Adidas set to release Bob Marley Sneakers
Sportswear giant Adidas is set to release a special edition of its retro SL 72 running sneaker in collaboration with Bob Marley’s estate. It’s set to launch as part of Adidas’ summer 2024 collection.
According to Complex, the unique Bob Marley x adidas SL 72, identified by style code JP5171 will feature in adidas’ Summer 2024 lineup. The shoe proudly displays Bob Marley’s image and name on the tongue and sockliner, while his signature is elegantly embossed in gold on the heel. The design incorporates a black upper with pops of green and wine colors along the rubber sole.
In 2008, Adidas collaborated with Marley’s label, Tuff Gong, on the Adidas Pro Model. This year, coinciding with the release of the movie “Bob Marley: One Love,” which reignited public interest in Marley, Adidas embarked on Jamaica-themed projects. Additionally, designer Jerry Lorenzo unveiled a Bob Marley collection under Fear of God Athletics, his line in partnership with Adidas~ WMV
Before the big-time premiere of the “Bob Marley: One Love” movie took on the world, Zuri Marley totally rocked the boat over on TikTok. Bob Marley’s granddaughter came out shining, debuting the Bob Marley sneakers.
Adidas has yet to announce the price for the sneakers.
Running Shoes Important to Bob Marley’s Identity
Marley’s identity was closely intertwined with association football: he received his nickname “Tuff Gong” from his aggressive play on the pitch and even originally envisioned football being his way of getting out of Trench Town, Jamaica where he grew up in. Another passion – music – eventually did that for him, but his love of football continued to be a pervasive part of his everyday life.
“I love music before I love football. If I love football first it maybe can be dangerous,” Marley claimed in 1980. “I love music and then football after. Playing football and singing is dangerous because the football gets very violent. I sing about peace, love and all of that stuff, and something might happen y’know. If a man tackle you hard it bring feelings of war.”
“Bob loved football — or soccer, as the world calls it,” close friend Neville Garrick said in 2017. “Loved it to the point that if he was as good as Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, his former tour manager who I still consider Jamaica’s best footballer, he probably would have pursued it over music. It was understandable why Bob emulated Skill Cole; back then, Skill would curve the ball, nutmeg and ‘salad’ defenders on a regular basis — nobody had ever seen that.”
Far Out Magazine
Bob Marley: LEGACY “Rhythm of the Game”, Football. It was a lifestyle