adidas Skateboarding introduces the Kader, the first signature sneaker from professional skateboarder Kader Sylla. The new model draws inspiration from adidas basketball footwear of the 1990s, combining archival design references with technical features developed for skateboarding. Its release accompanies Sylla’s World Tour, which begins with a series of North American stops in October before continuing internationally through 2027.
SNEAKERS
Sylla joined adidas Skateboarding in 2021, bringing his personal approach to footwear and skate culture into the partnership. The Los Angeles native became a professional skateboarder at sixteen, establishing himself through his individual style and close connection with local skating communities. His first signature model reflects those influences, drawing directly from the footwear he wears and the performance requirements of his skating.
Working with adidas designers, Sylla developed a mid-top silhouette inspired by a 1990s adidas Equipment basketball shoe. His interest in basketball footwear from that period informed the model’s proportions and construction. The design introduces an unconventional lacing system that incorporates the Three Stripes, giving adidas branding a functional role within the shoe.
Material choices contribute to the sneaker’s appearance, with contrasting textures and colors referencing its basketball origins. A suede upper features adituff underlays that improve resistance to abrasion during skating. The construction includes a cupsole and full-length Lightmotion midsole, providing impact response for demanding sessions. Elasticated tongue wings help secure the foot, keeping the shoe in place during movement.
“I wanted to make something that felt like me and that I’d actually want to wear every day,” Sylla explains. “We looked at a lot of different references and kept pushing until it felt right. It’s built for skating, but it doesn’t feel limited to the skatepark.”
The sneaker’s introduction coincides with Sylla’s global tour, which connects the release with skateboarding communities across multiple cities. The North American schedule runs from October 1 through October 17, featuring demonstrations, street skating, skate shop appearances, and local gatherings.
The tour began in Minneapolis on October 2, followed by stops in Des Moines, Kansas City, and Denver, featuring skate demos, shop appearances, and community events. The North American leg concludes in Sylla’s hometown of Los Angeles from October 13 to 17, with a Supreme event and a gathering at Stoner Skatepark.
Following the North American dates, Sylla will continue the tour across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia through 2027. His YouTube channel and adidas brand platforms will document the stops and activities. The adidas Kader retails for $110 USD and is available through skate specialty retailers worldwide and online.
