Some sneakers walk the streets. Others carry stories. This one carries love.
There are sneakers made for performance, others for hype. Then there are those made for memory — laced with emotion, patterned by legacy. The Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low “Grandma’s Couch 2”, set to release in May 2025, belongs in that final category. It’s not just a floral sneaker; it’s a stitched love letter to someone’s grandmother.
The Origins – Unheardof’s Journey
Before the flowers, before the embroidery, there was Phil Lipschutz, the heart behind Unheardof — a Cincinnati-based sneaker store known as much for its authenticity as for its drops.
Phil’s original “Grandma’s Couch” sneaker in 2023 honored his grandmother, Naomi Phillips — a woman who loved him fiercely and styled her home with unapologetically floral furniture. The 2025 sequel deepens that tribute. It’s a continuation, a conversation, a cultural moment sewn into a sneaker.
Naomi wasn’t just a grandmother. She was a muse. A rock. A believer in self-expression long before sneaker culture gave it a platform.
Design Details – Every Stitch Tells a Story
Floral Patterns and Color Palette
The sneaker blooms in soft cream and pink, with accents of green and fuchsia — a textile nod to Naomi’s actual furniture. It’s loud. It’s tender. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a couch passed down through generations — only now it’s on your feet.
Personal Touches
- “Dear Naomi” is stitched into the forefoot
- “Love Always and Forever” wraps the heel
- Naomi’s actual handwriting appears on the heel tab
- The insole sketch? A replication of the love note Naomi’s husband wrote when proposing
- A reversed note honors Phil’s experience with dyslexia
These aren’t design gimmicks — they’re emotional artifacts. This isn’t merch. It’s memory.
Packaging
Even the box isn’t just a box. It’s inspired by high-end beauty product packaging — the kind Naomi adored. Inside, you’ll find watercolor artwork painted by her late husband. The details refuse to be ignored.
Cultural Impact – More Than Just a Sneaker
In a culture that often moves fast and forgets faster, this sneaker asks you to slow down and remember.
It reminds us that fashion can be intimate, that sneakers can hold space for grief and gratitude, and that a drop date can align with something more profound — Mother’s Day.
The sneaker world noticed. Posts went viral. Tributes poured in. The sneaker community, often driven by resale and clout, paused to honor a life well lived — and a love never forgotten.
Release Info – Mark Your Calendars
- 🗓️ Release Date: May 10, 2025 (Mother’s Day Weekend)
- 🛍️ Available at: Unheardof (in-store and online)
- 🔢 Only 600 pairs available
- 💸 Retail Price: $185 USD
This is a true limited edition. Not limited in hype — limited in meaning.
FAQs – What People Want to Know
Q: What inspired the design?
A: Phil Lipschutz’s grandmother, Naomi, and the textures of her home — specifically her floral couch.
Q: Is this sneaker wearable or collectible?
A: Both. It’s durable and beautifully made, but its story makes it a collector’s piece first.
Q: Can I buy it outside the US?
A: Officially, no. It’s exclusive to Unheardof’s platforms. But secondary marketplaces may carry it after launch.
Q: Why is this release so different?
A: Because it’s personal. It doesn’t chase trends — it celebrates legacy. In a loud world, this sneaker whispers something worth hearing.