In the 1970s, adidas and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reshaped sports culture with one of basketball’s first signature sneakers. Decades later, their legacy continues as adidas Originals by Wales Bonner unveils a Fall Winter 2025 capsule celebrating the Hall of Famer’s influence on and off the court.
The collection reinterprets Abdul-Jabbar’s signature “sky hook” as a logoed motif across apparel and footwear. Highlights include a track top embroidered with dragon artwork nodding to his acting career, paired with matching premium track pants. A basketball-inspired tank and shorts set pays homage to his playing days, while a two-pack of socks reflects the colors of Abdul-Jabbar’s professional teams.
Footwear takes center stage with the revival of the adidas Jabbar silhouette. The WB Jabbar Lo updates the 1970s sneaker with a suede upper, alternating Three Stripes, and gold foil sky hook artwork on the tongue, connecting to Abdul-Jabbar’s sporting and artistic journey.
Shot by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, the campaign channels Abdul-Jabbar’s enduring presence through classic portraiture, with model Jecardi Sykes embodying his spirit. The visuals are paired with archival footage, direct quotes, and a jazz-infused short film that mirrors both Abdul-Jabbar’s personal love of the genre and its cultural resonance.
The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner Jabbar collection launches globally on September 8, 2025, via adidas.com, the Confirmed app, and select retailers.