For decades, Adidas has collaborated with iconic artists and cultural influencers to create unique, groundbreaking collections. One of the most legendary partnerships in sneaker history is the Adidas Run DMC Collection, born from the collaboration between the German sportswear giant and the revolutionary hip-hop group Run-DMC.
In the 1980s, Run-DMC transformed the sneaker world forever with their hit single "My Adidas." The group’s affinity for Adidas Superstar sneakers made them a style symbol for hip-hop culture. By wearing their shoes without laces and letting the tongue flap -- a rebellious yet influential fashion statement -- Run-DMC turned Adidas into a cultural phenomenon. Recognizing this influence, Adidas officially teamed up with the group in 1986, creating the first-ever artist-endorsed sneaker collection.
The collaboration's popularity stems from its signature elements:
Before Adidas teamed up with musicians like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, Run-DMC set the blueprint for artist-collaborative sneaker culture. Their influence crossed boundaries:
Although the original collaboration debuted in the '80s, the Run DMC Collectionexclusive product spreadsheet
The Adidas Run DMC Collection