Brain Dead Reveals New Vision for SS26 adidas Footwear Collabs

Several images of Brain Dead’s Spring Summer 2026 footwear collaborations have surfaced courtesy of @le.syndrome, revealing the long-term effects of “trickle-down gorp culture” from the brand’s past experiences working with Oakley.

Aside from an inventive pair of hair-on-hide camouflage loafers produced in collaboration with Seoul’s Andersson Bell, and a mysterious approach shoe with hexagonal sidewall detailing, the star of the show in Brain Dead’s SS26 footwear collab lineup is undoubtedly the sugary-brown suede adidas model that takes clear notes from the former’s established appreciation for trail-ready styles.

Brain Dead’s collaborations with adidas are an opportunity for the German sportswear giant to receive exposure to the more eclectic side of streetwear, where brands like Brain Dead rule with highly conceptual projects, unique colour and material choices, and an ability to adapt to a wide array of aesthetics.

So far, the duo’s collaborations have largely remained within the world of tennis, where heritage favourites like the Stan Smith and Forest Hills were subjected to structural overhauls and material makeovers — preceding the public release of the Dover Street Market x adidas x Brain Dead bowling shoe earlier this year, which proved to be the pinnacle form of the L.A brand’s vision for unique Three Stripe goodness.

Expected to release during SS26, Brain Dead’s forthcoming adidas collection will seemingly shift towards the oft-overlooked outdoor section of the adi-archives, starting with this currently unidentified approach shoe featuring a mixed-media construction and hallmark details of a functional trail companion.

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More details will surface as we approach the SS26 release window for the forthcoming adidas x Brain Dead collaboration.