Denim Tears and adidas Turn the Ghana Must Go Bag Into a Sneaker
Denim Tears has finally linked up with adidas, and the first result is two classics wrapped in the woven plaid of the Ghana Must Go bag. The Superstar 82 is priced at $180 and the Stan Smith 80 at $160, and both are set to go on sale November 7 at African Diaspora Goods, the Denim Tears flagship at 176 Spring Street in SoHo, New York.
What the collab looks like
Tremaine Emory chose the Superstar 82 and the Stan Smith 80 on purpose. Both are cuts of the originals that aim to copy the early construction of each shoe. The upper is a black, blue, red and cream woven plaid taken straight from the bag you see across Canal Street and in markets around the world. Cream stays on the soles and on the Superstar shell toe, which keeps the pair from getting too loud. A Sankofa symbol sits under the co-branded details on the tongue of each shoe.
Early photos show the pairs stacked on a street-vendor table, with the tongue and heel details close enough to see. That setting is part of the idea. The story is tied to Canal Street, where African and Chinese immigrants both played a part in making the plaid bag a New York staple.
Release date, price and where to buy
Sneaker News reports the Superstar 82 at $180 and the Stan Smith 80 at $160, with the first drop exclusive to African Diaspora Goods on November 7. Hypebeast published its early look before a date was set, so check the Denim Tears and adidas channels for any wider release after the opening day. Expect lines at the shop and quick sell-outs, as with most Denim Tears projects.
How it compares to the regular pairs
A normal Superstar has leather uppers and a rubber shell toe. The Superstar 82 is closer to the vintage shape, and here the textile plaid changes the whole feel. The Stan Smith 80 follows the same idea on the tennis silhouette, with a simple low profile and a clean sole. If you want the plain versions to wear now while you wait for the drop, both are easy to find, and the Superstar 82 and standard Stan Smith are good starting points.
Who it suits
These are for people who follow Denim Tears and like a shoe that carries a story, and for adidas fans who want something different from the usual Superstar colorways. The textile plaid looks best with simple denim or dark pants, which lets the pattern do the talking. If you also follow adidas collabs, our look at the INVINCIBLE x adidas Samba release shows another recent Originals drop.
Where to buy
The exact Denim Tears pairs are not on Amazon. For now, the standard silhouettes are the closest way to try the shapes.
FAQ
When do the Denim Tears x adidas shoes release?
Sneaker News reports a November 7 release at African Diaspora Goods in New York.
How much are they?
The Superstar 82 is listed at $180 and the Stan Smith 80 at $160.
What is the Ghana Must Go plaid?
It is the woven checked pattern of the large market bags seen on Canal Street and in many cities, which Denim Tears uses as the design base.
Is the collab available online?
The first drop is reported as a SoHo store exclusive. Check Denim Tears and adidas for any later release.
