Denim Tears x adidas Originals Capsule Releases Nov. 7

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. Luka Sabbat gave the world an early look at the Superstar on Nov. 2. The pair includes a pattern often associated with the "Ghana Must Go" bag—a checkered, woven polypropylene carryall. It became an iconic symbol of West African migration and resilience.

The Stan Smith follows in the same steps.

The project celebrates the fact that one carryall bag originally produced in Hong Kong by a Chinese tailor in the 1970s can still resonate with that group and connect with people from a different continent. The plaid-patterned bag is still used in places like New York City's Canal Street by both groups.

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.

"It's an honor to work with a legendary shoe brand that has done long-term partnerships with great designers that have come before me, and ones that are my highly respected contemporaries," shared Emory in an official press release. "I look forward to Denim Tears adding to the story."

The Denim Tears Superstar 82 ($180) and Stan Smith 80 ($160) become available on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. EST exclusively at African Diaspora Goods (176 Spring Street) in NYC.

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