adidas Jabbar

Jabbar

In the 1970s, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar established himself as one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He also became adidas’ first signed basketball player, and in 1978, received his own signature shoe, the adidas Jabbar, which set the standard for performance footwear. Decades later, this classy retro silhouette was reintroduced to a new generation of basketball fans and sneaker enthusiasts.

Just like the original Jabbar, the modern version comes in both high- and low-top form, each with high-quality leather used across the upper. The shoe’s signature toe cap remains, often in durable suede to help protect the front of the foot, while the long, straight eyestay, curvaceous heel tab and serrated 3-Stripes sidewall logos complete the panelling. Extra stability, comfort and support are delivered around the ankle of the high-top via an extended collar made from soft, supple leather.

The adidas Jabbar is founded upon a flat, stitched-in sole which is lightweight, comfortable and durable. Built to withstand the rigours of the basketball court, its foam midsole offers good impact protection, while its dependable herringbone rubber outsole provides the kind of traction and mobility required by dynamic, agile basketball players, making it more than capable of supporting the wearer through contemporary everyday use.

Intriguing textural variation occurs across the Jabbar, from the coarse exterior of the midsole to the smooth leather upper and the plush suede toe cap. Meanwhile, heritage branding honours the incredible sporting legacy of the player, the shoe and the brand, with an adidas Trefoil logo on the heel, golden Kareem text on the lateral flank and the iconic tongue emblem that appeared on the 1978 original. This consists of adidas and Abdul-Jabbar text as well as the player’s signature and a Trefoil, but perhaps the most standout element of this unique graphic is the image of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar himself, which depicts the legendary centre leaping up to play his trademark skyhook shot.

Having already been rereleased in the 2010s as part of the adidas Originals collection, the Jabbar made a strong return in October 2024, being launched ahead of the NBA season. Alongside a heritage white and blue colourway with classic colour blocking that evokes the team-related tones of the 1970s shoes, adidas released collaborative editions designed by Japanese streetwear boutique atmos and sneaker store Footpatrol.

In 2025, Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria and his self-titled clothing brand crafted a series of refined adidas Jabbar Lows, including one with a foldover tongue and another with an elegantly pointed toe whose dapper look is suited to formal occasions as well as casual wear. Premium sportswear retailer BSTN then teamed up with adidas and German football club Bayern Munich on a rich burgundy colourway nicknamed ‘From the South, From the Heart’.

Elegant, timeless and infused with authentic sporting heritage, the adidas Jabbar is a stylish modern lifestyle sneaker with an old-school charm and a suave throwback look.