Heat or Yeet: The upcoming Adidas Superstar Bubble sneakers

Adidas is revisiting the iconic Superstar with a fresh, retro-inspired design that pays homage to the bold, playful style of the late 1990s. Think jelly sandals, but with a sleek, high-fashion twist. The result is a bold, eye-catching update that will surely turn heads.

The concept of jelly shoes can be traced back to the post-WWII era, however, the craze truly took off in the early '80s when a Paris-based company founded by Tony Alano and Nicolas Guillon gave the shoes their moniker. After appearing in major French and European magazines, high-profile runway shows, and shoe fairs, the popularity of the jelly shoe took off like a rocket. It would see somewhat of a renaissance in the '00s until it slowly fizzled out again with the times. Fast forward to 2024, where it seems anything fresh out of a Y2K-era time capsule is hip and cool again, it marks the perfect time to reintroduce the concept to the masses.

The Adidas Superstar Bubble boasts a distinctive outer shell that presents itself in a variety of vibrant colors and gradient combinations. The shell's bold hues include orange, purple, and a mint-like green hue, while the underlying Superstar logo remains faithful to its classic black-and-white color scheme. The shells above, meanwhile, showcase a range of eye-catching gradients, including red and blue, fiery orange and black, and an almost fuschia shade with black.

Trends from the past are making their comebacks, and the Adidas Superstar Bubble collection will look to prove that.

The shoe's design is reflected in the shells that adorn its sole, with exaggerated details that mirror the shoe's features beneath. The iconic shell toe and Three Stripes pattern are prominently displayed, while the Adidas trefoil logo is subtly integrated onto the tongue and heel. Interestingly, social media users have shown that the shell can be effortlessly removed, allowing for any creative mixing and imaginative concept endeavors to be explored.

But the important question needs to be asked. Is the Adidas Superstar Bubble concept heat or yeet? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I can definitely see a market enamored by an in-your-face, eccentric type of throwback look, while others may be outright disgusted at the thought of wearing such sneakers. Be that as it may, if I had to give a concrete answer of heat or yeet, sorry Adidas Superstar Bubble fans but this one is going to get a yeet from me guys. I just couldn't imagine a scenario where I could wholeheartedly believe that I look good with these on. I can understand the appeal back in the day, but it's just not my cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Y2K-era trends, just not the Jelly shoe fad.

Regardless of what I think, the Adidas Superstar Bubble should have a market in some capacity, as the wacky design has already debuted in Korea. Still, folks in North America will have to keep an eye out, as there has yet to be any official announcement indicating a concrete date and starting retail price tag. Considering conversion rates, the sneakers should be priced at around $100, similar to other Adidas Superstar silhouettes.