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Phil Lipshutz built Cincinnatii’s premier destination for sneakers and streetwear, Unheardof, from the ground up. Although the retailer has been around for over two decades and has collaborated on several projects across the footwear industry, the last few years have been headlined by Unheardof’s partnership with adidas. Quickly following up on the Piggy Runner Adistar, Phil and adidas are launching one last tribute to Phil’s grandma on the Rivalry Low.
Some backstory. Back in 2023, Phil honored his grandmother Naomi Phillips through a two-pack of adidas Rivalry Low colorways, both inspired by the couch she had during his childhood. Unfortunately, Naomi passed in 2024, but she had played a major role in the creative process of the design of the final Grandma’s Couch release. Floral patterns are applied to the base layer and tongue on the upper, handpicked by Naomi, while the heel features adidas text in her handwriting.
Inside, the insole features a recreation of the handwritten note Naomi’s husband of 75 years wrote to her when asking for her hand in marriage. Other details include the phrase “Love always and forever” on the pink suede heel tab and “Dear Naomi” written near the lateral mudguard. As for the color palette, most of the model is dipped in pink suede, with the base layer coming in tan and the Three Stripes swapping between green and red hues. Underfoot sits a gum rubber midsole with pink stitching and a tonal outsole. This is packaged in a special box featuring a floral pattern and Unheardof branding.
The Unheardof x adidas Rivalry Low Grandma’s Couch 2 will release on May 10, 2025, through Unheardof online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $185. 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 Unheardof
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
