Brain Dead x adidas Revives the Iconic Forest Hills Sneaker with a Bold New Twist

Brain Dead and adidas have teamed up once again, this time breathing new life into the Forest Hills sneaker—a silhouette with deep roots in tennis history and street culture. Originally released in 1976 and named after the Queens neighborhood that hosted the US Open, the Forest Hills sneaker is known for its sleek, lightweight construction and sport-meets-lifestyle appeal.

In this latest connection, Brain Dead brings its signature design language to the classic model, replacing the traditional leather upper with premium shaggy suede and introducing four unique colorways that balance heritage and modern streetwear aesthetics.

A Closer Look at the Brain Dead x adidas Forest Hills Collection

Brain Dead’s take on the Forest Hills preserves its timeless silhouette while adding unexpected material choices, color blocking, and design alterations that give the sneaker a fresh, contemporary edge.

Elevated Material: Shaggy Suede for a Distinctive Look

Replacing leather with premium hairy suede elevates the sneaker’s texture and depth, adding a rugged yet stylish feel.

The absence of the traditional rubber toe cap allows for a seamless design, emphasizing Brain Dead’s commitment to unique, handcrafted aesthetics.

Each pair features contrasting leather and zig-zag stitching accents, reinforcing the collaboration’s attention to detail.

The Four Colorways: A Bold Range of Styles

Brain Dead and adidas introduce four striking variations, each offering a different personality while staying true to the Forest Hills DNA.

“Branch” (Green & Maroon)

Lush green hairy suede upper with maroon leather accents.

White stripes with contrasting stitching, keeping the look vibrant and dynamic.

“Core Black” (Black, Brown & Cream)

Black suede base with cream and brown leather overlays.

Textural contrast enhances the premium look, making this a versatile, neutral option.

“Crew White” (Classic Tennis Inspired)

Inspired by the original Forest Hills “Metallic Gold” edition.

White base with blue, green, and yellow stripes, offering a nod to its tennis heritage.

“Shadow Brown” (Earthy with Bold Accents)

Deep brown suede with bold red details and blue zig-zag stitching around the heel.

A striking mix of tones, making it one of the most eye-catching pairs in the collection.

Each colorway blends Brain Dead’s avant-garde approach with the heritage design of the Forest Hills, creating sneakers that stand out without straying too far from the original essence.

The Removal of the Rubber Toe Cap

One of the most noteworthy modifications is the removal of the Forest Hills’ traditional rubber toe cap. This decision allows the suede material to flow seamlessly, creating a cleaner, more contemporary silhouette that enhances the luxury feel of the sneakers.

Blending Sportswear and Streetwear

The Forest Hills started as a performance tennis sneaker, but Brain Dead’s interpretation shifts it into lifestyle footwear territory.

By utilizing textured materials and bold stitching, the sneakers now appeal to both sneaker collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Exclusive & Highly Anticipated Release

Brain Dead’s previous adidas collaborations have been instant sell-outs, making this drop highly sought after.

The limited-edition nature of this release adds to its collectibility and resale potential.

Release Information: Where and When to Buy

The Brain Dead x adidas Forest Hills collection is set to release in April 2025 through:

adidas’ official website and Confirmed app

Brain Dead’s online store and flagship locations

Select global sneaker boutiques

Final Thoughts

Brain Dead’s reimagining of the adidas Forest Hills is a perfect blend of past and present, merging heritage sportswear with contemporary streetwear aesthetics.

By swapping leather for shaggy suede and removing the rubber toe cap, the sneaker feels more modern, premium, and fashion-forward.

The four diverse colorways offer something for every sneaker enthusiast, from bold statement-makers to understated classics.

With hype around Brain Dead x adidas connection growing, this release is expected to sell out fast—making it a must-cop for sneakerheads and collectors alike.