Adidas Partnered With Brain Dead and a Pro Wrestler for This Flame-covered Japan Sneaker

A three-way collaboration between Adidas, a pro wrestler and one of the most ebullient brands in streetwear for a flame-covered sneaker modeled after luchador masks.

There are actually several variants of the Brain Dead x Adidas Japan. The collaboration with Brody King will be quite limited and appears to be exclusive to in-person purchases at a Brain Dead wrestling event on Friday in Los Angeles. Inspired by the in-ring boots worn by King, the shoe is rendered in black and white leather and features the wrestler’s name in gold debossing. It’s being rendered as both a high-top fit for wrestling and a low-top more suited for everyday wear.

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Coming later in the month will be a separate duo of the Japan Lo utilizing the same flame paneling but dialing it up a notch by rendering them in shaggy suede. Both start with a black leather base, and they then deviate with a choice of blue suede with white trim or yellow with olive green. Dual-branding for Adidas and Brain Dead is embossed in gold beneath the lateral collar of both, and they also share an on-trend thin sole in cream.

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Much like Samba, Gazelle and Taekwondo, the Japan is an archival Adidas silhouette that’s popped among the low-profile trend. Adidas first released the sneaker in 1964 in conjunction with the Tokyo Olympics, and its current hot streak began with a relaunch last year.

Following the release of the Brody King editions Friday, the Brain Dead x Adidas Japan in black and blue or black and yellow will release Aug. 28 through select third-party retailers including Foot District. Brain Dead and Adidas will likely host their own releases as well, and pricing is set at $140.