Adidas Shoes Collaboration - Dragon Ball
In 2018, global mega brand Adidas collaborated with the Dragon Ball Z series to release a collection of seven sneakers, each inspired by a character from the anime series. One of the most iconic brands teaming up with one of Japanese anime's most famed franchises meant immediate popularity and widespread fandom. The collection was designed by Akira Toriyama, and the first releases included Goku, which was made in the silhouette of the Adidas ZX 500 RM, as well as Frieza, made in the silhouette of the Adidas Yung 1. The first two sneakers debuted in stores on September 29th, 2018 and retailed for $170, and $150 before quickly selling out. Subsequent releases included Son Gohan Adidas Deerupt, Cell Adidas Prophere, Vegeta Adidas Ultra Tech, Majin Buu Adidas Kamanda, and finally two color variations of Shenron Adidas EQT Support Mid ADV Primeknit. The sneakers left an impression on Dragon Ball Z fans and Sneaker collectors alike and came in boxes that when stacked upon each other, creates an image of the main characters from the series. Alongside the special Dragon Ball Z branded sneaker box, each sneaker came with a figurine matching the character of the release, an added bonus especially for collectors of Goku and Dragon Ball Toys.The Adidas Dragon Ball z sneakers marveled fans worldwide and was an instant top-selling collaboration.
Goku - Adidas ZX 500 RM
The Adidas ZX 500 RM and Dragon Ball Z Collaborative sneakers were released on September 29, 2018, and are inspired by Goku. The sneaker features an orange and blue colorway and was designed using the Adidas Originals signature three stripes. The shoe is further detailed with yellow mesh on the toe and side areas symbolizing Saiyan Goku. The rear of the sneaker boasts Goku's uniform symbol 悟, which is also the first part of his name.
Frieza - Adidas Yung 1
The Adidas Yung 1 and Dragon Ball Z collaborative sneakers were released on September 29, 2018, and were inspired by Frieza. The sneaker features the villain's signature purple, white, and pink colorway. The sneaker includes various materials, such a suede, and TPU. The sneaker tongue and insoles are designed with Dragon Ball manga illustrations and retail for $150.
Son Gohan - Adidas Deerupt
The Adidas Deerupt and Dragon Ball Z collaborative sneakers were released on October 26, 2018, and were inspired by Son Gohan's uniform he wore since he was a kid in the anime series. The entire sneaker is designed with purple webbed coating, and part of the sole, with yellow, which represents Saiyan blonde hair.
Cell - Adidas Prophere
The Adidas Prophere was released on October 26th, 2018 as a part of the Adidas and Dragon Ball Z collaboration, and was inspired by the villain Cell. The design features Adidas signature three stripes, and a green, grassy patterned Primeknit which symbolizes Saru's skin. The aesthetic and color on the tongue and heel further embody details of the villain from the anime series.
Vegeta - Adidas Ultra Tech
The Adidas Ultra Tech was released on November 24th, 2018 as a part of the Adidas and Dragon Ball Z collaboration, and was inspired by Vegeta. The sneaker features a royal blue and yellow design, reminiscent of Vegeta. The sneaker further details the colorway of Vegeta's uniform, with its striped toe and tongue sections, symbolizing parts of Vegeta’s uniform from the anime series.
Majin Buu - Adidas Kamanda
The Adidas Kamanda was released on November 24th, 2018 as a part of the Adidas and Dragon Ball Z collaboration, and was inspired by Majin Buu from the anime series. Sportswear brand, C.P. Company, joined the collaboration for this release. The brand's founder, Massimo Osti, implemented bright colors along with materials that represented Majin Buu. The sneaker features bright pink upper and midsoles with purple laces.
Shenron - Adidas EQT Support Mid ADV Primeknit
The Adidas Adidas EQT Support Mid ADV Primeknit was released in December 2018 as a part of the Adidas and Dragon Ball Z collaboration, inspired by Shenron, the magical dragon from the anime series. The sneaker is designed with nu-buck material on the upper sole and has green lace loops. The yellow heel area of the shoe is embroidered with red, and the Adidas signature three stripes are stitched on to mid-sole. The green, yellow, and red colorway remarkably resembles Shenron's aesthetic and joins a second color variation, the Super Shenron, which was released in black and tan.
Super Shenron - Adidas EQT Support Mid ADV Primeknit
The Adidas Adidas EQT Support Mid ADV Primeknit was released in December 2018 as a part of the Adidas and Dragon Ball Z collaboration and was inspired by Super Shenron from the anime series. The sneaker has a black and tan colorway and is designed with the same material as the original Shenron release.
Links
Dragon Ball Series
Dragon Ball Z Series
Dragon Ball Kai Series
Dragon Ball Super Series
Dragon Ball GT Series
Super Dragon Ball Heros
Akira Toriyama