When avant-garde streetwear meets vintage tennis heritage, a new classic is born.
Introduction – Reimagining the Court Classic
Originally launched in 1976, the adidas Forest Hills was engineered to be the lightest tennis shoe of its time, featuring NASA-developed technology for enhanced comfort and reduced weight. Fast forward to 2025, and the Los Angeles-based creative collective Brain Dead breathes new life into this archival silhouette, infusing it with their signature unconventional style and bold material choices.House of Heat°+4Sneaker Bar Detroit+4Sneaker Bar Detroit+4
Design and Aesthetics – A Fusion of Textures and Tones
Material Innovation
Brain Dead’s reinterpretation of the Forest Hills features premium shaggy suede uppers, adding a rich, textured look that deviates from traditional tennis shoe materials. This choice not only enhances the visual appeal but also underscores the brand’s commitment to pushing design boundaries.Sneaker Bar Detroit+1Sneaker Bar Detroit+1
Colorways and Accents
The collection boasts four distinct colorways:Modern Notoriety+2Sneaker Bar Detroit+2Sneaker Bar Detroit+2
- Violet Tone/Pantone-Core Black (JR7971): Dark green shaggy suede with off-white leather stripes, burgundy accents, and green details on the tongue and insoles.Sneaker Bar Detroit+5Sneaker Bar Detroit+5Sneaker Bar Detroit+5
- Shadow Brown/Red-Cream White (JR7940): Dark brown fuzzy suede with red stripes and blue zig-zag stitching around the heel.Sneaker Bar Detroit+2Sneaker News+2Sneaker News+2
- Cream White/Pantone-Night Red (JR7943): Cream suede with multi-colored stripes, offering a nod to the model’s OG “Metallic Gold” makeup.House of Heat°+3Sneaker News+3Sneaker News+3
- Core Black/Pantone-Branch (JR7942): Black suede with gold stripes, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Each pair features metallic gold “Brain Dead” branding on the midfoot, co-branded logos on the tongue, heel, and insole, and a sleek ‘Core Black’ sole that completes the design with a contemporary touch.Hypebeast. Driving Culture Forward+3Sneaker Bar Detroit+3Sneaker Bar Detroit+3
Cultural Impact – Bridging Heritage and Streetwear
This collaboration aligns with the growing trend of “Bloke Core” fashion, where football and tennis aesthetics permeate streetwear culture. By reintroducing classic silhouettes with modern twists, adidas and Brain Dead bridge generations, allowing fans to celebrate sports heritage in everyday settings.
Release Information – Availability and Pricing
- Release Date: April 25, 2025Modern Notoriety+4House of Heat°+4Sneaker Bar Detroit+4
- Availability: Available through Brain Dead’s website, select adidas stores, and online at adidas.comadidas News+3Sneaker Bar Detroit+3Sneaker Bar Detroit+3
- Price: $150 USDHypebeast. Driving Culture Forward+9Sneaker Bar Detroit+9Sneaker Bar Detroit+9
FAQs – What You Need to Know
Q: What inspired the design of the Brain Dead x adidas Forest Hills Collection?
A: The collaboration draws inspiration from the original 1976 Forest Hills tennis shoe, reimagined with Brain Dead’s unique design elements and materials.
Q: Are these sneakers suitable for athletic activities?
A: While inspired by a tennis silhouette, the updated design and materials are geared more towards lifestyle and streetwear use.
Q: Will there be more colorways available in the future?
A: Currently, four colorways are set for release, with potential for additional variations based on collaboration success and demand.
Conclusion – A Contemporary Take on a Classic
The Brain Dead x adidas Forest Hills Collection stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, merging the rich heritage of adidas with the avant-garde vision of Brain Dead. This fusion results in a sneaker that not only honors its roots but also paves the way for future innovations in design and style.