand With Three Stripes will also unveil the modernized Adizero SL72 through a collaboration with Bad Bunny. And of course, we can’t forget one last Travis Scott release to get the people going.

Below, Footwear News breaks down all the best sneaker releases coming in December. You can also find a list of every Air Jordan, as well as the best Adidas sneakers and best Nike sneakers, at the respective links.

Puma Inhale “Color Shift” Pack

Puma Inhale Color Shift Pack

Release Date: December 1
Price: $130
SKU: 401665-01, 401665-02
Puma’s experimentation with the recently revived Inhale sneaker sees it transformed with iridescent colorways in purple and green.

Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Concrete Boys”

Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys

Release Date: December 2
Price: $130
SKU: IB5720-100
Lil Yachty’s first sneaker to release to the public follows a lineage of rap label Air Force 1s that include Jay-Z and Fat Joe.

New Balance 1906 Loafer “Black”

New Balance 1906 Loafer Black

Release Date: December 4
Price: $160
SKU: U1906LAI
New Balance’s sold-out 1906 Loafer returns in all-black treatment for the second colorway confirmed for December.

Nike Air Foamposite One “Copper”

Nike Air Foamposite One Copper

Release Date: December 4
Price: $240
SKU: FZ9902-001
One of the most beloved Foamposite One colorways hits stores again for the first time since 2017.

Nike Alphafly 3 “Ekiden”

Nike Alphafly 3 Ekiden Flames

Release Date: December 4
Price: $285
SKU: HQ3501-100
Nike’s annual Ekiden collection nods to another from more than 20 years ago by decking out four runners, including the Swoosh’s premier super shoe, in flames.

Nike SB Dunk Low “Wizard of Oz”

Nike SB Dunk Low Wizard of Oz

Release Date: December 5
Price: $135
SKU: FZ1291-600
An official “Wizard of Oz” collaboration following the highly anticipated release of “Wicked” includes a wear-away upper to invoke ruby slippers.

Swarovski x Nike Air Max Plus

Swarovski Nike Air Max Plus

Release Date: December 5
Price: $450
SKU: FZ4237-001, FZ9042-001
Two Air Max Plus variants take different approaches to color and the application of Swarovski crystals, with the black pair being exclusive to Foot Locker.

Nike Air Force 1 Low “Kobe”

Nike Air Force 1 Low Kobe

Release Date: December 6
Price: $130
SKU: FZ1151-100
This Kobe Bryant tribute pays homage to a similar pair he wore during his brief period of sneaker free agency between Adidas and Nike.

Curry Fox 1 “Happy Fox Day”

Curry Fox 1 Happy Curry Day

Release Date: December 6
Price: $120
SKU: 3028807-419
A new era for Curry Brand and Under Armour begins with the Curry Fox 1, which makes Aaron Fox the first person not named Steph to get a Curry sneaker.

Puma MB.04 “Phoenix”

Puma MB.04 Phoenix

Release Date: December 6
Price: $125
SKU: 311308-01
LaMelo Ball’s signature basketball has never shown any shyness for color, but this edition of his fourth model still manages to stand out for its boldness.

Fear of God x Adidas Basketball 2 High and Mid “Night Brown”

Fear of God Adidas Basketball 2

Release Date: December 6
Price: TBD
SKU: JQ8482, JS0977
Fear of God’s second Adidas Basketball shoe is intended to hold up better on the court and has already been seen at the NBA level.

Air Jordan 5 “Reverse Metallic”

Air Jordan 5 Reverse Metallic

Release Date: December 7
Price: $200
SKU: DD0587-110
A new and clean Air Jordan 5 colorway that will quickly gain fans.

Nike Zoom GT Hustle 3 “Paige Bueckers”

Nike Zoom GT Hustle 3 Paige Bueckers

Release Date: December 7
Price: $190
SKU: HJ7679-900
With the release of her PE, Paige Bueckers becomes the first college athlete to ever get a Nike release.

New Balance 1906 Loafer “Magnet”

New Balance 1906 Loafer Magnet

Release Date: December 11
Price: $160
SKU: U1906LAF
New Balance’s third 1906 Loafer deviates from monochrome themes with a tough mix of brow, grey and blue.

Stash x Nike Air Force 1 Low, Air Max 95

Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low Air Max 95

Release Date: December 13
Price: $160, $200
SKU: HF5516-001, HF5515-400
Stash’s highly collectible Air Max 95 and Air Force 1 duo from 2006 makes its first-ever return, albeit with a few changes that include plays at better waterproofing.

Air Jordan 11 “Legend Blue”

Air Jordan 11 Columbia Blue

Release Date: December 14
Price: $230
SKU: CT8012-104
Jordan Brand’s tradition of holiday Air Jordan 11 colorways now brings back the colorway Michael Jordan wore for the ’96 All-Star game and which also represents his University of North Carolina.

Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low “Christmas”

Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low Burst Blue Christmas

Release Date: December 14
Price: $110
SKU: JI4070
An shimmery blue treatment for Anthony Edward’s hit signature sneaker release could be one of two made for Christmas, with an even more colorful edition having leaked previously with the same SKU.

Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL72

Bad Bunny Adidas Adizero SL72

Release Date: December 15
Price: TBD
SKU: JP8816, JP8815, JQ8757
Adidas has tapped Bad Bunny to debut its modernized SL72, which features an Adizero sole unit for better comfort than you’d otherwise find on a more than 50-year-old sneaker.

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Velvet Brown”

Release Date: December 21
Price: $150
SKU: DM7866-202
Travis Scott’s love of browns and the Air Jordan 1 Low collide on what could be the last blackbuster sneaker release of 2024.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.



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1234735847 best-sneakers-december-2024-001 Puma Inhale Color Shift Pack Lil Yachty Nike Air Force 1 Low Concrete Boys New Balance 1906 Loafer Black Nike Air Foamposite One Copper Nike Alphafly 3 Ekiden Flames Nike SB Dunk Low Wizard of Oz Swarovski Nike Air Max Plus Nike Air Force 1 Low Kobe Curry Fox 1 Happy Curry Day Puma MB.04 Phoenix Fear of God Adidas Basketball 2 Air Jordan 5 Reverse Metallic Nike Zoom GT Hustle 3 Paige Bueckers New Balance 1906 Loafer Magnet Stash Nike Air Force 1 Low Air Max 95 Air Jordan 11 Columbia Blue Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low Burst Blue Christmas Bad Bunny Adidas Adizero SL72
Kanye West’s Shoe Style Through the Years [Photos] https://footwearnews.com/gallery/kanye-west-shoe-style-fashion-photos/ https://footwearnews.com/gallery/kanye-west-shoe-style-fashion-photos/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:02:59 +0000 https://footwearnews.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&p=1203018404 Kanye West has had quite an impact on the fashion and footwear worlds since his debut in the early 2000s. The rapper made his mark through his bold and unique style that eventually became the norm for all when he released his own line of sneakers and shoes. Scroll for a look back at Kanye West’s shoe style and fashion through the years, including his go-to Yeezy sneakers and recent favorite, Red Wing boots and sock shoes.

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