Kader Sylla's adidas Kader Signature Skate Shoe Launches

The adidas Kader signature skate shoe for Kader Sylla launches in October 2026. The mid-top silhouette, priced at $110, will be available through select skate shops and adidas. It reimagines a '90s adidas Equipment basketball model as a purpose-built skate shoe, integrating Sylla's personal influences and performance needs.

Kader Sylla said, "His new adidas Kader is a mid-top skate shoe based around a ’90s Equipment basketball model." The design team used his long-standing affinity for older adidas basketball shoes to inform the shoe's shape and proportions. The actual build, however, remains centered entirely around skateboarding. It features a cupsole construction with a full-length Lightmotion midsole for impact response. The suede upper is reinforced with AdiTuff underlays in high-wear areas. Elasticated wings around the tongue help lock the foot in place. A split toe cap and a multi-colored outsole, designed to remain visible while pushing, are key details. Kader Sylla said, "Sylla worked with the design team to build them into the lacing system, making the branding part of the shoe."

Sylla’s vision and intent

For Kader Sylla, getting his own adidas shoe is a major milestone. The pro skater for Violet Skateboards, who joined adidas Skateboarding in 2021 and turned pro at age 16, is still processing the achievement. He wants the Kader to be accessible and authentic, hoping it becomes a first skate shoe for many. Sylla has experienced people approaching him to say they started skating because of him. He finds that a great feeling. Seeing new skaters learning in his shoes would be incredible, he said.

Sylla played a lot of basketball growing up, making the blend of both worlds a natural design direction. He pointed to models like the adidas Crazy 8 and James Harden's signature line as inspirations. His number one requirement was a shoe he could jump in. He emphasized the goal of making a real skate shoe that people felt comfortable in. The sport's expansion into the mainstream shaped the version of professional skateboarding he entered.

Release details and global rollout

The adidas Kader launches in two colorways. The first is a Core Black, College Purple, and Gold Metallic pair featuring purple suede through the Three Stripes. A second colorway in black, brown, and metallic gold will follow later in 2026.

Sylla will celebrate the launch with a global world tour beginning in North America this October. The tour starts with stops in Minneapolis, Des Moines, Kansas City, Denver, and Los Angeles. It will expand internationally through 2027, with more stops planned across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The adidas Kader will begin its world tour in October 2026 with stops in Minneapolis, Des Moines, Kansas City, Denver, and Los Angeles.