Brain Dead is digging into a different part of the adidas catalog for its next collaboration. Instead of another familiar sneaker, the Los Angeles label has worked on the Five Ten Guide Tennie Approach and Five Ten Niad, two models built around climbing and outdoor use. Official images show both getting Brain Dead’s mix of hairy suede, contrasting colors, and slightly offbeat detailing.

adidas has owned Five Ten since 2011, though much of the line has remained outside the usual sneaker conversation. Five Ten made its name through climbing footwear and its high-grip rubber, which still plays a major role in these designs. Brain Dead hasn’t tried to hide that background here, especially on the Niad.

The Guide Tennie Approach is the easier of the two to picture as an everyday shoe. Its low shape sits on a flat, flexible sole, with honeycomb openings worked into the side panels. Hairy suede changes up the upper, while different color hits break up a silhouette that still looks very much like an approach shoe.

The Five Ten Niad stays closer to traditional climbing footwear. It has a slimmer, close-fitting upper and a heavy rubber wrap covering much of the lower half, giving the shoe a noticeably more technical look. Brain Dead works its colors and suede into that existing shape rather than turning it into something completely different.

Climbing and approach footwear has slowly been crossing into the same space already occupied by hiking and other outdoor shoes. Five Ten gives adidas plenty of history to pull from if that interest continues, and working with Brain Dead puts two of the line’s lesser-seen models in front of a sneaker and streetwear audience.

The Brain Dead x adidas Five Ten Guide Tennie Approach and Five Ten Niad are expected to release in 2026. A release date has yet to be announced.

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