Adidas and Denim Tears Release Sneakers Featuring Iconic Nylon Tote Print: Prices and Availability

Denim Tears, the brand founded by American designer Tremaine Emory, has unveiled a collaboration with Adidas Originals featuring the iconic nylon tote plaid print on the classic Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 sneaker models. This was reported by Wave RBC.UA, citing the brand's Instagram account. The sneakers are available in two classic colorways—red-black and blue-red plaid, which are reportedly the most common shades of the original totes.

Design Inspired by Street Culture

The visual design of the sneakers faithfully replicates the pixelated weave structure of the nylon bag: small squares of contrasting colors form a characteristic check pattern that covers both the shoe's upper and the side panels featuring the signature Adidas stripes. White laces and light-colored soles create a neutral base, making the print appear as authentic as possible. Each pair's tongue features the Adidas logo and the "DENIM TEARS" text along with the brand's signature swirl symbol.

The History of the Nylon Tote: From Hong Kong to Global Icon

The plaid nylon bag that inspired the collaboration first appeared in the 1960s in Hong Kong, created by local tailor Lee Wah. In the 1980s and 1990s, the bag became an icon of the era, widely used by street vendors due to its lightweight, durable, and collapsible nature. Over time, the accessory transcended its utilitarian purpose to become a cultural code associated with Asian and African communities worldwide.

Where to Buy and Prices

Adidas x Denim Tears sneakers are available exclusively in-store. The exclusive retailer is the African Diaspora Goods store located at 176 Spring Street in Soho, New York. The Stan Smith 80 model is priced at 160 dollars, and the Superstar 82 at 180 dollars. Online sales are not available, highlighting the limited nature of the release.

Cultural Context and Predecessors

According to Denim Tears founder Tremaine Emory, as quoted by WWD, the print and the bag itself are part of American culture, as they remain widely used by African and Chinese communities. This is not the first time the nylon plaid has been in the spotlight of the fashion world; as early as 2006, Louis Vuitton incorporated the recognizable print and silhouette of the bag into its collection. The collaboration with Adidas continues this tradition, elevating a street artifact to the format of premium footwear.