Still rocking the same pair of Jordans like it’s 1996? Maybe it’s time to switch things up. Yes, we get it. Michael Jordan’s Air Jordans are iconic. The AJ1, AJ3, AJ4… they’ve been part of every sneakerhead’s rotation since… well, since sneakers became cool. But while Nike’s been living off MJ’s legacy, adidas has been busy building its own with Boost tech, daring collabs, sleek silhouettes. While Jordan retros keep you stuck in the past, adidas is pushing forward. And no, we’re not talking about dad Ultraboosts or the Yeezy leftovers either. We’re talking about fresh heat you’ll actually want to flex in 2025. So if you’re ready to stop time-travelling every time you lace up, here are 10 adidas sneakers that deserve a spot in your rotation.
1. adidas Harden Vol 9 “Hell Cat”
As many fans know, a number of Michael Jordan’s sneakers were based on his love for sports cars. So it’s no surprise that adidas and James Harden were inspired by the idea, too. Just one look at the adidas Harden Vol 9 “Hell Cat” and you’ll fall in love. It looks like a sports car for your feet. Inspired by the Dodge Hellcat, this colourway turns up the heat with deep reds, sharp blacks, and design lines that radiate horsepower. While James Harden doesn’t actually drive a Hellcat, he clearly appreciates the vibe. Glossy black uppers mirror the body of a muscle car, while red mesh underlays bring the fire. Even the outsole flexes, with red, black, and white pops that look like tail lights mid-burnout. The Three Stripes branding on the heel? Think racing stripes. You’ll also get a plush sock liner for all-day comfort, whether you’re hooping or flexing courtside. Compared to retro Jordans like the Air Jordan 14 or 21, this is miles ahead in design. Why drive a classic when you can wear the future?
2. adidas Harden Vol 9 “Global Blue”
If you think the adidas Harden Vol 9 “Hell Cat” steals the show with its fiery reds and blacks, wait till you see the Global Blue colorway. This version rocks an icy mix of blue, black, and white that sneakerheads already call the “Silver Surfer.” That silvery-blue TPU cage wrapping the shoe isn’t just for looks. It gives the sneaker a futuristic edge, like something straight out of a Marvel comic. Adidas has been quietly dominating the lifestyle sneaker scene with staples like the Samba, Gazelle, and Spezial, but now they’re aiming even higher. The Harden Vol 9 lineup shows they’re ready to carve out a bigger piece of the basketball sneaker market in 2025. Read more about the Global Blue sneaker here.
3. Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low
If you’re into clean, no-fuss kicks, the adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low is worth your attention. At just 23, Anthony Edwards is already turning heads in the NBA, with analysts tossing out Michael Jordan comparisons (not something to ignore). His AE 1 signature shoe is a hit, but the low-top steals the show for fans who want that sleek, minimal vibe. The first colourway, dubbed ‘With Love,’ fits Edwards’ game. He plays with heart and passion. The sneaker’s black knitted upper keeps things breathable, while a TPU cage with honeycomb perforations locks in stability. You’ll spot Edwards’ initials on the tongue tag and adidas’ iconic three stripes on the heel. The midsole pairs Boost and Lightstrike cushioning, delivering lightweight comfort and energy bounce that’ll keep you moving whether on court or off. This might be the most Michael Jordan sneaker not by Michael Jordan. Read more about the Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low.
4. adidas Dame 9 “Solar Red”
Damian Lillard’s Dame 9 “Solar Red” is a sneaker built to back up every bold move you throw down. The shoe’s structure locks you in tight with an inner bootie that boosts lockdown and stability, so you can cut and explode without second-guessing your footing. The full-length Torsion bar adds lateral support, keeping you steady through every twist and turn. And that Lightstrike midsole delivers just the right bounce to keep your game quick and comfortable. Visually, the Dame 9 mixes Solar Red and Core Black with Lucid Lemon pops on the tongue, making it impossible to miss whether you’re playing or just flexing off the court. Ready to try something fresh instead of grabbing yet another Jordan 1 stuck in the same 40-year-old tech loop?
5. Adidas Fear of God Athletics One “Black Toe”
Adidas stepped out of Kanye’s shadow and linked up with Fear of God for the Athletics One “Black Toe,” and it’s a slick move. Jerry Lorenzo’s clean, minimal style hits hard here. Picture a grey mesh upper wrapped in tonal TPU stripes that form a cage around your foot—functional and low-key cool. The stretchy neoprene collar and adjustable ankle bungee keep the silhouette sleek, all in that same grey vibe. Then bam, a black overlay on the forefoot steals the show, giving the sneaker its “Black Toe” nickname. The matching black “FEAR OF GOD” branding on the heel ties it all together. The chunky sole mixes grey and sail shades, grounding the whole look. Honestly, when was the last time Jordan dropped something this fresh? I’d trade any recent Jordan release for these without blinking. Read more about the Adidas Fear of God Athletics One.
