New York City’s influence on global culture runs deep—especially when it comes to art, fashion, and streetwear. Now, adidas and SNIPES are paying homage to one of the city’s most iconic subcultures—tattooing—with the release of the adidas NYC Superstar. This bold new take on the classic silhouette fuses NYC’s rich tattoo heritage with the energy and grit of its streets, creating a sneaker that’s as rebellious as the ink it represents.
Tattoo-Inspired Design Meets Streetwear Legacy
The adidas NYC Superstar takes its design cues from traditional tattoo aesthetics, with a striking red, bold black, and deep green palette—colors that have defined body art for generations. The detailing doesn’t stop there; etched patterns on the upper mimic the Hudson River’s swirls, while Big Apple decals on the tongue and heel cement the sneaker’s NYC roots. Inside, a custom sockliner graphic highlights local landmarks, ensuring that every step in these kicks is a tribute to the city that never sleeps.
Bridging Art, Ink, and Culture
Beyond the sneaker drop, adidas and SNIPES took things further by partnering with Memorial Brooklyn Tattoo to create a networking opportunity for up-and-coming artists. Young creatives from the East Coast Social Club linked up with seasoned tattoo pros, gaining valuable industry insights, building relationships, and exploring career paths within the tattoo world. As a token of inspiration, each participant walked away with a custom SNIPES x adidas art kit, designed to fuel their artistic aspirations.
Where to Cop
Like any true NYC icon, the adidas NYC Superstar will be available in limited quantities. You can grab a pair at select SNIPES stores and online at SNIPES.com—but with a design this fresh and a story this deep, expect them to fly off the shelves fast.
This release isn’t just about sneakers—it’s about New York’s creative soul, the ink that tells its stories, and the streets that give it life.