As the official outfitter of the NBA, adidas had the privilege of designing the uniforms for the upcoming 61st NBA All-Star Game in Orlando. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the last time the NBA had its All-Star Game in Orlando, and the design team at adidas is paying tribute to that memorable game with jerseys featuring oversized block lettering similar to the 1992 jerseys. They’re also adorned with dip-dyed hardwood heather patterns that recalled the floor of the old Orlando Arena, as well as gold accenting and three silver stripes that provide a complementary bit of sheen to the tonal blue and red uniforms. Check out detailed looks following the click.

In anticipation of this year’s NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, adidas has unveiled All-Star themed footwear that pays tribute to Orlando’s Orange County, as well as Florida’s unofficial designation as the Citrus State. Reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose will represent the East in his signature ultra-light adiZero Rose 2.5 in a blazing orange hue, while his All-Star teammate Dwight Howard will maneuver around the paint while sporting the adiPower Howard 2 in the same vivid colorway. (The vision of seeing the two adidas comrades on the same squad — in matching shoes, no less — should set Bulls fans’ hearts aflutter, especially considering Howard’s recent comments that seemed to open the door to a possible trade to Chicago.) Off the court, adidas Originals presents the AR 2.0, inspired by the Forum Mid basketball shoe and finished in a stylish navy/orange colorway. Click through for more looks, and expect the All-Star editions of the adiZero Rose 2.5 and adiPower Howard 2 to drop February 23rd at Foot Locker stores, Eastbay.com and Shopadidas.com.

Release Date: February 23rd, 2012 (Thursday)

Similar to much of the Y-3 semblance, the Honja Low Denim sneakers include design elements that bridge East and West influences. It features a raw denim upper with quilt-like pattern in the form of adidas 3-stripe, a luxurious leather trim fully lined the interior for comfort.  The leather accents continue onto the sneaker’s exterior, with an addition of bronze colorway for good measure.  Finished with four hidden hoop eyelets and a contrast white rubber outsole, the Honja Low Denim is now available as part of Y-3 Spring/Summer Collection at select retailers such as Park & Bond.

The ubiquitous three-stripes design long connected with the adidas aesthetic has been reimagined a bit on recent models, first on the adidas Originals Hardland Lo-LD and again here on the upcoming adidas Hike Sandal. The stripes slide up to the top half of the sneaker, hitting across the fat strap with a rounded look that nearly obscures their heritage. Of course that’s not the only unorthodox thing about this upcoming adidas piece, with the somewhat conflicting sources of inspiration resulting in something between a comfy pair of slippers and an urban boot. Follow us after the jump to get the full shots of the tan and black colorways, both of which will be available at atmos next month.

atmos Tokyo
4-32-8 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +81-03-6427-6366

Adidas debuts its latest signature shoe for Derrick Rose, the adiZero 2.5. Weighing in at just 11 ounces, the shoe is the lightest model Derrick has ever laced up, featuring SprintFrame midfoot construction and increased SprintWeb coverage for reduced weight and maximum support. A GeoFit memory foam collar provides cushioning and a snug fit, while the outsole traction system, borrowed from the adiZero Crazy Light, provides superior grip. Personal notes include a satellite view of Derrick’s Chicago-area Englewood neighborhood engraved on the toe, “ROSE” at the tongue and signature three stripes on the back. Click through to see D-Rose’s video review of his second-half signature shoe. Remember to post your own review to the adidas Basketball Facebook page after the adiZero 2.5 drops February 2nd at Foot Locker stores and Eastbay, as well as the adidas online store.

Release Date: February 2nd, 2012 (Thursday)

adidas and Foot Locker are giving us an early look at their commercial for the adidas adiZero Crazy Light, set to debut tomorrow on ESPN, MTV, BET, Comedy Central and the Cartoon Network. Featuring NBA heavyweights Dwight Howard, Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday, alongside rapper Big Sean, the spot delineates the significance of 9.8 ounces — a measure that’s both nothing and everything. Without that seemingly insignificant amount, packed arenas become empty houses, VIP status reverts to JV standing. The performance boost from the featherweight adidas Crazy Light is the difference maker. Check out the video after the click, and pick up a pair of the blacked out adidas adiZero Crazy Light from Footlocker stores or online.

