In a nostalgic nod to one of the most iconic console wars of all time, Adidas and Nice Kicks have collaborated on a new and exclusive collection celebrating the 16-bit era in North America.
The “Rivalry Series” project features the Adidas Rivalry model, originally designed for basketball in 1986 but widely adopted as a casual style staple. This special edition, launching on August 16, draws inspiration from the legendary battle between the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
A Tribute to Classic Gaming
The new collection, known as Adidas Rivalry Low Nicekicks, includes two distinctive pairs of shoes. The Low Core Black pair honors the Sega Genesis, reflecting the sleek, predominantly black console that brought hours of fun to many kids.
The White Tint pair represents the SNES, showcasing a color scheme that pays tribute to this legendary console. Each pair will be priced at $130, offering fans a chance to wear a piece of gaming history.
Inspiration Behind the Design
Bryan Tang, product lead and designer at Nice Kicks, shared insights into the creative process behind the collaboration. “The concept pitched to Nice Kicks was to tell a story about rivals, with given examples of famous sports teams and figures,” he explained.
“Naturally, the Nice Kicks team thought outside the box and focused on something that was more niche and meant something to them. Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s, we didn’t have very many options for gaming consoles like we do now, and if we were lucky enough to have one, we would have to pick between Nintendo or Sega.”
Tang highlighted that the design was inspired by the team’s shared experiences with gaming and hip-hop music.
“We all shared similar stories of going to our local game stores to window shop for the latest game, and the graphics they would use for the covers,” he said. “Over time, a lot of these games got sold back to the stores and had blemishes such as adhesive residues or fades from sun damage.
We took all those nostalgic feelings and incorporated them into the shoes, focusing on wearability and storytelling.”
Design Elements and Details
Both pairs of shoes feature the Nice Kicks brand visualized in the style of each console’s typeface on the right tongue tags, while “Rivalry Series” adorns the left.
The SNES pair even mimics the sunbleached look of the U.S. NTSC-U console, turning darker and more yellow with age. This attention to detail makes the collection a true homage to the gaming era that inspired it.
Previous Collaborations and Comparisons
This is not the first time the Sega Genesis has been celebrated in the sneaker world. In 2021, Lavair released Mega Drive shoes priced at $275, which had a sportier profile and a bold color scheme.
In 2019, Nike partnered with Nintendo to create N64-inspired Air Max shoes, which were priced around $160. Other notable collaborations include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s partnership with Reebok in 2020 and Atari’s collaboration with Cariuma for its 50th anniversary.
However, perhaps the most famous was the Nintendo x Vans collaboration in 2016, which featured a range of designs, including a memorable Duck Hunt-inspired pair.
Launch Details and Availability
Fans of both gaming and sneakers can look forward to the release of these gaming-themed Rivalry Low Nicekicks on August 16 at Shop Nice Kicks. With a price tag of $130 per pair, these shoes offer a unique blend of nostalgia and style.
Whether you preferred the Genesis or the SNES, this collection allows you to celebrate the golden age of gaming in a fashionable way.
The collaboration between Adidas and Nice Kicks beautifully captures the essence of the 16-bit console war that defined a generation of gamers. By drawing on personal experiences and paying close attention to design details, this collection not only honors the past but also brings it to life for today’s sneaker enthusiasts.
As we anticipate the release, it’s clear that these shoes will not only serve as a tribute to a bygone era but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sega and Nintendo.
