Damian Lillard's partnership with adidas has been a highlight of the brand's basketball division, which has yielded several successful sneaker releases. As a nod to his significant impact, adidas even dedicated a building at their Portland headquarters in his honor. While the anticipated Dame 9 did not launch in late 2023, instead a redesign of the Dame 8 dubbed the Dame 8 EXTPLY, adidas took the opportunity during the All-Star Weekend to preview what's next for Lillard's signature line, introducing the adidas Dame 9.
The adidas Dame 9 introduces a fresh design approach while maintaining the performance-driven ethos of its predecessors. The low-cut silhouette combines innovative materials and design cues. Synthetic overlays are adorned with Three Stripe cut-outs at the midfoot, offering a glimpse into the sneaker's structural base.
These overlays transition into a bootie construction at the top, blending black neoprene and mesh for a snug, comfortable fit. Damian Lillard's distinct logo crowns the tongue, complemented by a mini adidas logo near the toe. The heel sports Lillard's "0" emblem alongside nine dots, symbolizing this ninth (technically tenth) installment in his sneaker series. Completing the design is a cohesive midsole and outsole embedded with adidas' Lightstrike Pro technology for unparalleled comfort and responsiveness on the court.
The adidas Dame 9 will release in 2024 through adidas and select retailers online and in-store. While the retail price is yet to be announced, this model is expected to continue the line's legacy of offering top-tier performance coupled with striking aesthetics. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for the latest updates on the Dame 9’s release and the latest news in the sneaker world.
adidas Dame 9 Black Red
Images via weartesters