The first round of the Maui Invitational kicked off Monday night, giving college hoops fans an early season look at tournament play. The event, held each year in Lahiana, Hawaii, during Thanksgiving week, features competition among the nation’s top basketball programs. Some of this year’s participating teams include Kansas, Michigan, UCLA, and Tennessee, along with host school Chaminade, all of whom will be outfitted with special gear and shoes provided by adidas. The range consists of a shooting shirt emblazoned with a stylized graphic depiction of Ku, the Hawaiian god of war, designed by local artist Che Pilago of Moku Nui apparel. The patterned arcs above Ku’s visage represent the striving to achieve one’s goals, the braided ropes to the left and right stand for unity, and the overall triangular shape symbolizes the drawing of strength from the islands. The assortment is finished with the adiZero Crazy Light and Crazy 8 basketball shoes, plus the X-Hale Low training shoe for coaches, all done up in bright blue as a celebration of Maui’s tropical waters.

The adidas adiZero Rose 2, the second installment of Derrick Rose’s signature shoe series for adidas, will soon be available in a striking black-on-black colorway that’s sure to look as stylish on the court as it will off it. In fact, Rose had asked for adidas for a shoe that could serve double-duty as both a performance and street sneaker, which prompted lead designer Robbie Fuller to plumb the adidas Y-3 archive, ultimately borrowing the premium textures and ankle bands seen on models like the fashion-forward Y-3 Kazuhiri. Aside from its good looks, the shoe is lightweight and durable, with the gore ankle strap ensuring a lockdown fit and SPRINTWEB welded frame providing breathability and enhanced support. Look for the blacked out adiZero Rose 2 to arrive at online retailer Eastbay sometime in early November.

With a legion of designers behind every signature footwear out there, you have to really wonder just how involved are the players and the sneakers that bear their names. For Chicago Bulls‘ Derrick Rose however, it’s natural to be part of the creative process. It is also customary for him to point out all the different improvements to potential buyers, as he did in this video. After all, its his shoes with his signature and a happy customer is a fan for life. The adidas adiZero Rose 2 is now available at all adidas retail locations. To take part in the reviewing process of the adidas adiZero Rose 2, simply log onto to adidas Basketball Facebook site.

The 1998 NBA All-Star Game at New York’s Madison Square Garden saw Kobe Bryant, a non-starter in his sophomore year on the Lakers roster, emerge as the youngest all-star in the history of the league at just 19 years of age. Kobe squared off against his idol Michael Jordan during the game, but for our purposes the more significant detail about that day are the kicks Kobe wore: the adidas Crazy 8. The shoe has been retroed for the first time, in a black and white colorway accented with hits of purple and gold and Kobe’s uniform number 8 embroidered just above the toe box. They’re available now at New Jersey’s Packer Shoes.

Packer Shoes
941 Teaneck Road | Map
Teaneck, NJ 07666
TEL #: 201-837-2022

As conceived by Berlin design firm KINZO, the new adidas corporate headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, is configured to promote creativity and team play. A concept KINZO has termed “Workout,” the building’s interior features a module system consisting of 46 flexible elements which can be assembled in countless ways to set up meeting rooms or workspaces. The “Teamplayer,” a multifunctional room module with conical sides, is the arrangement’s centerpiece. It’s essentially an open frame, which can be equipped with desktops or clothing racks, and its punch-plate frames can be used to hang up accessories, equipment, photos or drafts. As KINZO designer Chris Middleton explains, “It was important to us to create a space which not only enables the adidas staff members to store products neatly and practically within their working environment but also to present them in an attractive way, emphasizing their premium value.” Click through to view multiple images of the innovative work space.