The History of the adidas Rivalry
Specifically designed for the basketball court, the adidas Rivalry was released in 1986 in both a High and Low version.
Known for his pivotal role in shaping some of adidas’ most iconic sneakers, it was Jacques Chassaing that designed the Rivalry for NBA rookie Patrick Ewing. Ewing had matured into a highly-touted player in the four years prior at Georgetown University, where he won the 1984 American college championship with the Hoyas.
Winning the Olympic gold medal with the American national basketball team, in which he played together with Michael Jordan and Chris Mullin, as well being awarded "National College Player of the Year" in 1985 both contributed to the fact that adidas signed him after his graduation from college in the same year.
Ewing, aka the ‘Hoya Destroya’, ended up with one of the most popular NBA franchises of all: the New York Knicks. This turned out to be a stroke of luck for adidas, as they now had their own top athlete in one of North America's biggest markets.
The brand launched the ‘Ewing Collection’ in 1986, which consisted of basketball apparel and two different sneaker models.
The adidas Conductor was the performance shoe in which Patrick Ewing played the majority of his NBA games during his contract years with adidas. The Conductor was a premium basketball high-top that had a higher retail price of than the second model, the adidas Rivalry, due to the high-quality adidas technology built into it.
The Rivalry was developed as adidas wanted to make the Ewing shoe line available to as many basketball and Knicks fans as possible. It looked similar to the Conductor, but didn’t have the same expensive technology, so could be sold at a lower retail price.
It was launched in three colorways: White/Royal/Orange, White/Natural and White/Red Pinstripe. The latter two colorways also accompanied the launch of the retro version in December 2022.
The blue and orange colour scheme of the first Rivalry sneaker helped it become a top seller in New York, as these were also the colours of the Knicks. The model quickly evolved from a cheaper version of the Conductor to a product where looks and style were not just a by-product, but the main reason to buy the shoe.
It was a huge success for the brand. From then on, it was seen everywhere: on the courts, the streets and in the clubs of New York - whether hip hop, punk, hardcore, metal or skateboarding.
adidas Rivalry: Answering Your Questions
When was the adidas Rivalry released?
The adidas Rivalry was first released in 1986. The model was introduced in collaboration with basketball player Patrick Ewing and came in a High and Low variant.
Who designed the adidas Rivalry?
The adidas Rivalry was designed by Jacques Chassaing. Chassaing designed various Adidas silhouettes, including the adidas Forum, ZX series, and EQT line.
What was Patrick Ewing's role in the release of the adidas Rivalry?
In 1986, adidas launched the 'Ewing' collection in collaboration with basketball player Patrick Ewing, consisting of the adidas Conductor and the Rivalry High and Low. The Rivalry was introduced in the colours of the New York Knicks basketball team.
What materials is the adidas Rivalry made of?
The adidas Rivalry is primarily constructed from full-grain leather, with some models using suede, nubuck, or canvas. EVA foam inserts provide cushioning in the midsole, while the rubber outsole, sometimes in a gum finish, provides durability and grip.
How does the adidas Rivalry fit?
The Rivalry High and Low models fit true to size. We therefore recommend that you buy your usual size if you are interested in purchasing the sneaker.
How do I clean my adidas Rivalry?
An adidas Rivalry is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
How do you tie the adidas Rivalry?
For guidance on tying your Rivalry laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
Where can I buy adidas Rivalry?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the adidas Rivalry at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Rivalry restocks and new releases!
Popular adidas Rivalry Colorways
adidas have released many successful colorways on the Rivalry, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.
adidas Rivalry Low White/Blue/Orange | FU6833
This adidas Rivalry Low, in White/Blue/Orange, is a modern take on the classic 1980s basketball sneaker.
Featuring a predominantly white leather upper, it's accented with vibrant blue and orange details, reflecting a retro aesthetic for the original Knicks colour scheme.
Marvel x adidas Rivalry Low 'Deadpool' | JR2480
Hot on the heels of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie released in 2024, adidas released a special collaboration on the Rivalry Low in both a 'Deadpool' and 'Wolverine' colorway.
The first features a bright red suede upper, black accents and a leather storage pouch on the tongue while the latter has a striking yellow and blue upper and the famous X-Men logo on the tongue.
adidas Rivalry Low x Unheardof 'Grandma's Couch' - Purple | IG8452
Cincinnati sneaker boutique Unheardof partnered with adidas to release two Rivalry Low colorways that paid homage to owner Philip Lipschutz's history, who started his business while sleeping on his grandmother's couch.
The 'Mesa' features a teal base with gum-hued leather overlays, while the 'Purple' has a white base with purple overlays. Both designs are accented with vibrant red and metallic gold details and floral patterns.
Nadeshot x adidas Rivalry 'Chalk' | IE3416
The 'Chalk' is a collaboration between adidas and Matthew "Nadeshot" Haag, founder of the esports organisation 100 Thieves. This sneaker merges gaming culture with classic streetwear aesthetics.
A Chalk Pearl suede upper complements the Core Black leather Three Stripes branding, while golden metallic accents add a premium touch. An Off White rubber midsole and outsole provide durability and comfort.
The Simpsons x adidas Rivalry Low 86 'Werewolf Flanders' | IF7190
Part of a unique collaboration between The Simpsons and adidas, the 'Werewolf Flanders' celebrates the iconic Treehouse of Horror episodes.
A faux fur and leather upper in brown, green and pink tones reflects Ned Flanders' werewolf transformation. Design elements include a graphic of Werewolf Flanders howling under a full moon and a glow-in-the-dark outsole.
adidas Rivalry 86 Low 'Celtics' | ID8409
The 'Celtics' draws inspiration from the Boston Celtics' iconic colours. The green suede upper is complemented by Core Black leather accents on the Three Stripes, collar lining, and heel tab for a striking contrast.
The design is completed with a dark gum rubber sole, adding a vintage aesthetic.
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