On March 17, 2022, a pair of adidas x Balenciaga Triple S sneakers surfaced on the Internet and subsequently caused speculative hysteria. And while the legitimacy of the collaboration remains unknown, new images suggest the collaborative pair might really be coming.
This is not the first time the Triple S has appeared at the center of collaboration. Recently, under the creative direction of Demna, Balenciaga and Gucci released the “Hacker Project,” which combined the Triple S’ divisive dad shoe aesthetic with Gucci’s monogram branding. Likewise, adidas has also worked with other Kering-owned brands such as Gucci, delivering a full Alessandro Michele-designed Gucci collection for Fall 2022.
Taking background context, stronger images, and Balenciaga’s love for collaboration into mind — need we remind you of Balenciaga x Crocs or its partnerships with YEEZY GAP or The Simpsons? — it seems that the adidas x Balenciaga Triple S might actually be possible.
Assuming it is, then the Triple S is set to arrive in premium white leather with black detailing, the latter notably adding zig-zag cut Three Stripes to the mid-panel. Balenciaga’s branding appears as per usual in block caps down the mid panels, while a Trefoil graces the tongue tag and heel tabs alongside more Balenciaga branding, but in adidas’ lowercase font. Sizing adorns the toe as expected, while more Balenciaga branding appears in different fonts on the rubber heel extension and on the underside of the shoe, sitting alongside gray sole unit detailing.
A final touch of dual branding adorns the insoles, while the black and white color palette is continued on the Triple S’ rope laces. Lastly, it seems that Balenciaga’s now-signature gray shoe box sports the brand’s moniker integrated in diagonal lines, like those that denote adidas’ branding.
Update 05.23.22 Not only did Adidas and Balenciaga confirm their collaboration yesterday, but they made a full collection available to pre-order. The sneakers and apparel, which were officially unveiled during a runway show in New York, include white and blue-based colorways of the brands’ collaborative Triple S, a women’s Speed Sneaker, and a wide range of clothing. Prices begin at $595 for a pullover head mask and peak at $5,500 for a bull skin jacket. Arguably the pieces everyone will be after, the two Triple S sneakers, are priced at $1,100. Pre-orders are being accepted from now until May 29 at balenciaga.com.Be advised that some of the pieces, such as the shoes, won’t be shipped immediately.
adidas x Balenciaga
Pre-Oder Closes May 29, 2022
Images: Hypebeast via SBD