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AVAVAV x adidas Superstar Releases May 22 in Pony Hair

AVAVAV's latest adidas Superstar collaboration pushes the silhouette into deliberately unconventional territory, trading safe colorway extensions for textural experimentation. The May 22 drop pairs a clean black leather version with a bold pony hair iteration—a move that signals genuine creative risk in a collaboration space often defined by incremental tweaks.

By Marcus Chen|May 19, 2026

AVAVAV x adidas Superstar in taupe and brown pony hair with pre-distressed midsole

The partnership between AVAVAV and adidas lands on a silhouette with enduring cultural weight. The Superstar, a basketball court staple that evolved into streetwear currency, has absorbed countless iterations over its five-decade run. This collaboration avoids the familiar trap of seasonal color stories, instead opting for material innovation that some will read as provocative and others as conceptual departure.

The core release splits into two distinct propositions. The foundational version strips the Superstar to essentials: black leather uppers paired with white stripes and minimal embellishment. It functions as the reference point—a clean canvas against which the second silhouette can register its bolder ambitions.

AVAVAV x adidas Superstar in taupe and brown pony hair with pre-distressed midsole - detail view 1

That second option anchors the collection's identity. Taupe pony hair wraps the side paneling and tongue while brown pony hair appears on the stripes and heel tab. The contrast between warm, textured tones creates visual depth that photographs capture more effectively than initial reaction might suggest. A deliberately pre-distressed midsole compounds the narrative—this is a shoe designed to communicate intentionality through wear, even upon arrival.

AVAVAV x adidas Superstar in taupe and brown pony hair with pre-distressed midsole - detail view 2

The $250–$300 price point reflects the materials and design labor involved, though it positions the pieces at a premium relative to standard adidas collaborations. Current market conditions show adidas pricing across their core catalog experiencing significant pressure, with campus and classic silhouettes frequently dropping 40–70% off retail within weeks. This AVAVAV drop will likely hold closer to its intended retail, at least initially, given the collaborative nature and limited availability.