What if the secret to today’s signature‑shoe empire lies in a Laker legend who cut his first deal with Adidas before Michael Jordan was born? In 1971, while most rookies chased minutes, Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar was quietly reshaping athlete endorsements—and nearly half a century later, his OG silhouette is crashing the runway courtesy of Mexican icon Willy Chavarria.  In 1971, when athlete endorsements were virtually unheard of, Abdul‑Jabbar became the first NBA player to sign with Adidas, laying the foundation for modern sneaker partnerships.

Fast forward to 1978, and Adidas doubled down on its bold move with the launch of the Adidas Jabbar—their first-ever signature sneaker for a basketball player. That alone set a tone for everything that followed. Keep in mind, this was a time when the NBA didn’t even air live playoff games regularly. Still, here was Adidas investing in a hooper like Kareem, laying down the blueprint for future icons like Jordan, Kobe, and even Anthony Edwards. Every time you see a player rocking their own signature kicks today, there’s a little piece of Kareem in that storyline.

After decades of dormancy, Adidas has resurrected the Jabbar silhouette, courtesy of Mexican‑American designer Willy Chavarria. On May 8, Chavarria unveiled his SS25 collection, featuring adidas Jabbar Lo (MSRP $250) alongside matching jerseys and track jackets. For longtime sneakerheads, this drop isn’t just a nod to nostalgia—it’s a full-blown revival.

What made it even more powerful was the message behind the collaboration. “It’s been amazing working with Adidas. They’ve been a very strong supporter of the message,” Chavarria said. “The collection is in partnership with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar… it was all about brown power—and we all really aligned on that message.” That shared vision gave this release more than just retro appeal—it gave it purpose.

Finally, before wrapping up his launch-day rounds, Chavarria couldn’t help but flex the design’s unique edge. “I would like to point out the pointy-toed shoe as it relates to the boot. It’s a sick a– way to wear a sneaker,” he joked. And just like that, the Laker legend’s legacy continues—one pointed toe at a time.

Why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s sneakers still matter today?

When Adidas released the Jabbar Hi in September 1978, it marked the first time a major brand put a player’s name and even his likeness directly on a basketball silhouette. At a moment when most athletes were lucky to get free gear, Kareem’s shoe featured: 1. A bold graphic of Abdul‑Jabbar’s face on its heel, 2. An EVA midsole that balanced court performance with comfort, foreshadowing modern technologies, and 3. A Royal Blue leather upper.

The relaunch of the “OG Royal Blue” edition last year in October felt like a statement. Coming back in both Hi and Lo versions, the kicks were a reminder of how Abdul-Jabbar wasn’t just shaping the game on the court—he was changing the way players would be remembered off it. Adidas even called him “a true Original,” which honestly feels just right.

What really sets these sneakers apart, though, is the detail. First dropped in 1978, the Jabbar was the first basketball shoe to feature a player’s face—a bold move at the time. The updated version still holds that aura, but with a modern twist. Premium smooth leather wraps the upper, and a suede toe cap adds just enough texture to stand out. It kept the portrait‑embossed heel and gold‑foil “Jabbar” logo, reminding wearers of the shoe’s legacy.

Plus, they didn’t skip on comfort. A soft leather collar and lining make every step feel like a luxury, while the cream white midsole ties the vintage and fresh aesthetics together. The best part? The Hi retails for $110, and the Lo drops at $100.

More than a flashback, this revival cements Abdul‑Jabbar’s role as basketball’s first style innovator. It signals that signature culture still thrives on bold narratives. Whether you’re a collector or a contender in fashion, the Chavarria x Jabbar drop shows us that legacy lives not just in trophies, but in every detail of design.