Sneaker enthusiasts in the UAE and across the globe are bracing themselves for a bittersweet end to one of the most celebrated partnerships in streetwear history. Jerry Lorenzo, the visionary behind Fear Of God, has confirmed that his Fear Of God Athletics collaboration with adidas will officially wrap up after the Holiday 2025 season, with industry sources confirming that there will be no contract renewal. This news marks the end of an era for the luxury sportswear scene, and sneaker fans are eager to see how Lorenzo plans to close out the partnership with a bang.
A Collaboration That Redefined Sportswear
When adidas first partnered with Jerry Lorenzo in 2020, the collaboration was met with immense hype. Fear Of God had already become a highly sought-after brand thanks to its minimalistic designs and luxury streetwear aesthetic, and partnering with a sportswear giant like adidas was a bold step. Together, they created collections that blurred the lines between performance wear and luxury fashion, inspiring countless other collaborations in the years that followed.
Fear Of God Athletics stood out from typical sneaker collaborations by offering an entirely new design language, moving away from reworked classics and instead building a separate identity rooted in basketball heritage and modern minimalism. It represented Lorenzo’s vision of redefining sportswear, creating silhouettes and apparel that stood apart from traditional athletic gear.
Introducing the Fear Of God Athletics Basketball II.5
The latest addition to the Fear Of God x adidas lineup, the Basketball II.5, has just been revealed through official adidas imagery. While it shares the chassis and overall shape of the Basketball II, the II.5 introduces a semi-transparent shroud with a zipper closure, offering a futuristic take on a performance basketball shoe. This technical material choice is a notable departure for Lorenzo, who typically favours earthy tones and soft suedes.
Branding plays a more prominent role in this release, with the Athletics “A” logo at the heel and bold ATHLETICS text visible under the translucent outsole. These design decisions make the shoe stand out while maintaining Lorenzo’s clean, architectural aesthetic. It’s an evolution in the collaboration’s visual language, signalling a push towards bolder and more experimental pieces.
Fear Of God Athletics III and the Final Drop
In addition to the II.5 model, Lorenzo confirmed that one final silhouette—the Fear Of God Athletics III—is still set to launch as part of the current contract. While details on this sneaker are scarce, anticipation is high, with speculation that Lorenzo will create something truly groundbreaking to close this chapter.
Sneaker leaks and teaser imagery have driven even more hype, as collectors know this will likely be their last chance to grab a Fear Of God sneaker designed in partnership with adidas. The Athletics III is expected to launch before the year’s end, making the Holiday 2025 season one of the most exciting periods for sneaker fans in years.
Design Legacy and Market Impact
Fear Of God’s partnership with adidas has had a profound effect on the sneaker industry, inspiring a wave of designer-led collaborations and pushing brands to experiment with new materials and silhouettes. Lorenzo’s minimalist approach and attention to detail have become his trademark, and his influence will undoubtedly extend far beyond this collaboration.
While the partnership’s conclusion might feel premature to fans, it reflects a broader shift in the fashion and sneaker world, where designers are increasingly looking to create standalone brands rather than rely on collaborations for visibility.
Pricing and Availability in the UAE
The Fear Of God Athletics Basketball II.5 is expected to retail for AED 735 (USD 200) and will be available through adidas.com, Fear Of God’s official store, and select UAE retailers. Given the high demand, sneakerheads in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should expect rapid sell-outs upon release. The UAE market has long been a hotspot for limited-edition drops, and this release is expected to be no different, with local boutiques and resellers likely to capitalise on the hype.
Sneaker enthusiasts are advised to stay updated through adidas Confirmed, Fear Of God’s email list, and UAE-based sneaker groups to ensure they don’t miss the launch. With both the II.5 and the anticipated Athletics III releasing in the coming months, sneaker fans in the Emirates should prepare for a highly competitive buying experience.
What’s Next for Jerry Lorenzo and Fear Of God
Although Lorenzo’s partnership with adidas is ending, Fear Of God remains one of the most influential brands in streetwear. Many speculate that Lorenzo will focus on expanding his own brand’s independent collections, with Fear Of God’s Essentials line already dominating global retail spaces.
Given Lorenzo’s proven track record of reshaping sneaker culture, it’s unlikely this marks his last foray into athletic footwear. Industry insiders are already discussing the possibility of new collaborations with other brands or an entirely in-house sneaker line.
The UAE’s Role in Sneaker Culture
The UAE has become a central hub for sneaker enthusiasts in recent years, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as global shopping destinations. The growing sneaker resale market in the Emirates has turned releases like the Fear Of God x adidas drops into cultural events, where sneakerheads and collectors line up or camp online for a chance to secure limited-edition pairs.
Fear Of God’s minimalist yet futuristic designs have resonated strongly with the UAE’s fashion-forward audience, who value exclusivity and craftsmanship. As the partnership wraps up, the UAE sneaker community will undoubtedly be a significant part of this final chapter, adding to the global narrative around the collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Jerry Lorenzo’s collaboration with adidas has been a game-changer, elevating the sneaker landscape with premium design and innovative silhouettes. The Basketball II.5 and the yet-to-be-seen Athletics III mark a fitting conclusion to a partnership that has consistently pushed creative boundaries. For UAE sneaker fans, these drops represent not only collectible pieces but a moment in fashion history.
The end of this era also signals the start of a new chapter for Lorenzo and Fear Of God, and the fashion world will be watching closely. Whether Lorenzo chooses to work independently or collaborate with another athletic brand, his influence is undeniable.
With these last few releases, adidas and Fear Of God are making sure they leave a lasting impression, one that will keep sneaker fans talking long after the final drop.
