Adidas, the renowned sportswear giant, is joining forces with the estate of the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley to unveil a special edition of their classic SL 72 running shoe. This exciting collaboration is set to debut as part of Adidas’ Summer 2024 collection, as revealed by insights from Complex magazine.
Although Adidas has yet to officially announce the release, speculations about the collaboration have been circulating. Zuri Marley, granddaughter of the reggae icon, recently teased a sneak peek of the sneakers on her TikTok account.
The highly awaited Bob Marley x Adidas SL 72 (identified by style code JP5171) showcases a sleek black upper complemented by vibrant green and wine-colored accents on the sole. It prominently features Bob Marley’s image and name on the tongue and sock liner, with his signature elegantly embossed in gold on the heel. This distinctive design is poised to become a coveted item for enthusiasts of both the iconic musician and classic footwear.
Adidas has a rich heritage of integrating Bob Marley’s iconic style into its designs. However, the upcoming SL 72 marks the first official sneaker collaboration between the brand and the reggae legend’s estate. Marley, an avid supporter of the brand, was frequently seen sporting Adidas apparel and footwear, including the SL 72 model.
Previous initiatives hinting at this connection include the 2008 Adidas Pro Model, launched in partnership with Marley’s record label, Tuff Gong. Additional collaborations have surfaced alongside the recent resurgence of interest in Marley, sparked by the film “Bob Marley: One Love,” including Jamaica-themed Adidas projects and a dedicated Bob Marley collection by designer Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God Athletics line, in collaboration with Adidas.