Adidas has partnered with metro Detroit’s iconic streetwear institution, Puffer Reds to introduce the Puffer Reds Track 45 adistar - a sneaker deeply inspired by the retailer’s rich musical heritage and enduring local cultural impact.
This collaboration marks the pinnacle of Puffer Reds’ participation in adidas’ Business Track initiative, developed in partnership with Detroit’s Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design. The program aims to empower community-centered retailers by offering comprehensive, hands-on experience in footwear design and innovation.
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Puffer Reds, a staple of Detroit and Ypsilanti style and culture for decades, draws from its roots as one of Detroit’s most celebrated record shops to influence the design of the new adistar sneaker.
The shoe features vinyl finishes and a striking red and granite upper that pays tribute to the store’s iconic Wall of Fame. Vintage audio motifs adorn the sockliner, while subtle nods to local pride appear in the form of Detroit’s 313 and Ypsilanti’s 734 area codes etched on the heel. The sole bears the word “Detroit” in Lions blue, further cementing its regional significance.
“This collaboration honors our history and evolution while spotlighting the community that continues to inspire us,” said James Berry of Puffer Reds. “We are all about community at Puffer Reds and are proud to have had adidas’ support from the start of our journey through now.”
Puffer Reds will transform the store into a real-life time capsule featuring legacy artifacts on display. This exhibition experience charts an immersive path through the eras that shaped Puffer Reds history, offering an intimate look into the adistar’s inspiration.
A launch party will take place Aug. 28 from 6-9pm at Diamondback Music Hall hosted in partnership with adidas Cornerstone Community, featuring live performances from local talent.
The adidas x Puffer Reds adistar will be available on Aug. 28 at both Puffer Reds, and online at pufferreds.com for $150. Each pair purchased on launch day will also include a ticket to the launch celebration at Diamondback Music Hall.