Sneakers

10 Classic adidas Sneakers We Want to See Kanye West Work On

Yeezus x adidas.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Kanye West has split free from Nike and has announced that's he's signed a deal with adidas. The details of the collaboration are unknown, but there's also wishful thinking for the future.

Last night, when Kanye told the world he'd be working with adidas during an interview with Hot 97's Angie Martinez, the possibilities of a Kanye x adidas sneaker started swirling in everyone's heads -our's included.

Adidas has a rich back catalog and there's plenty of sneakers that Kanye could remix. Sure, he could just pick create something totally new with the brand, but there are plenty of already-existing silhouettes that fit Kanye's one-of-a-kind personality. Some to keep him cool during performances and rants, and others that represent imagery from some of his most abstract music videos. All would make heads lose their minds. Here are 10 Classic adidas Sneakers We Want to See Kanye West Work On.

RELATED:Kanye West's Favorite Sneakers: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
RELATED: Was Nike CEO Mark Parker Wrong About Kanye West and the Air Yeezy?

adidas Mutombo

Remember the "Love Lockdown" video? It was full of African warriors and scenes straight out of the House of Mutombo. Kanye also has a thing for '90s basketball sneakers. If he's not wearing Jordans anymore, he should be swatting his naysayers in a pair of adidas Mutombos. This sneaker's already wild patterns would allow Kanye a ton of leeway to apply whatever design he felt like.

Advertisement

adidas Micropacer

Kanye's often quoted saying he'd be late for something, but the Micropacer would help him stay on time. The running sneaker doesn't have a watch, but it featured a computer that calculated pace, distance, and calories burned. Kanye doesn't need to go on a diet, but with all the new hats he's wearing, these sneakers would keep him on track to be on time for all of his appointments.

adidas adicolor

Kanye said, "Mark Parker even talked shit," about the Air Yeezy. If Kanye wanted to make a sneaker that was truly his own, but on a pre-existing silhouette, then the adicolor is ideal. Each model comes with a pack of markers so the owner can customize the kicks just how they want them. There'd be no denying how the sneakers would look. And Kanye could even design the rarest of 1 of 1s.

Advertisement

adidas Climacool

It's no secret that Kanye can get worked up about things - especially Nike. Now that he's with adidas, he can cool down. And to make sure he stays calm, a pair of Climacools should be on his feet all times. They were designed with the intention that they'd not only keep feet airy, but dry, too. As Kanye's performing or going on another "visual stream of consciousness, his feet won't be sweaty. Imagine him putting a dope colorway on a pair of these.

adidas Torsion Special

Everyone remembers when Kanye told Jimmy Kimmel, "Never think I'm not from Chicago for one second." This means he's going to need a pair of tough sneakers. When it comes to adidas' back catalog, it doesn't get much more legit than a pair of Torsions. A rugged runner with serious grip on the soles in dope color schemes lets people know that you don't fuck around.

Advertisement

A collaboration with Sportie L.A.

Believe it or not, Kanye used to rock adidas back in the day, and he used to get them from Sportie L.A. If a new Kanye line drops, Kanye should reach back out to the West Coast boutique and do a collaboration with them. It would only be right.

adidas Oregon Ultra Tech

Adidas is a German sneaker brand, but its U.S. headquarters are located in Oregon--just like Nike. To get back at Nike for not letting him fulfill his dream of designing a complete collection with the brand, he should work on an adidas sneaker that shows love to the Beaver State. Besides the fact that this sneaker is an awesome retro running sneaker, it would also be perfect for taking baby North on strolls and enjoying dadhood.

Advertisement

adidas Kobe II

The adidas Kobe II was way ahead of its time, and no one has been able to make it work. This is why Kanye should give it a go. They're super futuristic, and Kanye has a close bond with Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Laker was even in the studio while Kanye was recording the remix to Power. Kanye could pay homage to how Kobe's first sneaker endorsement, and even give credibility to a model that not a lot of people mess with.

adidas Superstar

The Superstar, more commonly known as the Shelltoe, is the sneaker that birthed adidas' rep within hip-hop. The brand's higher-ups weren't even aware that Run DMC was causing the practically-dead sneaker to sell so well back in the day. Only right for Kanye to give these rubber-toed sneakers his own spin and pay homage to rap's forefathers. There's not much that can be done with the silhouette itself, but there are plenty of material and color options for Kanye to tinker with. Shelltoes haven't gone out of style, but Kanye could reintroduce them to a new crowd.

Advertisement

adidas EQT B-Ball

Kanye has a hard time making up his mind. To solve this problem, he should design a pair of EQT B-Balls. The sneaker comes with a removeble bootie, and would allow Kanye to make last-minute changes to fit any wardrobe that he could think of. Plus, John Starks wore these sneakers. He was hot-headed, did things his way, and people loved him for it. This would make one of his favorite sneakers perfect for Kanye to work on.

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App