adidas Originals and Brain Dead Celebrate Wrestling Iconography with the Japan Flames Collection
In 2022, Brain Dead made waves by launching its very own professional wrestling promotion, Brain Slam Wrestling. Since then, the Los Angeles-based brand has consistently honored and expanded wrestling culture through its bold design language and collaborations. Now, Brain Dead has teamed up with adidas Originals to release the striking Japan Flames Collection, a lineup that pays tribute to the flamboyant aesthetics and enduring legacy of wrestling.
Building on Brain Dead’s history of reimagining adidas silhouettes – including the Stan Smith, the Forest Hills, and even a revived ’70s bowling shoe – this collection highlights three distinct takes on adidas Originals’ iconic Japan franchise. Known for its sleek, low-profile look, the Japan model has garnered renewed attention in recent years, and Brain Dead now brings its unmistakable style to the silhouette, this time celebrating Japan’s monumental influence on global wrestling.
The Japan Lo Brain Dead
The Japan Lo Brain Dead is crafted with a leather upper, layered with two-toned suede flame overlays, leather contrast stripes, furry laces, and co-branded sock liners. It comes in two bold colorways:
- Brown with yellow details and green accents
- Black with blue details and off-white accents
The Japan Hi Brain Dead
Elevating the design even further, the Japan Hi Brain Dead mirrors the aesthetic of wrestling boots, complete with flame overlays. The high-top version arrives in one striking colorway:
- Black with off-white details and pine green accents
Release Details
The adidas Originals x Brain Dead Japan Flames Collection drops in limited quantities on 28 August, exclusively at adidas.co.za, with retail prices ranging from R2499 to R2799.
This collection not only redefines adidas’ Japan silhouette but also cements Brain Dead’s reputation for merging subculture with sport, creating sneakers that are as bold in design as they are rich in storytelling.
