Avavav Was Told to ‘Make Fun’ of Adidas and the Result Is This Wild Sneaker Collab

With styles such as Kerwin Frost’s face-adorned Forum Hi from 2021 and more recent examples such as James Harden’s upcoming Harden Vol. 8, Adidas has has hardly shied away from making strange-looking sneakers in recent years. But the brand’s latest avant-garde offering is a strong contender for one of its most eccentric designs yet.

Collaborating for the first time with independent Swedish ready-to-wear label Avavav, Adidas will release the Superfinger Superstar sneakers in two colorways this week. The project begins with two seemingly standard leather versions of the classic Superstar shoe, one in black/white and the other in white/red.

At their core, the pairs may not turn many heads, but the addition of a removable “four finger” attachment takes the collaboration to new levels. The Avavav x Adidas Superfinger Superstar four finger attachment can also be worn with other shoes, providing near-endless possibilities for those looking to switch up their looks.

The collaboration’s aesthetic is inspired by Avavav’s various Finger Boots, which have been a staple of the brand’s output since it was founded in 2021. In a press release, Avavav founder and creative director Beate Skonare Karlsson said she’s long dreamed of working with the sportswear brand.

“I’m honored and beyond happy to have the opportunity to play around with their incredibly strong DNA—it’s so much fun,” Karlsson said. “From the beginning of our partnership, I was encouraged to ‘make fun’ of Adidas. There’s so much irony in how seriously we take both sports and fashion and exploring that while maintaining a serious attitude has been incredibly fun.”

The connection between sports and Avavav’s quirky concepts is one that has been referenced in the lead-up to the launch. During Milan Fashion Week, Avavav teased the shoes in a so-called attempt to set a world record for “short distance running.” And in the promotional materials for the collaboration, the brands combined for a non-athletic soccer match dubbed “The Worst Game You’ve Ever Seen.”

The Avavav x Adidas Superfinger Superstar collaboration will be released Nov. 21 from the Adidas Confirmed app, avavav.com, select Adidas stores and select retailers. The sneakers retail for $250 and will be accompanied by a range of equally unique apparel including base layers, cropped track tops, track pants and more.