Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Retrospective

At just 24 years old, Anthony Edwards has cemented himself as one of the most exciting forces at the intersection of sports, fashion, and culture. His nightly on-court performances for the Minnesota Timberwolves coupled with a meticulously curated Adidas Basketball strategy helped make the Atlanta-native "box office."

From Aug. 21-28, Edwards will travel between Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing as part of his first-ever tour across China. The Believe That. visit showcases the NBA All-Star's reach and positioning for the future while also marking the end of the Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 basketball shoe's run.

Since its debut in December 2023, Edwards first signature shoe with the Three Stripes amassed over 20 colorways made available to the public. Player-Exclusives (PEs) were developed for the man himself, as well as other Adidas-backed athletes. A blue flame-covered collaboration with CLOT serves as the silhouette's final launch, giving way to the highly-anticipated Anthony Edwards 2.

Patrick Zempolich and company set out to develop a high-performing hoops model when designing the Anthony Edwards 1. And while the silhouette has delivered on this end—both in its High and Low trims—it took off as a culturally-significant fashion piece.

Its porous support wings on the sides, YEEZY-like forefoot, and variety of bold color schemes allowed Edwards' debut model to command attention like few other signature sneakers had in some time. Celebrities like Wale took a liking to the Adidas Basketball design—so much so that it could've inspired Nike's decision to have him unveil the G.T. Future silhouette.

The future-forward design was accompanied by a string of well-timed, often irreverent ad campaigns starring either Anthony Edwards or his shoes. Back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances earned the Minnesota Timberwolves star to banter against both his peers and veterans like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.

There's no telling what life the Anthony Edwards 2 or any subsequent signature release will lead. As long as the hoops team at the Three Stripes remains authentic to what's worked with their first effort for the 20-something-year-old NBA player, things should look fairly similar.

However, it's important to note that the magic captured by and surrounding the Anthony Edwards 1 could only have existed in its moment. Expectations are unfairly high for the sequel, which will surely impact any follow-up's peak. Nevertheless, Edwards and company have shown that they're up for any challenge. A recent preview of the Harden Vol. 10 also suggests the Adidas Basketball division is currently moving with a vision that's only lit a fire under the rest of the industry.

If you were in tune with the Anthony Edwards 1 during its life cycle, you formed part of history. If you weren't, enjoy the following walk through memory lane ahead as you check out every AE 1 release.

You can shop your favorite pairs via after-market platforms StockX, GOAT, and KICKS CREW.