Bape and Adidas are making a new splash into the retro running aesthetic.
The Bape x Adidas Orketro ushers in the return of a ’90s-inspired model that debuted in 2020. Bape’s shooting star mark now graces the profile of the brutalist model with two of the three colorways oozing color. One could easily draw Sprite comparisons for its use of yellow, green and blue, while another goes for a more tonal mix of purples. The third and final edition coming soon opts for a more muted mix of black, white and grey.
Bape’s Cloud Camo pattern can also be made out faintly on some of the overlays for each colorway, and Adidas‘ striping over the toes has now been removed.
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Adidas’ launch of the Orketro came in the earlier stages of the retro running trend now dominating the sneaker space, and Sean Wotherspoon collaborated on three colorways — one of which was a friends-and-family exclusive — just last year. A 2.0 model also debuted in 2023 with slight aesthetic tweaks for the Adiprene-cushioned sneaker. Neither the first nor second Orketro are currently stocked by Adidas, but the Bape collaboration could signal another push for the retro-futuristic runner.
Bape and Adidas celebrated 20 years of collaborations last year, and 2024 has been a particularly prolific year for the Japanese streetwear label’s sneakers, be they in-line or made with others. A Dame 9 collab launched Damian Lillard’s newest signature sneaker while harkening back to the collision of the same parties in 2017, while the revival of an obscure ’90s Adidas skate shoe drew laughs because the model’s name original name, Lawsuit, could easily be connected to Bape’s now-settled legal dispute with Nike.
The Bape x Adidas Orketro will release November 15 through Adidas’ website, and Bape is likely to host its own drop as well. Pricing for the sneaker has yet to be announced, but the Orketro typically fetches $160.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior 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.
