Brawl Stars x Adidas adiStar Control 5 Collaboration Revealed

Over the past 18 months, retro mesh runners have completely taken over the sneaker landscape. From archival performance models to chunky Y2K-inspired silhouettes, brands have been digging deep into their catalogs to fuel the trend — and adidas’ Adistar Control 5 has quietly become one of the Three Stripes’ biggest breakout lifestyle models in the process.

Now, the adidas silhouette is heading into unexpected territory through an upcoming collaboration with mobile gaming giant Brawl Stars.

Revealed here in kids' sizing, the Brawl Stars x adidas Adistar Control 5 embraces the chaotic energy of the game through an explosive mix of colors, textures, and playful detailing. The pair combines black mesh uppers with neon green overlays and glossy purple trim, creating a loud arcade-ready palette that feels ripped straight from the game’s animated world. Additional green accents arrive across the Three Stripes and heel, while bright purple liners and detailing amplify the over-the-top aesthetic.

The collaboration’s biggest storytelling elements appear on the tongue and side branding. A fusszy Spike character headlines the tongue logo, while Brawl Stars branding is stamped onto the lateral heel overlay. Small raised nodules along the Three Stripes further add to the toy-like, character-inspired design language.

Despite arriving in grade school sizing initially, the collaboration already feels like something bigger. adidas has increasingly leaned into gaming collaborations over the past few years, and with the Adistar Control 5 becoming one of the brand’s most recognizable retro runners, this project feels positioned for broader expansion.

At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether the Brawl Stars x adidas Adistar Control 5 will release in adult sizing or as part of a wider apparel and footwear collection. Still, given gaming’s global reach — and the fact that gaming culture stretches far beyond kids — a larger rollout would hardly come as a surprise.

Release details have yet to be confirmed by adidas or Brawl Stars, but expect more information to surface soon.

For more from the Three Stripes, check out the upcoming adidas Jellyfish lineup expected later this year.