Brain Dead, adidas Originals Close 2025 with Video Game & Football-Inspired Collection

Brain Dead continues to experiment with adidas Originals heritage, promising to release two refreshing takes on the decades-old Taekwondo silhouette. The ClimaCool 2 from the mid-2000s also joins the mix.

The last 11 months have seen the label rework classics like the Forest Hills and Japan, drawing inspiration from nature, wrestling, and everything-in-between. A backstory behind Brain Dead's latest capsule collection sees retro video games and football heritage front-and-center, playing with reflective materials, draped shapes, and nostalgia. Vintage craftsmanship and modern technology come together across all items— which include "Silver Metallic" and "Core Black" Taekwondo MEI options, as well as contrasting takes on the ClimaCool 2. The shimmering Taekwondo sees a reinforced upper and reliable sole unit accompanied by a chip of sorts placed in the lace cover (think adidas Micropacer from 1984). The enclosed piece of tech doubles as an example of Kyle Ng and team's curiosity and performance-oriented element on the fashion-friendly collab.

Brain Dead's last adidas Originals project of the year also includes apparel and accessories. Inspired by designs found in the adidas Archive, the collection offers a Japanese Noragi-inspired ClimaCool tracksuit; metallic football-like jersey and matching shorts; and a goalkeeper jersey covered in an all-over print. Accessories arrive in the form of a sling bag and beanie.

Enjoy e-commerce photos of the footwear and campaign shots ahead. Items will release via Brain Dead channels and adidas.com on Thursday, Dec. 18.

For another collaborator that's reworked the low-profile Taekwondo, check out Bad Bunny's adidas Originals catalog.