Noah LylesThe world’s fastest man and Olympic gold medalist, has always been known for his exhilarating performances on the track. However, he recently made headlines with a different kind of debut: unveiling the latest shoe collaboration between a global music superstar Bad bunny and Adidas Originals.
While attending the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas, Lyles presented the highly anticipated Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL72 sneaker, a perfect blend of classic design and modern innovation. The sneaker features clean lines, a vintage-inspired silhouette and cutting-edge technology, making it a standout piece in both the sports and fashion worlds.
A first look at the Adizero SL72
The Adizero SL72 collaboration has been making the rounds since early November and marks a new chapter in Adidas’ ongoing collaboration with Bad Bunny, known for his eclectic and trendsetting style. Inspired by Adidas’ vintage SL72 silhouette, first introduced during the 1972 Munich Olympics, the sneaker combines nostalgic design with modern innovation.
The hybrid sneaker seamlessly combines the retro aesthetic of the SL72 upper with the performance-oriented Adizero lower. The layered construction creates a dynamic, cocoon-like effect, with materials flowing together in a way that adds depth and texture. This bold design pushes the boundaries of both lifestyle and performance sneakers, making it a standout release in the ever-evolving sneaker culture.
Color scheme and design details
Lyles wore the sneaker in what appears to be an “Off White/Chalk/Wonder White” colorway, with the neutral tones creating a clean, monochrome base that allows the intricate design elements to really shine. Subtle blue branding adds a pop of color, while a bold black embellishment on the heel provides a bold contrast to the otherwise muted palette.
The upper part of the sneaker stays true to the classic SL72, with the signature suede and nylon construction. However, as the eye moves downward, the design transitions seamlessly into a more contemporary aesthetic. A rough-hewn mesh seam separates the upper from the midsole, signaling the shift from retro to modern. Wide mesh panels, rugged suede overlays and padded heel detailing provide a rugged, deconstructed feel, while the sleek Adizero midsole provides a lightweight and responsive base that enhances the sneaker’s performance.
Noah Lyles: A star with distinctive ambitions
Noah Lyles’ decision to debut the Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL72 shoes at such a high-profile event speaks to the growing intersection of sports, fashion and entertainment. As one of Adidas’ top athletes, Lyles has long been vocal about the need for track and field stars to receive the same recognition as athletes in more mainstream sports such as basketball and football.
Despite his numerous accolades, including a gold medal in the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics, Lyles has yet to receive a signature lifestyle sneaker from Adidas – a point of contention for the track and field star. “I feel like, because of the number of medals we’re getting, the notoriety we’re bringing back, the fact that that hasn’t happened, I think that’s weird,” Lyles noted in a recent interview. His words speak to the disparity in the recognition of athletes in athletics compared to their counterparts in other sports.
While his primary focus remains on performance footwear, Lyles’ appearance in the Bad Bunny collaboration suggests he appreciates the creative direction Adidas is taking with its lifestyle offering. By endorsing fellow Adidas ambassador Bad Bunny, Lyles not only highlights the brand’s versatility, but also positions himself as a crossover athlete with influence beyond the track. His involvement in this sneaker collaboration could pave the way for more opportunities that bridge the gap between athletic performance and high-fashion streetwear, cementing his status as a global style influencer.
What’s next for the Adizero SL72?
While the exact release date for the Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL72 has yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest the sneaker will release on December 15 in three different colorways. If true, the launch will undoubtedly make waves, as both Bad Bunny and Adidas have built a loyal following among sneakerheads and fashion-conscious consumers.
The Bad Bunny and Adidas collaboration has already proven to be a resounding success, with previous releases selling out almost immediately. The Adizero SL72 is expected to follow suit, blending heritage design with modern performance to appeal to a wide audience. Fans of both the Puerto Rican superstar and the German sportswear giant are eagerly awaiting more details, including official release information, pricing and a store list. With the sneaker’s bold design and unique combination of retro and contemporary elements, it is poised to become one of the most sought-after releases of the year, continuing to fuel the growing influence of sports, fashion and celebrity collaborations .
The growing influence of collaboration between athletes and artists
Lyles’ debut of the Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL72 shoes at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix highlights the growing influence of athlete-artist collaboration in the sneaker industry. By combining the athletic prowess of stars like Lyles with the cultural cachet of artists like Bad Bunny, Adidas creates products that resonate across multiple demographics and bridge the worlds of sports, fashion and music.
This strategy not only increases brand visibility, but also challenges traditional views of what athletic footwear can be. Sneakers are no longer just performance tools; they are cultural artifacts that reflect the identity, personality and values of the wearer. The Bad Bunny x Adidas Adizero SL72 embodies this evolution, combining sport, fashion and artistry into one cohesive design that speaks to both athletic performance and modern street culture. With collaborations like this, Adidas is helping to redefine the future of sneakers as symbols of self-expression and creative fusion.
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Featured image: @nojo18/Instagram
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