6. adidas Kobe 2
The adidas Kobe 2, aka Crazy 2, is back in 2025. Kobe Bryant’s legacy didn’t just vanish after 2020. It lives on through his family, the “Mamba Mentality” program, and the sneakers that keep his name in the spotlight. While Nike usually owns Kobe’s signature shoe scene, adidas is quietly reminding us that they were part of his journey too. The Crazy 2 stands out with a blocky, angular silhouette that some call “toaster-like.” It’s a far cry from sleek, but that’s the point. This shoe doesn’t shy away from making a statement, even if it divides opinions. Fans who remember Kobe’s early days with adidas are pumped, ready to rock this throwback that’s as bold as the man himself. Read more about the adidas Kobe 2.
7. adidas Crazy IIInfinity “Bred”
adidas isn’t trying to reinvent the “Bred” wheel with the Crazy IIInfinity. Maybe just drive it into the future. And while Jordan heads will cling to their 1s and 3s like family heirlooms, there’s no rule that says you can’t make room for something different. The 2024 adidas Crazy IIInfinity “Bred” leans into the iconic colourway with a bold red toecap and midfoot, while black dominates everything else: the mesh shroud, inner lining, and even the metallic zipper. It’s sleeker, sportier, and a little more experimental than what you’d get from Jordan Brand. The Three Stripes keep things minimal with tiny debossed logos on the toe, heel, and outsole. It’s subtle, but not shy. You’ve already seen the Bred colourway on everything from Reebok to New Balance. So why not try it on a silhouette that looks like it’s been time-travelled from 2030? Read more about the adidas Crazy IIInfinity “Bred”.
8. CLOT x adidas Gazelle “Blue Bird”
Edison Chen doesn’t miss, especially not when CLOT’s involved. While sneakerheads mostly know the brand for its wild Air Jordan collabs, 2024 saw CLOT jump ship to the Three Stripes. Enter the CLOT x adidas Gazelle “Blue Bird.” It’s part beach holiday, part beadwork masterclass, and somehow still very wearable. This isn’t your average Gazelle. CLOT swaps out the usual suede body for a knit textile upper with neutral suede hits on the toebox and eyestays—minimal, until the side stripes blindside you. Instead of printed branding, you get hand-embroidered glass beads in a “Cloud White,” “Blue Bird,” and “Light Blue” blend. Fancy? Absolutely. Over the top? Never. Will this replace your favourite Jordan? Maybe not. But it will make everything else in your rotation feel… underdressed. Read more about the CLOT x adidas Gazelle “Blue Bird”.
9. The Reverie By Caroline Hu adidas Originals Samba
What happens when a fashion-forward romantic collides with an adidas classic? You get the Samba, reimagined with frills, silk, and serious personality. Caroline Hu, the New York-based designer known for turning dresses into daydreams, is back at it. This time she is giving the adidas Samba a soft-focus glow-up that somehow still feels grounded. Following two well-received drops in 2024, Hu’s “Reverie” collection returns in May 2025 with five new takes on the silhouette. The “Black White” and “Blue” pairs ditch leather for bunched lace that makes your feet look like they wandered off the set of a period drama. The Three Stripes stay put, now dressed in delicate frills like they’re ready for tea at a Paris café. Prefer something a little less showy? The “Pink,” “Black,” and “Off-White” editions tone things down with layers of textured silk and smooth leather branding, but they still whisper sweet nothings to your inner fashion nerd. If you’re looking for a sneaker that stands out in 2025. These are it. Again, what is Jordan Brand doing that’s remotely close to this in terms of experimentation? Read more about The Reverie By Caroline Hu adidas Originals Samba collection.
10. Adidas Originals Panda Collection
Adidas has officially entered its panda era. While Nike’s Panda Dunks have been dominating the sneaker scene for a minute (and no, they’re not Jordan Brand, stop saying that), Adidas decided it was time to drop its own monochrome mic. The result is a full-on Panda Collection with Hong Kong artist Dorophy Tang, launched exclusively through adidas Originals China. So if your Nike Panda Dunks are looking a little tired, Adidas might’ve just given you a stylish reason to switch teams.
RELATED: Top 14 Best Nike and Jordan Releases (July 27–August 2, 2025)
