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Bruce Lee not only left an impact on the world of film and martial arts but also on the world of sneakers. The black and yellow outfit and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in the film Game of Death would inspire the fit worn by Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, and later different sneaker releases from across the entire industry. Most of these Bruce Lee, Game of Death, or Kill Bill-inspired sneakers came from Asics and Nike, though adidas is entering the fray with an officially licensed collaboration on the adidas Jabbar Low.
What makes this collaboration on the Jabbar Low so fitting is that the unfinished Game of Death film co-starred Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers legend and the first basketball player to get his sneaker with adidas played Mantis, the film's 5th floor guardian and final boss. To defeat the much larger, stronger, and faster Kareem, Bruce Lee used the characters’ aversion to light to his advantage.
As for the sneaker itself, it leans into the black and yellow color palette so often associated with Lee, applying yellow shades to the suede upper and black to the Three Stripes, heel overlay, laces, and tongue. Bruce Lee’s signature is embroidered on the lateral heel, while the heel tab features a silhouette of Lee doing a flying kick in gold. Below sits a cream white midsole and outsole. Special packaging nods to Game of Death are found on the box, insole, and packing paper, all featuring images from the movie's filming.
The Bruce Lee x adidas Jabbar Low Game of Death will release September 13, 2025, through adidas and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price 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.
Images via adidas
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
