Na-Kel Smith and adidas Skateboarding Refine the Rivalry Hi for the Grind
Pro rider and rapper has tapped to reimagine an archival Three Stripes classic for skateboarding, unveiling a collaborative rendition of the Rivalry Hi.
Given a custom overhaul, the iconic basketball sneaker has been injected with Na-Kel’s audacious personality, as well as a host of skate-ready performance upgrades. The hardwood hero is now ready to step on a new deck!
‘[The Rivalry Hi OG] was originally a gift from adidas. I wore it so much that they asked if I wanted to release it,’ says ‘Nak’ regarding the silhouette.
Fusing the best of basketball and skate, the sneaker’s familiar high-top construction is retained, as is the classic cupsole. Murdered out in an all-black colourway, the super-durable blended-suede and synthetic upper is accented with ‘Collegiate Gold’ and green, complemented with retro-inspired Na-Kel branding. For all-day grind, a cushy die-cut sockliner joins a grippy-as-hell rubber outsole.
Paying homage to one of Na-Kel’s favourite cult films, adidas Skateboarding have also released a special teaser video backed by his track ‘Go’. Following Na-Kel through Los Angeles, he’s joined by his homies Lil Dre, Kayla Montoya, Loudy Luna, Tyrea Seals, Mikey Alfred, Kevin White and Lola Dompe.