The Brain Dead x adidas Bowling Shoe Got a Wild Makeover
The duo returns, reimagining the archival silhouette in faux leopard fur and snakeprint variants.
Summary
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For Fall 2026, Brain Dead and adidas updated their 1978-inspired bowling shoe with bold leopard and faux snakeskin prints.
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Retailing for $250, the non-gameplay sneakers feature classic branding, contrasting details, and elevated heels.
With their latest footwear drop, Brain Dead and adidas continue to evolve their partnership, this time dialling in on the Bowling silhouette they introduced in 2024. Arriving in two animal prints, the streamlined leather shoe is updated with a bigger and bolder personality for Fall 2026.
Inspired by a 1978 adidas design, the bowling shoe is reimagined in both a leopard fur-style upper and faux snakeskin upper. It’s a sharp turn away from the more subtle all-black and black-and-white versions they have dropped thus far. In keeping with the original model, the remainder of the body follows the classic details: gold debossing on the lateral and white, and serrated three stripes on both sides. Contrasting with the patterns are a black tongue, toe box panel, and heel tab embroidered with the Brain Dead emblem. Unlike a traditional sneaker, the rubber soles boast an elevated heel modeled after bowling shoes; however, Brain Dead noted that the shoes are not intended for actual bowling gameplay.
Fall/Winter 2026 has been a major season for animal prints, especially leopard, which has been seen in recent footwear releases like the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Leopard” and the PUMA GOLF x Saturdays NYC Clyde. adidas has already been exploring the pattern in similar ways to the new Brain Dead x adidas Bowling shoe, unveiling the adidas Samba Bowling “Leopard” in Summer 2026.
The Brain Dead x adidas Bowling shoe in faux snakeskin and leopard print is available now at the official Brain Dead web store, retailing for $250 USD.
