The world of adidas collaborations is storied. Many high-profile brands and designers have made their mark on a Three Stripes silhouette of choice, elevating the brand and bringing it to new audiences worldwide. Think A BATHING APE, CLOT, Bad Bunny, Jeremy Scott, and the like. In recent years, however, one designer has stood out from the crowd in this arena: Grace Wales Bonner.

Who is Grace Wales Bonner?

Image by Liz Johnson Artur via Esquire

Grace Wales Bonner is a 32-year-old English fashion designer who started the eponymous fashion label Wales Bonner. Her mixed heritage—European and Afro-Atlantic—often translates into her designs, culminating in pieces that tell that story.

Image via adidas

Her latest collaboration with adidas, called The Rift Valley Runners, is a great example of this. Grace Wales Bonner told Vogue that the long-distance running traditions of Ethiopia and Kenya inspired her latest adidas Originals collaboration. She was particularly interested in the tranquility and meditative state that runners often achieve and how that might connect to her own creative process.

Wales Bonner x adidas Collaborations

Grace Wales Bonner started working with adidas back in 2020. The British-Jamaican designer debuted the Fall/Winter collection during London Fashion Week 2020. It showcased Bonner’s Jamaican roots, merging literary and musical influences to explore the 1970s subcultures through the lens of Caribbean youth in London.

The range features tracksuits, a football jersey, cotton T-shirts, two variations of the iconic Adidas Samba sneaker, and a reimagined SL72 silhouette by Bonner.

Images via GQ

Since then, the Wales Bonner fashion label has worked with adidas on numerous other occasions to produce sneakers and apparel that have brought the Three Stripes to an audience that appreciates a touch of thoughtful luxury in their wardrobes and sneaker collections.

Let’s take a short tour of some of the best Wales Bonner x adidas sneakers birthed over the four years the two brands have worked together thus far.

Standout Wales Bonner x adidas Sneakers

1. Wales Bonner x adidas Samba Pony Tonal Low “Core Black/Cream White”

Wales Bonner and adidas’ reinvention of the iconic Samba silhouette. This iteration features synthetic pony material, hand-stitched accents, and a distinctive fold-over tongue. The signature Three Stripes are prominently displayed on the sides, while additional details adorn the tongue.

2. Wales Bonner x adidas Originals Samba Studded “Cream White”

The Wales Bonner x adidas Samba Studded “Cream White” is a collaborative effort by the renowned designer that reimagines the iconic retro sneaker with a touch of metallic flair. The shoe boasts a creamy white leather upper with tonal leather overlays and is accented by white stitching on the heel and a folded tongue. A dark brown gum rubber sole completes the design.

3. Wales Bonner x adidas Originals SL72 “Ash Blue/Core Black”

The Wales Bonner x adidas Originals SL72 “Ash Blue/Core Black” is a collaborative sneaker that seamlessly blends Wales Bonner’s signature aesthetic with adidas Originals’ iconic design. This limited edition pair features a striking color palette of ash blue and core black, creating a sophisticated and modern look.

4. Wales Bonner x adidas Originals Millennium Samba Elena Nappa “Wonder White/Brown”

The Wales Bonner x adidas Originals Millennium Samba Elena Nappa “Wonder White/Brown” is a limited edition sneaker that combines the classic adidas Samba silhouette with a modern, luxurious aesthetic.

This shoe features a premium Nappa leather upper in a soft white color, accented by contrasting brown details. The quilted toe box and serrated 3-Stripes add a touch of vintage charm, while the oversized Trefoil logo on the forefoot provides a contemporary twist. The shoe is finished with a comfortable rubber sole and a debossed Trefoil on the back tab.

5. Wales Bonner x adidas Originals Nylon Samba “Desert/Wonder White/Ash Blue”

This reimagined classic combines the iconic Samba silhouette with premium nylon and suede uppers in a clean, desert white hue. Subtle yet sophisticated, the sneakers feature co-branded accents, a reinforced toe cap, and the signature gum sole for both comfort and versatility. A perfect blend of fashion and function, these shoes are ideal for those who appreciate understated elegance and timeless design.

6. Wales Bonner x adidas Samba Pony Leo Low “Dark Brown/Cream White”

This iteration of a Wales Bonner x adidas Samba features an all-over animal print, hand-stitched details, and a fold-over tongue. The signature Three Stripes are prominently displayed on the sides of the shoe, while additional branding can be found on the tongue. This pair is also affectionately known as the “Cheetah Sambas” by some.

7. Wales Bonner x adidas Samba “Silver”

Crafted from silver-tone patent leather with a reflective finish, these shoes exude a futuristic aesthetic. The signature 3-Stripes, reimagined as crochet accents, and a Wales Bonner print adorn the sides, while the oversized tongue features a co-branded motif, solidifying the partnership.

There are, of course, many more Wales Bonner x adidas sneakers that are stunners. For the full list of what’s available on the SNKRDUNK App, check out the link below!

---

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App too and don’t forget to use our welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you would like to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

---

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter

More SNKRDUNK Features:
The Ultimate Guide to the Best adidas YEEZY BOOST 350 Colorways
The Latest and Best Nike Running Shoes: It’s Time to Upgrade!
Denim Reimagined: Levi’s Iconic Partnerships
Upcoming Nike SB Dunk Low Releases
Best of Kith x ASICS: Which of Their Hottest Collab Shoes Should You Own?