Threads: Adidas x DBZ Sneakers

Hip-hop has always had a nerdy side to it, as seen in many a lyric, so last September’s New Balance x Evangelion collab was both a nice surprise and a natural evolution as anime continues muscling its way into the mainstream. Exclusive to Japan and China’s huge streetwear markets, Western fans again resorted to 3rd party imports like it was an early 90s RPG. I loved the neutral colorways, making them easy additions to any wardrobe.

Not to be outdone, Adidas claps back this coming September with their Adidas x DBZ collab, and the Stacks Gaming Squad gives their first impressions:

Son Goku

flyamese_cat:
I like these a lot, nice mix of retro and modern with a slick color scheme. I’m probably copping these for some summertime and springtime fashion
johnknewwhen:
I reallly dig the retro vibes on these. You can wear some wacky muscle shirt and you’d be aight for anything spring/summer.
flyamese_cat:
Definitely, I wish these released earlier though but then again it’ll still be hot as fuck here in August and September which gives me 2 months at least
TonyBaloni:
These would look great with baggy sweatpants and a leather jacket with no shirt
flyamese_cat:
obligatory “if he, like, comes thru in these, he could like, get it”
TonyBaloni:
This is a statement of fact

Frieza

flyamese_cat
These look like those old man-esque Balenciaga’s which also look terrible
hard pass
they really trash
johnknewwhen
Frieza always did look like a pair of Reebok Pumps, so I’m happy his memory can be crystallized into a wearable Horcrux-like statement piece. As an aside, it didn’t take long for me to find this super extra pair of rees.
TonyBaloni
How do these NOT have a pump???
GTFO
flyamese_cat
omg I’m dying

Son Gohan

TonyBaloni
I feel like Gohan’s are awesome, but It wouldn’t make me think of the character if I saw them out in public.
flyamese_cat
I think they have one sole flaw in them that I can’t quite get over
I do like the tops though but them soles are killing me
TonyBaloni
Yes, way to DOM for my taste
johnknewwhen
A situational pick to be sure. You gotta commit to the punk-streetwear combo. Shave them legs, boys, fishnets are year-round. A much easier pick for the ladies.

Vegeta

TonyBaloni
Nothing says DBZ like the classic style of the Saiyan battle armor. Think back to the first time Vegeta and Nappa made their screen debut in their trendy suits and totally overshadowed the washed out gi’s of the Z fighters. Yamcha’s lucky they didn’t roast his uniform before the saibamen blew him up. You want proof that Goku is overrated? Who was the one that tossed this sleek outfit aside two seconds after he left the hyperbolic time chamber? Probably realized that Gohan was pulling it off too well and didn’t want to be embarrassed. I will say that I would have enjoyed the original prince of all Saiyan’s color scheme, but this is still a great option!
flyamese_cat
I kinda echo this, these are a close second to the Gokus which is really how it was meant to be anyway
TonyBaloni
I always wen’t for the Saiyan armor Vegeta when I bought my action figures
johnknewwhen
They really owned the DBZ property with this one. Solid. Actually my #1 pick.

Cell

flyamese_cat
These are really safe, they look like solid cross trainers or running shoesy
I’d use them for both but probably never casually unless I couldn’t find other shoes
TonyBaloni
They have a 90’s appeal that I think makes them a solid choice. Retro
johnknewwhen
Safe pick, but I may pass only bc everyone has propheres these days. These will sell.
flyamese_cat
Yeah I was thinking these have mass appeal and will probably outsell to non hypebeasts

Majin Buu

TonyBaloni
Gross…
flyamese_cat
lol
that’s how I felt at first but now I want them
weird how our brains work
johnknewwhen
Okok, I’ll be the lightning rod. This shoe would look horrible on White skin tones and work wonders on Black skin tones. Case in point this Reddit post.
Other uses: Ladies, wear with a skirt and become spring incarnate.

Shenron

TonyBaloni
Put em right to sleep
man-ders
trash
i hate them
TonyBaloni
lol
flyamese_cat
it’s quiet for him
I wouldn’t say I hate them but they’re so fucking safe
I’d never roast someone for them but also wouldn’t call anyone stylish for them
TonyBaloni
but they’re recognizable. I count that as a plus!
flyamese_cat
true, I just wish that the god of this world was a bit flashier
man-ders
you mean dende or kami?
johnknewwhen
Instantly recognizable. These will sell both because they’re safe and they’re great for signaling to other unique nerds like you.

Super Shenron

man-ders
trash
i hate them
flyamese_cat
Adidas on that Riot swag with these recolors
no one buys recolors except wasteful people
TonyBaloni
This could have been piccolo!
pinholster
i got em
they tight
johnknewwhen
Only one in the set that’s straight boring. Dbz is the extra extra. Yall run out of paint?
flyamese_cat
yeah I mean they look good but nothing says DBZ about them at all to me either

All these (except Super Shenron) will sell out. We had a fun time collabing on this collab, but we’re shuttin down the studio for now. If you see something out in the streets, shoot us an email and let us know! See you next time at the Asics x Gundam mashup!