New York City is famous for late nights, loud horns, and large rats, but if you ask us, the Big Apple’s most important contribution is its delis. And when you’re talking NYC delis, nothing beats Upper West Side institution Zabar’s, the 90-year-old Jewish mainstay serving specialty fish, meats, bread, and everything else in signature orange uniforms. Now, thanks to West NYC and adidas, the Zabar’s team is getting a uniform upgrade.
Continuing a collaboration between West NYC and adidas that started in 2024 and picked up steam earlier this year with a two-pair pack featuring an SL 72 and Handball Spezial, the latest link-up is on a pair of classic adidas Ron Laver tennis shoes. Made with the Zabar’s team in mind, the Laver gets a clean white upper to match the deli aprons, with a bright orange outsole and heel counter in the same shade as the Zabar’s logo.
Zabar’s is just eight blocks away from West NYC’s Upper West Side sneaker shop, and their collaborations have often focused on telling stories from the neighborhood. In an Instagram post announcing the shoes, West NYC said they gave the shoes to Zabar’s staff for the editorial shoot “with the hope of making these shoes an unofficial part of the Zabar’s uniform.”
Don’t worry if you didn’t get a second interview at the deli counter; you can still get a pair of the shoes as the West NYC x adidas Rod Laver will launch exclusively at West NYC on August 23 in-store and online. Available in men’s sizes, the retail price is set at $100. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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. zach.h@soleretriever.com
