Bad Bunny‘s newest Adidas sneaker is as steeped in his own history as it is the brand’s.
The Bad Bunny x Adidas Gazelle “San Juan” is slated to release later in June as a nod to the German brand’s famous City Series. Slight updates have been made to the silhouette’s construction, as an added layer of canvas trim runs around the length of the sneaker at the border of the upper and translucent gum cupsole. The mustache has also been eliminated in favor of a inset canvas collar, while a shaggy suede heel counter is another inset addition. A smoother suede panel wraps around midfoot to reach its perforated end point at the toe, where it gives way to a warped T-bar serving as a through-line to the Bad Bunny’s other Adidas sneakers.
Rather than appearing inside, the shoe’s size tag is stitched onto the heel. It says “Samba ADV” rather than Gazelle, but Adidas is still officially referring to the sneaker as the latter regardless.
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Rope laces bringing yet another texture to the multi-material sneaker, and red contrast stitching is added to the double-tongue. Beneath the collar, you’ll also find an “Adidas San Juan” logo debossed in gold in the style of Adidas’ City Series. It would hardly be a stretch to connect the light blue tonal color scheme to the beaches of Puerto Rico’s capital city
While not a formal series of sneakers, the City Series refers to a history of Adidas naming sneakers after cities worldwide that began in the ’50s and really began taking off in the ’70s. Many of the sneakers are rooted in the appearance of the Gazelle, and the Gazelle itself was essentially an update of the Rom sneaker made for the 1964 Rome Olympics.
The Bad Bunny x Adidas Gazelle “San Juan” will release June 23 through Adidas’ website, as well as select third-party retailers, to coincide with Noche de San Juan. Pricing is set at $140.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
