This adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 is a Perfect Substitute for Pharrell’s Jellyfish

In the hunt for what many sneakerheads are calling a heavy sneaker of the year contender, Pharrell Williams’ adidas Adistar Jellyfish, more fans have been stung than have secured pairs. Not to worry, adidas planned for all the Ls Pharrell fans would be taking, and they’re ready with a clear substitute in the Adistar XLG 2.0.

The Adistar XLG 2.0 Grey is an exaggerated, chunky dad shoe with a similar shape to the ultra-hyped Jellyfish, even if it doesn’t have the same protruding TPU wings. The grey colorway of the XLG 2.0 is covered in varying shades of light grey, mixing a mesh upper with raised TPU reinforcements, and protruding TPU Three Stripes logos in two more shades of grey. The TPU on the XLG 2.0 doesn’t stick out as far as the Jellyfish, but the thought is similar, and the pricetag is definitely going to be less than Pharrell’s $300 dad shoe.

After years of dad shoe dominance from New Balance, leading to a shift towards more mesh by way of Y2K runners, the Jellyfish and XLG 2.0’s similar style is a clear sign of the times, combined with a designer-inspired push to add as much bulk to sneakers as possible. The Three Stripes has tried to get the base model, the Adistar Cushion 3.0, to pop off, but there’s been a clear lack of direction from that line as it’s not a sneaker you see too often.

The adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 Grey will be released in 2026 through adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price on this pair is still TBD. To keep up with all the latest adidas drops, Jellyfish, and otherwise, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.