This Pink Snipes Exclusive adidas Adistar Control 5 was Designed to Challenge Norms of Masculinity

We’ve come a long way when it comes to the dominance of toxic masculinity in culture, but there’s still a long way to go. From opening up about emotions and mental health to abandoning the aesthetic disguises made to reinforce masculine norms, culture is still working to rid itself of gendered restrictions. For their latest collab, Snipes and adidas are making a concerted effort to subvert traditional masculinity and push a passion for pink in menswear.

The Snipes exclusive adidas Adistar Control 5 Be Loved is an exclusive colorway of the mesh runner silhouette draped in shades of pink, red, and purple. Designed with the explicit intent to push men out of their earth-tone comfort zone, the Be Loved name is a call for men to open up emotionally and let themselves be confident outside of traditionally masculine trappings.

To get the message to a Gen Z audience, Snipes and adidas tapped Philly live streamer Raud to carry the campaign. “Partnering with SNIPES and adidas gave me a chance to talk about something men don’t always say out loud,” Raud said. “We’re taught to grind and keep it moving, but real strength is checking on yourself and your people. This campaign lets that message live in a way that feels authentic to my community.”

The Snipes exclusive adidas Adistar Control 5 Be Loved will be released April 2, 2026 exclusively through Snipes in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is still TBD. For all the latest adidas collab news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

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