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Month: November 2023
The TMNT x Adidas Superstar is a perfect collector’s item.
People collect all kinds of things, but some of the most popular collectibles are sneakers and action figurines. Some of the most fashionable figurines were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The comic sensations turned animated film and movie stars. Relevant for kids and adults alike for the last four decades, and hot off of a box office success animated movie, the brand is a popular commodity. All of this adds up to make a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sneaker a perfect collaboration. Especially as a way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our favorite reptilian warriors.
Image: adidas
The sneaker – adidas Superstar
The sneaker in question is the Adidas Superstar and is covered in a green tumbled leather upper. Red highlights are present on the stripes and the face mask-shaped deubre. Making reference to Rafael, the sai-wielding ninja turtle. The laces and the adidas and TMNT tongue branding are white, matching the white midsole, although the laces come with a red and blue alternative. Otherwise, the lining comes in a dark green and, on the bottom, a gum outsole finishes the look. At the front and center, however, is the rubber cap on the front of the sneaker. Which is where the Superstar gets its “Shelltoe” name. Switching up its traditional pattern for a turtle shell hexagonal pattern painted white. Creating a look that we like to call the “Heroes in a half shell-toe.”
What is so amazing about the model is that on the surface, its references to the TMNT franchise is minimal. They’re hidden, like easter eggs, around the sneaker. For instance, the insole is designed to mimic the pizza slices the turtles famously love. And, if the insole is pulled out, beneath is a graphic of a sewer cap. Under which the turtles from the comics would live.
Moreover, the blister packaging further references the collectible nature of the product. Both as a sneaker and as some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles merchandise. Resembling the traditional action figure box than a traditional sneaker box. The cardboard base is also covered in a TMNT comic strip. Referencing the heroes’ comic background and adding to the retro aesthetic.
Image: Sneakerfreaker
Our thoughts about the adidas Superstar
Perfect for the 80s and 90s kids who would’ve grown up with the Turtles, either in comic or animated form. What’s most impressive is how the collaboration pays clear attention to detail whilst keeping the silhouette wearable. Not too much is going on at surface level. It’s only when you take a closer look, you realize the extent to which Adidas has taken the TMNT theme.
When it will release
Although we have so far only received pictures of a single colorway, we are expecting several pairs to release. Potentially highlighting the colors of the other turtles, given that the pair we have seen references Rafael. Although there’s no word of an official release, Complex has unveiled internal Adidas documents suggesting a February 2024 release. With more colorways coming further down the line.
Since when was the Adidas Campus one of the most popular sneakers in 2023?
The last few years in sneakers have been wild. Since the pandemic, we have seen the dominance of the Nike Dunk and the chunky basketball sneaker. The Adidas Forum and the New Balance 550 close behind riding this wave. There has been a return to comfy fashion as well, in the form of casually rocking running shoes, again benefitting New Balance as well as Asics. But also seeing the return of slides and Crocs. More recently, however, we have seen terrace culture bring back Adidas classics like the Samba. But, slowly growing in popularity has been a much more unassuming silhouette: the Adidas Campus 00s.
What is it?
The Adidas Campus’ history shares a lot with the better-known Adidas Superstar. Releasing in the ’70s, first as a basketball sneaker. But it was the sneaker’s association with hip-hop fashion that gave the model new life. Especially after landing on the cover of the Beastie Boys 1992 album, “Check Your Head.” Its bulky style also lent itself very well to skateboarding. Then, after a couple of decades of bubbling under the surface, the model is officially back in mainstream consciousness. At the moment, it is one of WOOVIN‘s best-selling silhouettes. Partially thanks to its relative affordability and availability in several muted colors.
Image: Afew Store
Why is the adidas campus so popular?
The Campus seems to be back for a mix of reasons. With Y2K fashion back and skate style popular at the moment, the chunky fit of the Adidas Campus works with many of today’s trends. However, the rise in popularity of Adidas Originals like the Adidas Gazelle and Samba also stands to benefit the Campus. Which rocks a similar look with a chunkier silhouette.
It is also worth noting the high-profile collaborations with the Adidas Campus, surely boosting its popularity even further. Bad Bunny is not only one of the biggest artists in the world but also one of Adidas’ most successful regular collaborators. Originally helping to bring back the Adidas Forum, and boost the popularity of the Response CL. The Puerto Rican singer has now set his sights on the Adidas Campus. He released his take on the model in olive, cream and, most recently, brown. His soft color palette and sleek design have brought the model into a futuristic lane. Whereas the recent Adidas collaboration with Korn brings the Campus back to 90s and 2000s fashion. Dressed in black and white, the sneakers stand out detail is its chunky white laces, which add to the oversized feel of the sneaker. These collaborations emphasize what’s so special about the Campus: its versatility. One campus colorway fits perfectly with the styles of today, whereas another can cater to the nostalgia of the past.
The Adidas Campus is available in a vast and growing number of colorways now at WOOVIN. Get yourself a pair from verified sellers at competitive prices.
Image: Afew Store
