Few basketball shoes are as closely associated with the early days of the hip-hop movement as the adidas Rivalry and adidas Conductor, which have established themselves as classics both on and off the court since their launch in 1986.
Just in time for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, adidas is releasing a special edition of these popular models in collaboration with a “Collective”—an exclusive group of sneaker collectors and curators of lifestyle stories.
The new models feature special OG details, unique materials such as snakeskin elements and premium suede, as well as gold-embossed accents on the insole. The “Collective Pack” includes the Rivalry 86 Low and the Conductor Hi.
The Rivalry 86 Low is based on the original technology of the 1986 Rivalry and comes in this new version with additional features such as a fine premium suede upper, overlays made of Italian embossed leather, gold accents, and a special-edition NYC subway keychain.
The second silhouette, the Conductor Hi, comes in a white-scarlet-navy colorway, a nod to the 1979 season when the Knicks changed their team colors.
The sneaker features special details such as a tongue tag inspired by a game ticket and an upper made of full-grain leather. It also comes with an NYC subway-inspired keychain and a 3-piece set of assorted laces.
The adidas “Collective” is a group of four creative minds from the footwear industry, hailing from different parts of the world, who have all made significant contributions to the industry and influenced numerous brands and creatives over the past two decades. They include:
Julia Schoierer, a photographer born and raised in Berlin, who advocates for a more diverse representation of women in the footwear industry and shares her love for sneakers on her blog sneakerqueen.de.
Ernst-Heinrich Beckmann, also known as Erniepunk, a longtime partner of the Three Stripes who, with his extensive archive of basketball shoes and his expertise, has helped bring various models back to the market.
Tommy Triggah, known in official circles as Tom Römer, who, as a true connoisseur of street fashion, inspires sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts with his keen eye for detail and his appreciation for artistic expression.
Scott Frederick, founder of the website Defynewyork.com, which has already been named one of the best sneaker websites in the world twice.
The limited-edition adidas “Collective Series” will be available at Asphaltgold starting July 29.
Photos via adidas / Julia Schoierer
