Tremaine Emory brings the plaid seen on “Ghana Must Go” bags to the adidas Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 for Denim Tears’ first release with adidas Originals. The two shoes mark the start of a multi-year partnership, with a design tied to the bags carried by African and Chinese immigrant communities.

Both pairs use cotton canvas covered in red, black, blue, and cream checks. Emory has used that pattern on Denim Tears shopping bags for the past two years. For the campaign, the shoes were photographed on New York’s Canal Street near a subway entrance, with a nearby building wrapped in the same plaid.

The Denim Tears x adidas Superstar 82 features serrated Three Stripes, deep blue accents, and an embroidered canvas heel tab. On the Stan Smith 80, perforated stripes keep more of the pattern visible, while green suede covers the heel tab. Both include metal eyelets, rubber soles, and gold-foil adidas Originals and Denim Tears branding.

The tongues and heels carry the Sankofa symbol, a new addition to Denim Tears’ designs. It comes from the Akan people of Ghana and means “go back and get it,” expressing the value of looking to the past and reclaiming what has been left behind.

The Denim Tears x adidas Superstar 82 and Stan Smith 80 release November 7, 2026, exclusively at African Diaspora Goods, the label’s New York City flagship. The Superstar costs $180, while the Stan Smith is priced at $160.

Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page.

Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page.