A First-Ever Denim Tears x adidas Originals Capsule Is Expected November 2026

Tremaine Emory and his Denim Tears team have an adidas Originals collaboration on the way.

Reported on X by @KicksFinder, the news arrives shortly after Emory and company have launched their Fall/Winter 2026 Collection, which pays homage to André Leon Talley. The range includes the New York City-approved Timberland® 6-Inch Boot, but, like most Denim Tears lineups since 2019, the latest seasonal drop is devoid of any sneaker collabs. It's unclear whether or not Emory will have his inaugural adidas project live within his the DT FW26 universe, though it's likely the upcoming Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 will depend on a similar brand identity.

According to information provided by Elden Monitors, both pairs of adidas Originals sneakers by Denim Tears feature a "Multi-Color/Cream White/Easy Yellow" color scheme. It's too early to know exactly how this makeover is applied to the decades-old footwear designs, but Emory has probably gone with an understated execution rather than a loud one.

Cotton wreath motifs are expected on the collaboration, perhaps playing with the Three Stripes' iconic trefoil logo, Superstar's shell-toe, and/or the famous Stan Smith portrait on the shoe with the same name.

A Denim Tears x adidas linkup might seem strange given that so much of Emory's self-described "African American sportswear" label is often styled with more modern footwear styles from the likes of NIKE, Inc., but the collaboration is intentional.

Emory was born in Atlanta, but raised in Queens, NY—specifically the Jamaica neighborhood—meaning Run-DMC, superstar advocates of the adidas Superstar during the 1980s from the neighboring Hollis neighborhood, would've been highly-visible to him growing up.

In more recent times, certain pockets of New York City have seen youth adopt old school styles like the adidas Firebird Tracksuit, the aforementioned shell-toe, and the Stan Smith. It's possible, then, the debut Denim Tears collab with the Three Stripes taps into this energy while contributing to both the Superstar and Stan Smith's ongoing moments.

Furthermore, from the corporate brand side, a linkup with Denim Tears is just the latest example of adidas collaborating with street fashion labels to tap into youth culture. Recent projects include work with HELLSTAR and Young Thug's SP5DER.

Stay tuned for firm release details of the seasonal launch from Denim Tears and adidas. Items are expected to launch during November—perhaps Black Friday?

For confirmed footwear news, check out what's new in the world of Nike Basketball.