Denim Tears x adidas Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 Releasing November 2026
Tremaine Emory's Denim Tears brand is entering its first partnership with adidas Originals this fall, with two silhouettes—the Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80—set for November 2026. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for the label, which has built its reputation around narratives of Black American history and the African Diaspora.
By Jordan Ellis
The Collaboration
Denim Tears has secured a foothold within the adidas Originals roster, pairing two of the Drei Streifen's most iconic silhouettes with Tremaine Emory's design perspective. The Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 are positioned as the inaugural releases from this partnership, arriving during the brand's Fall/Winter 2026 cycle. Both pairs are slated for November, though exact dates and pricing remain unconfirmed at this stage.
Emory founded Denim Tears in 2019 with an explicit cultural directive: to center Black American history, the African Diaspora, and the interwoven narratives that connect both. The label's Cotton Wreath graphic has become the visual anchor for that mission, recognizable across collaborations with established names like Levi's, Stüssy, Our Legacy, and Corteiz. This adidas pairing expands that reach into heritage sportswear territory—a natural progression for a brand that has already demonstrated facility with footwear partnerships.
Design Details & Colorway Strategy
Both the Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 will arrive in three colorway options: Multicolor, Cream White, and Easy Yellow. Beyond those color selections, details remain sparse. No product imagery has surfaced, leaving the execution of Denim Tears' design language—whether through material choices, graphic applications, or silhouette modifications—still under wraps. The restraint in early reveals is typical of adidas Originals' collaborative strategy, particularly for fall releases where momentum builds through the season.
Denim Tears' Footwear Track Record
This is not Emory's first venture into shoe design. Denim Tears previously collaborated with Converse on a Chuck 70 project rooted in Marcus Garvey iconography and Pan-African color palettes—a release that signaled the brand's ability to translate historical and cultural narratives into wearable form. Earlier work included two ASICS GEL-MC Plus colorways released in 2021 via the ASICS Collective, further establishing Emory's credibility within performance and heritage footwear spaces.
The adidas partnership feels like a natural escalation, pairing one of contemporary streetwear's most culturally engaged voices with two silhouettes that carry their own historical weight. The Superstar and Stan Smith remain cornerstones of adidas's identity, each tied to specific cultural moments and movements. How Denim Tears will layer its own narrative onto those templates remains the question until samples emerge.
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Release Info
The Denim Tears x adidas Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 are expected to release in November 2026. Style codes have been assigned (LN3808 for the Superstar 82, LN3810 for the Stan Smith 80), signaling production is underway, though retail pricing and confirmed drop dates have yet to be announced by adidas or Denim Tears.
FAQs
When will the Denim Tears x adidas Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 release?
Both pairs are scheduled for November 2026, though exact dates have not yet been confirmed.
What colorways will the collaboration come in?
Three colorways are planned: Multicolor, Cream White, and Easy Yellow.
How much will the Denim Tears x adidas sneakers cost?
Retail pricing has not been announced as of now. Stay tuned for updates as the November release window approaches.
Release Info
Status: Confirmed for November 2026
Retail Price: TBA
Colorways: Multicolor, Cream White, Easy Yellow
Style Codes: LN3808 (Superstar 82), LN3810 (Stan Smith 80)
Retailers: To be announced
