While many collaborations center around hyped designs or celebrity endorsements, some focus on heartfelt stories and memories. Unheardof's collaboration with adidas falls squarely into the latter category. Based in Cincinnati, Unheardof has always had a knack for narrating deeply personal tales through its sneaker designs, and its tribute to Philip Lipschutz's sister Erika on the adidas Rivalry Low helped begin a collaborative partnership with adidas. The emotional narrative continues this time as Lipschutz and the team pay homage to cherished family memories with the adidas Rivalry Low "Grandma's Couch" pack.

Drawing directly from his childhood, the "Grandma's Couch" pack embodies fond memories from Philip's time at his mother and grandmother's house. As he states in an Instagram post teasing the “Mesa” colorway, “Mommy you told me to always bring you fresh flowers, I always do when I visit you. You said “listen to your grandma“ she always told me “to be a good boy”. Grandma, not only did you save my life and taught good vs. evil on your couch, but you taught all my lil homies. Chapter 2 is for you grandma. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

The floral pattern, reminiscent of vintage couch designs and a nod to the flowers Phillip would bring to his mother, finds a place on the base corduroy of the shoe. While it's unclear which design is dedicated to which maternal figure, both iterations of the Rivalry Low offer distinct and evocative color schemes. One sports a warm mesa leather overlay juxtaposed against a cool blue base layer, with touches of red lighting up the iconic Three Stripes, heel tab, and tongue tag. The counterpart takes a slightly more relaxed approach with purple leather overlays against a clean white base. Red accents maintain consistency between the two designs. Meanwhile, metallic gold details on the eyelets and branding present a luxurious touch, and a gum rubber midsole and outsole complete the design.

The Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low Grandma's Couch Pack will release October 2023 through Unheardof, adidas, and possibly select retailers online and in-store. Releasing in men’s sizing, the retail price has yet to be announced. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app for more details, as well as the latest happenings in sneakers, streetwear, and more.

Images via Philip Lipschutz

Images via adidas

Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low Grandma's Couch Mesa

Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low Grandma's Couch Purple