Rick Owens and Adidas are joining forces again after nearly a decade apart. The collaboration brings their experimental approach to sportswear back with a new footwear collection featuring futuristic silhouettes and an eye-catching $850 (£640) boot.
The Rick Owens x Adidas collaboration marks the latest chapter in the designer's relationship with the German sportswear giant. It began in 2013 and ended in 2017. The new partnership revisits one of their most distinctive design experiments: Adidas' Springblade technology, reimagined through Owens' signature avant-garde aesthetic.
The collection, which was first unveiled during Owens' Spring 2027 runway show in Paris in June, is scheduled to launch on 17 November. It includes two versions of the Springblade Runner and an oversized Springblade Boot, priced from $590 (£440) to $850 (£640).
Avant-Garde Makeover
The standout piece is undoubtedly the Springblade Boot, which combines an elongated, gaiter-like upper with the unusual blade-inspired sole that gives the collection its name. Its exaggerated proportions and futuristic construction reflect Owens' preference for unconventional shapes and dramatic footwear.
The collection also features two Springblade Runner variations, incorporating leather and canvas materials alongside Adidas' recognisable Three Stripes branding. Both designs retain the sculptural sole, creating a distinctive alternative to conventional running shoes.
Rather than simply revisiting archival designs, Owens has used Adidas' existing technology to explore a different direction for performance-inspired footwear. In an interview with Vogue, the designer explained that the collaboration was partly motivated by seeing members of his creative community wearing trainers from other brands.
He described the situation as a gap that needed filling, explaining that he wanted to create running shoes that his team and followers could wear while remaining connected to his label. Owens also praised the opportunity to work with Adidas' technical expertise, saying the partnership allowed him to use technology from a company he considers among the best in its field.
Collaboration Extends Beyond the $850 Boots
Although footwear takes centre stage in the commercial release, the wider collaboration encompasses considerably more than trainers and boots. The Spring 2027 runway presentation also featured hooded capes, tracksuit trousers, sleeveless tunics with pronounced shoulders and inflated jackets and bodysuits. Some of the garments incorporated internal fans that created exaggerated, air-filled silhouettes.
Owens explained that the inflatable designs drew inspiration from Adidas' archives and his interest in using technology to create theatrical fashion without relying on elaborate runway sets that would eventually be dismantled and discarded. He also confirmed that the experimental garments would be made available for purchase, rather than remaining exclusive runway creations.
The approach reflects a recurring element of Owens' design philosophy: making exaggerated fashion accessible to people who want to incorporate it into their everyday wardrobes. Interestingly, the designer admitted that he is not particularly enthusiastic about the growing number of fashion collaborations. However, he considers his relationship with Adidas different because it offers genuine creative freedom and serves a practical purpose.
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When Will Rick Owens x Adidas Be Available?
The Rick Owens x Adidas Springblade collection will arrive on 17 November through Adidas, Rick Owens' official online store and selected retailers. The Springblade Runners will retail for $590, while the statement-making Springblade Boot will cost $850. The boot is also listed on Adidas' US website at the same price.
The reunion represents a significant return for a partnership that helped establish a different approach to designer-sportswear collaborations during its original run. With its mix of archival Adidas technology and Owens' distinctive proportions, the latest collection is less about another conventional sneaker collaboration and more about revisiting an experimental design language both brands helped introduce.
