With the new Premier League season underway, a Manchester United x adidas Gazelle arrives, continuing one of the most significant partnerships in sports, fashion, and business. The history between the brand and the soccer club goes back to 1980 when adidas became the kit supplier for The Red Devils. That first stint lasted 12 years. After the 1991/92 season, they each went their separate ways. Then, after a 23-year hiatus, the partnership was reborn in 2015 when it was announced that a ten-year, $964 million deal had been agreed between the German sportswear giant and the English soccer club. In the following years, soccer and sneaker fans rejoiced at releases such as Newton Heath, Barcelona ’99, and Stretford, celebrating Manchester United’s illustrious history. Another ten-year deal was reached in 2023, this time to the value of $1.1 billion, which will see the partnership continue to at least 2034.
This new Manchester United x adidas Gazelle also suggests more ties to history, with the colors chosen and retro branding. While Manchester United is famously the Red Devils and best known for its red home jerseys, blue has long been the color of their chosen away jersey for over a century. But most famously, ten years after the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including 8 United players, the club was competing in the European Cup Final, the most prestigious international club competition. The final, in 1968, was against Portuguese giant Benfica, and both clubs wore red as the first choice. A coin toss was held to determine who would wear their away jerseys. Manchester United lost the coin flip, wore blue for the match, and went on to triumph, considered by many to be their single most iconic game and win.
First launched in 1968, the Gazelle is a perfect model for this collaboration. A soft Off-White suede envelopes the upper, contrasted by the Three Stripes on the sides and the back heel tab adorned in Team Royal Blue. Cream White for the laces, tongue, and sole presents a vibrant yet subtle offset. Royal Blue Trefoil branding appears on the tongue, while co-branding is featured on the insoles. The heel carries the famous Manchester United retro Devil logo to complete the look.
The Manchester United x adidas Gazelle is set to release on September 1, 2024, through adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, retail is TBD. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Manchester United x adidas Gazelle
Images via adidas
