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Fashion styles are cyclical, with trends and fads reemerging decades later as “it” styles. Even though we hate to admit it, the fashion we experienced growing up is now looked at as vintage. That certainly rings true for Avirex, the NYC-based brand known for its vintage military-style leather jackets that dominated the ‘90s and early 2000s, which is making a comeback. Tapping into this renewed energy, adidas is teaming up with the brand for a capsule that includes an adidas Superstar.
If you’re unfamiliar with Avirex, the brand was founded by Jeff Clyman in NYC back in 1975. The brand initially focused on military-style apparel, pulling references from WW2 and the Korean War for its clothing. In the ‘80s, the brand landed a contract to supply leather bomber jackets (A-2) to the Air Force. The styles would eventually get picked up by street culture and hip-hop in the ‘90s, specifically on the East Coast. The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, and more all rocked Avirex.
For the brand’s debut project with adidas, Avirex is tackling the iconic adidas Superstar in a clean black-and-white colorway. The pair comes with premium leather on the upper, including enlarged proportions compared to a traditional Superstar, plus a long, folded tongue with the Avirex logo. More references to the collaborator are found on the right heel and insole. Finishing the design is the co-branded insole and black rubber midsole and outsole.
Alongside the sneakers, there are plans for co-branded apparel pieces. Currently, there’s no confirmation that the duo will be launching leather bomber jackets, but maybe in the future. The first apparel item will be a ringer tee featuring Avirex logos on the chest and a collab logo lockup on the back.
The Avirex x adidas Superstar will be released March 21, 2026 through adidas and select retailers online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $180. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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
