This adidas Adistar Control 5 Collab Tells a Story of Taking Control in the Fight Against Cancer
PublishedQuick Facts
- Eric "Shake" James' Clicks Kicks has a new adidas collab
- The retailer is working on the adidas Adistar Control 5
- Cranberry covers the upper, inspired by Wisconsin’s state fruit
- The Clicks x adidas Adistar Control 5 Cranberry will be released November 15, 2025 exclusively through Clicks
Sometimes, life throws uncontrollable curveballs at us. When Eric “Shake” James, the founder of Milwaukee sneaker boutique Clicks, was diagnosed with cancer, he only told a few of his closest friends and relatives, trying his best to take control of the situation that was otherwise out of his hands. Fighting through the struggle alone, Shake is on the other side of the life-threatening battle, and his latest work with adidas is Shake’s way of telling his story, bringing together his Milwaukee roots with a silhouette designed for control, even in the toughest situations.
The Clicks x adidas Adistar Control 5 Cranberry is covered in deep red, inspired by Wisconsin’s state fruit, the cranberry, to represent the Milwaukee community that supported him during his recovery, even as he kept his diagnosis secret. The toe panel is black patent leather with more black covering the Three Stripes and support panels in a classic red-and-black two-tone mix. In an Instagram post announcing the collab, Shake broke down exactly what the shoe means to him.
“As men, we are all superheroes; we are indestructible. Unbeknownst to anyone other than 5 people, I had a long battle with cancer. I’m completely on the other side of it now, but this shoe inspired me to tell my story as I kept it quiet for far too long because it made me feel vulnerable… remember, men are superheroes… The adistar control 5 Cranberry is to uplift and inspire everyone to take control… it could be in your faith, your relationship, or your health. Let’s all get healthy, mentally and physically, and ‘take control.’”
The Clicks x adidas Adistar Control 5 Cranberry will be released November 15, 2025 exclusively through Clicks in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is still TBD. For all the latest adidast collab news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
