Take a Dive into Retro Culture with the adidas x MLS Archive Collection

Exploring new horizons in style, adidas and MLS present the innovative adidas x MLS Archive Collection.

The adidas x MLS Archive Collection resonates with retro aesthetics by incorporating vibrant designs that give local narratives a fresh spin. The initial lineup features third jerseys, track tops, and custom-made Gazelle sneakers for Inter Miami CF, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Portland Timbers, and Sporting Kansas City.

Inspired by the vintage charm of sports broadcasts, advertisements, magazines, and catalogs, this assortment blends diverse visual components to craft distinct stories for each team.

The year 2024 marks the introduction of the adidas x MLS Archive Collection, with future plans to enhance the third kit offerings to additional clubs in 2025 and beyond.

This interview with Zola Short, Senior Director of Soccer Sports Marketing at adidas, shed light on the collection’s essence and the evolving nature of the collaboration.


What was the selection process for the first 5 clubs? Additionally, what made adidas go with the Gazelle for this collection instead of the Samba, Copa, or another sneaker?

Zola Short: To kick things off, we knew we wanted a mix of clubs at different points in their respective journeys. As you can see across the Archive Collection, the idea wasn’t to create 1:1 retro kits. Our intention was to take 70s, 80s, and 90s design elements and remix them into something new.

And since we weren’t beholden to only working from older kits that were 15 or 20 years old, it led to more possibilities when it came to selecting clubs, so we focused on finding the right mix of clubs that could tap into inspiration from different eras in MLS and North American soccer history.

The choice of the Gazelle stemmed from its timeless appeal within our team, resonating with the narrative we wished to convey. It embodies the essence of terrace culture, evident in historical pictures where Gazelles adorned the feet of fans worldwide. This alignment between inspiration and product was truly remarkable.

Could you go over the design inspiration for each of the 5 kits, especially the Timbers and LAFC as the inspiration might not be as clear for fans as the other 3 clubs. 

ZS: As mentioned earlier, we weren’t particularly interested in forcing clubs to recreate old kits 1:1, just with modern materials.

We really wanted each club to think about an element of their identity or their community that they wanted to celebrate, and then we challenged ourselves to work through how we might best bring that story to life through a retro lens.

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    Official Release Date for the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    The Boston Celtics’ season is unfolding just as they had envisioned, with only one loss to report and a striking 30 points per game average from their star player, Jayson Tatum.

    After a more eventful off-season than what championship teams typically endure, Tatum and his Boston teammates have skillfully tuned out distractions, staying focused on their goal of repeating their success early in the season. In line with this theme, the upcoming #0 Jordan Tatum 3 is about to launch a “Zen” colorway that embodies this same sense of tranquility.

    The motif of serenity has been a consistent element in Jayson Tatum’s sneaker line, especially highlighted by the “Vortex” version of the Tatum 2, which explicitly connects to this theme: our previous coverage noted that the design reflects Tatum’s calm demeanor, reminiscent of the peacefulness found in a vortex above water.

    While this new model opts for a more subdued color palette, its execution remains true to that original concept; the graceful cut-outs in the upper design resemble calm waters, serving as a guiding inspiration throughout Tatum’s signature collection.

    As mentioned earlier, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” is set to launch on November 14th via Nike.com, available in sizes for the whole family. The adult versions will be priced at $125.

    For a closer look at this appealing colorway, check out the official images below, and make sure to keep an eye on our Sneakers page for updates.


    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    SKU: FZ6598-001

    RETAIL PRICE: $125

    RELEASE DATE: Nov 14, 2024

    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” (Images via: Nike)

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    Jason Kelce’s Field Goal Attempt In Timberlands Will End In A $100,000 Donation

    This Saturday, November 2nd, Jason Kelce will take on a field goal challenge while wearing Wheat Timbs during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast of the highly anticipated Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup. The idea for this challenge originated when college student Daniel Villasenor successfully kicked a field goal in Vans checkerboard slip-ons, winning an impressive $100,000 earlier in October.

    Initially discussed on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast with special guest Pat McAfee, this lighthearted challenge quickly evolved into a real event. The NFL legend, Jason Kelce, is set to attempt scoring three points while donning the famous Wheat Timberlands.

    In an exciting twist, VF Corp — the parent company of both Vans and Timberland — has stepped in with a generous $100,000 commitment to the charity Soles4Souls, aimed at supporting hurricane relief efforts. Fortunately for Jason, VF Corp has assured that the funds will be donated regardless of whether his kick is successful or not.

    Make sure to tune in to ESPN College GameDay on November 2nd, 2024, to witness this unique field goal attempt for yourself!

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    Notre and Vans Collaborate For the Rowley XLT “Linen”

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    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

    The highly anticipated Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” is set to drop on November 15, 2024, exclusively at Notre and its flagship location.

    Be sure to check HQZ’s Sneakers page to stay updated on the latest happenings and drops in the sneaker world.


    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Colorway: Linen/Silver
    Style #: VN000D1GDPB1
    Release Date: November 15, 2024
    Price: $165

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” VN000D1GDPB1 (Images via: @oscar_castillo/Instagram)

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