adidas unveils another colorway for the Jabbar Hi as it continues to roll out the recently re-released silhouette. Since the reissue of the OG colorway, Japanese retailer atmos has also launched their collaborative take on the model. adidas has plans for the Jabbar Hi to be a prominent fixture in the sneaker scene, with numerous colorways slated to be released from Holiday 2024 through Holiday 2025. Up next, a clean Core Black Off White rendition.
It is an understatement to say Kareem Abdul-Jabbar profoundly impacted sneaker culture. As one of the first athletes to have a signature sneaker, Abdul-Jabbar's collaboration with adidas in the 1970s marked a significant shift in how sports footwear was marketed and perceived. The release of his sneaker set the stage for future NBA legends to collaborate with shoe companies, paving the way for the booming athlete-driven sneaker industry we see today. Beyond the design, Kareem's influence extended to how sneakers became a cultural symbol of status and identity.
In an era before the massive media presence of today's athletes, Abdul-Jabbar's signature shoe was one of the earliest instances where a basketball player's footwear transcended sports and began to influence fashion trends. His collaboration with The Brand With The Three Stripes helped legitimize the concept of player-endorsed sneakers, linking athletic performance with lifestyle appeal. This practice made sneakers more than just performance gear—they have become a representation of personal style, confidence, and cultural identity, and it all started with Kareem.
The adidas Jabbar Hi Core Black Off White arrives with an upper constructed of smooth core black leather. Off White comes into play via the Three Stripes branding on the sides and the collar. A strip of black nubuck appears on the toe, providing increased durability. The heel tab is adorned with a Trefoil logo with dual branding on the tongue coming in gold foil. Underfoot, a cream white rubber sole offers comfort and grip, which completes the aesthetic.
The adidas Jabbar Hi Core Black Off White is set to release on November 6, 2024, exclusively at UNDFTD. A worldwide drop will follow on November 15 at adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $110. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
adidas Jabbar Hi Core Black Off White
Images via adidas
Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.