adidas x Wales Bonner SS26: Luxury Craftsmanship Meets the “Beautiful Game”
The perennial partnership between Grace Wales Bonner and adidas Originals returns for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, delivering a collection that seamlessly merges athletic performance with high-luxury aesthetics. Inspired by the “beautiful game” of football and the precision of running, the SS26 lineup transforms traditional sportswear into refined, chic pieces through the use of artisanal textures and premium materials.
While the collection includes a range of apparel, the footwear takes center stage this season, evolving from the bright colorways of previous drops toward a more mature, luxurious palette of rich browns and exotic textures. The full collection is scheduled to launch on April 17 via the adidas website and select retailers.
The Footwear Centerpiece: The Karintha
The Karintha silhouette, first introduced in 2025, is the focal point of the SS26 footwear range. This season, the designer has pushed the boundaries of materiality with two distinct versions:
- The Karintha Basketry: The most expensive pair in the collection at $600 USD (£500), this iteration features handcrafted leather-weave uppers produced in Brazil. The design draws inspiration from traditional basket-weaving techniques across the Global South and the luxury sensibilities of intrecciatto leather.
- The Classic Karintha: A nod to early adidas football boots, this version arrives in classic black with white stripes, a gold Wales Bonner logo, and a cognac toe cap to complete the vintage aesthetic. It is priced at £180.
Reimagining the Gazelle and Adizero
Following the massive success of the Wales Bonner Samba, the designer has now turned her attention to the Gazelle and the Adizero Adios, prioritizing tactile luxury over athletic minimalism.
The WB Gazelle
The Gazelle is reimagined in rich, brown premium leather, moving away from vivid colors to a more sophisticated style. Two distinct exotic upper treatments are available:
- Gazelle Snake: Featuring a snakeskin finish (£180).
- Gazelle Pony: Featuring a pony hair texture (£170).
The WB Adizero Adios
The Adizero Adios transforms a high-performance running sneaker into a fashion statement. Arriving in a brown shade consistent with the wider collection, the shoe features a mesh upper caged by leather stripes, suede accents, and contrast stitching. This model is priced at £220.
SS26 Apparel and Accessories
Beyond footwear, the SS26 collection extends the football theme into a refined apparel line. The range includes floral jerseys (£170) and matching football shorts (£130), continuing Wales Bonner’s tradition of transforming sports design into elevated, wearable luxury.
Collection Quick Reference Guide
| Model | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Karintha Basketry | Handcrafted Brazilian leather-weave | $600 / £500 |
| Karintha Classic | Vintage black with cognac toe cap | £180 |
| Gazelle Snake | Brown premium leather/snakeskin | £180 |
| Gazelle Pony | Brown premium leather/pony hair | £170 |
| Adizero Adios | Mesh upper with suede accents | £220 |
| Football Jersey | Floral design | £170 |
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: April 17, 2026.
- Design Theme: A merger of football/running aesthetics with artisanal, luxury craftsmanship.
- Material Focus: Heavy emphasis on snakeskin, pony hair, and handcrafted Brazilian leather-weave.
- Color Palette: A shift toward mature, rich brown tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy the adidas x Wales Bonner SS26 collection?
The collection will be available on the official adidas website and through select retail partners starting April 17.
What is the most expensive item in the footwear line?
The handcrafted Karintha Basketry is the priciest model, retailing for $600 USD (£500).
As Wales Bonner continues to redefine the intersection of sport and luxury, the SS26 collection marks a significant shift toward artisanal production and mature materiality, ensuring the partnership remains at the forefront of contemporary footwear trends.
Related reading