Black History Month collections from major sneaker brands like Nike and Adidas have become rather commonplace over the past few years. Along with annual drops celebrating occasions like Christmas or the NBA All-Star Game, brands can also be expected to release a series of sneakers to celebrate black culture every February. One such model slated to release from Adidas this year has been withdrawn from the collection amid backlash.
The design in question was dubbed the "Celebrating Black Culture" Ultra Boost Uncaged. It featured a cream white upper devoid of any of the usual colors and patterns usually seen on many "BHM" releases. Its only visible details were red, black, and purple eyelets. The main feature to differentiate the pair was a "CBC" insole graphic that featured an old school basketball and read "Celebrating Black Culture." When images of the pair first surfaced last month, social media users expressed confusion over how the shoe’s design represented its supposed theme.
"Adidas released a new collection in celebration of Black History Month featuring designs inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. It includes footwear and apparel across a variety of categories. Toward the latter stages of the design process, we added a running shoe to the collection that we later felt did not reflect the spirit or philosophy of how adidas believes we should recognize and honor Black History Month. After careful consideration, we have decided to withdraw the product from the collection."
Following the backlash, Adidas has decided to remove the pair from this year's "Black History Month" collection.
Despite being officially withdrawn, the all-white pair is still currently available via select retailers like SSENSE for the time being. Adidas' official "Black History Month" collection will consist of a Harden Vol. 3, Dame 5, and Ultra Boost sporting black, purple, and red colorways celebrating the Harlem Renaissance. The pack is currently slated to hit adidas.com and other Adidas stockists starting on Feb. 5.
