In the world of hip hop, one of the first “collabs” took place in 1986 when rap kings Run DMC not only covered Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” but utilized the singer and guitar player from the Boston-based classic rock band to sit in on the song (rumor has it they couldn’t afford the other Aerosmith members!). It was the perfect union, introducing classic rock fans to hip hop, vice versa and, ironically, creating the ugliest of all musical offspring — rap rock. Thankfully, the new collaboration between Adidas and snowboard behemoth Burton is pitch perfect. Hitting stores now, most items are available in limited quantities at select Adidas Originals and Burton Flagship stores worldwide.
More street than tech, the look is vintage Adidas: Clean and classic. Aesthetically, this gear will age well, partially because of the well-chosen color combos like brown/blaze orange and royal blue/ivory. Not without flair, most pieces have subtle highlights. The $350 Winter Jacket features a bit of plaid on outer pockets and inner liner as well as white zippers and buttons, which give it a retro pop.
One of the most interesting pieces are the Track Pants, an Adidas staple worshipped by hip-hop heads and break dancers around the world. In these incarnations, they look outdoorsy, with one print that’s almost topographical map-like and another that’s Carhart-esque with reinforced knees. Also in the collection are street smart work boots, winterized kicks (vulcanized rubber and shearling-like liner ala ipath), and two pairs of Superstars that will appeal to both Steven Perry, Rev. Run and their kids. A final bonus: The collab may even update the one liner acronym that’s been with Adidas — or “A.D.I.D.A.S,” we should say — for years: “All Day I Dream About Snowboarding.”
—Stephen Krcmar rues the day he lost his Run DMC/Adidas red, white and black puffy jacket. He lives in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
