Rick Owens and Adidas have reunited for a new footwear collaboration, debuting a high-performance running silhouette during Owens’ spring 2027 menswear show at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. The collection features a technical black running shoe built on a Megaride sole, marking a departure from the designer’s signature rigid, armored aesthetic toward a more lived-in, slouched silhouette. No official release date or pricing has been announced by either party.
How does the new Rick Owens x Adidas collaboration differ from their past work?
The new partnership signals a shift toward performance-oriented design compared to the brand’s previous iterations. According to Owens, the standout piece is his first high-performance running silhouette for the brand. While past seasons leaned into rigid, structural armor, this collection introduces a “floppy” ankle-boot style. The design features a scrunched black upper with white Three Stripes branding, emphasizing a deflated, organic shape. This evolution represents a move away from the architectural rigidity that defined their initial collaboration a decade ago.
The Megaride sole, a hallmark of Adidas performance engineering, is being repurposed here as a base for a high-fashion, slouched boot, bridging the gap between technical sportswear and runway avant-garde.
What role does footwear play in modern runway presentations?
Footwear has become a primary driver of brand narrative, often carrying as much weight as the apparel itself. At the spring 2027 show, the footwear served as a focal point alongside Owens’ industrial-tinged safari jackets and Dracu-collar blousons. According to WWD’s Miles Socha, the runway also featured military-inspired coats with removable epaulettes, which Owens described as symbols of “authority and trust.” By integrating high-performance shoes into a collection rooted in military symbolism, Owens balances aesthetic utility with technical innovation.
How are brands using social media to debut runway collections?
Speed to market is increasingly essential for luxury fashion houses. Adidas and the Rick Owens team bypassed traditional media embargos, pushing the new boot design to Instagram within hours of the runway show. This strategy ensures that the “hype” cycle begins immediately, allowing consumers to engage with the product while the runway imagery is still circulating. By debuting the collection online simultaneously with the Palais de Tokyo show, the brands successfully converted runway attendance into immediate global brand awareness.
Pro Tip: The Staggered Release Strategy
Given the diverse design range—from technical running shoes to structured boots—industry analysts expect a staggered product rollout. Rather than dropping the entire collection simultaneously, expect Adidas and Owens to segment releases by category to maintain consumer interest throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rick Owens x Adidas running shoe available for purchase?
No. As of the spring 2027 show, neither Rick Owens nor Adidas has confirmed a release date or official pricing.
Why did Rick Owens choose the Megaride sole for this boot?
The choice of the Megaride sole reflects a shift toward incorporating high-performance, technical components into high-fashion silhouettes, providing a lived-in, comfortable feel that contrasts with previous rigid designs.
Where can I see the full collection from the spring 2027 show?
The collection was showcased at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and is currently featured on the official social media channels of both Adidas and Rick Owens.
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