Adidas Rivalry Hi OG 'Na-Kel' Shoes

As one of the most iconic high top basketball styles to come out of the ‘80s, adidas reintroduced their Rivalry shoe back in early 2019 and have reimagined it once more with the help of pro rider Na-Kel Smith. Enhanced by flashes of collegiate gold and collegiate green, the uppers are made from a combination of black suede and smooth synthetic fabric with a shaped inlay on the toe vamp and cut outs on either side of the foot which mimic the signature ‘three stripe’ decoration. The classic raised ankle silhouette provides plenty of protection around the foot whilst helping to keep the fit locked in during all day sessions with help from the full lace up fastening which includes black eyelets positioned alongside a suede border and a collegiate gold set of eyelets spaced further from the centre towards the top of the fastening. On either side of the foot perforation has been added in between the three stripe decoration to encourage ventilation and shaped cut outs on the ankle border reveal striped synthetic collegiate green sections and continue around to the heel.

The tongue is padded for comfort with a taped collegiate gold edge and a woven label that shows a customised version of the models original label with stylised ‘Na-Kel’ lettering above an illustration of a basketball against orange and black shaped lines. On the back of the heel the adidas trefoil logo has been printed in a matching tone of collegiate orange for distinctive branding. Throughout the inside of the shoe a soft fabric lining has been added for comfort in addition to die-cut insoles. The black sticky gum rubber outsole provides enhanced grip for kick-push activities and has a matte effect with a textured insert, cupsole stitch and subtle debossed ‘adidas’ branding. The tread has been designed with a variety of textures and a bright collegiate gold insert to deliver reliable grip.

Accompanied by a promo video that sees professional skateboarder, rapper and actor Na-Kel Smith hanging out with friends Lil Dre, Kayla Montoya, Loudy Luna, Tyrea Seals, Mikey Alfred, Kevin White and Lola Dompe, this collaborative adidas Rivalry Hi OG 'Na-Kel' release looks to youthful ‘80s memories of new trainer styles that captured the energy of sports and style of the time. Reimagined with new colour tones and modern skate performance features, this release adds to Na-Kel’s collection of adidas collaborations following on from personalised models of the Matchcourt RX3, 3ST.001, and the Nizza.