MENACE Brings Heart and Heritage to adidas with the Superstar “Old Rose” – A Mother’s Day Tribute

In the often flashy, trend-driven world of streetwear collection, few releases feel as intimate and purposeful as the latest drop from MENACE and adidas Originals. The MENACE x adidas Superstar 82 “Old Rose” isn’t just another colorway on the iconic adidas Superstar silhouette—it’s a deeply personal love letter from MENACE founder Steven Mena to his immigrant mother, Evangelina, and by extension, to mothers everywhere who’ve sacrificed for their families.

The shoe arrives just in time for Mother’s Day 2026, releasing on May 10 via the adidas CONFIRMED app and the MENACE website. Priced at $180, it builds on the brand’s previous “Heirlooms” Superstar collab while introducing a softer, more emotional palette and storytelling layer.

 

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At first dekko, the “Old Rose” Superstar captures attention with its dusty rose pink suede upper. This isn’t a bright, candy-like pink—it’s a muted, vintage-inspired hue that evokes aged florals and quiet resilience. Floral embossing subtly textures the panels, nodding directly to Mena’s mother’s favorite flower, while stitched overlays add a rugged, workwear-inspired toughness that ties back to MENACE’s design DNA.

Cream laces and classic Three Stripes provide warm contrast, balancing the pink with a nostalgic feel. Pink leather reinforces the heel tab and signature shell toe, ensuring color continuity from front to back. A gum midsole and outsole ground the shoe in classic Superstar heritage, while a quilted cream lining inside adds a premium layer of comfort and detail. MENACE branding appears near the heel, highlighted by a clean white “M” logo embroidered on the back.

One of the most touching details is the sock liner, inspired by the mattresses Mena’s family used during their early, unstable years in the U.S. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder of vulnerability, rest after hard labor, and the transient nature of building a new life. Patch-like detailing throughout further honors the journeys of Mena’s parents and extended family.

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Steven Mena has always infused his work with personal narrative, but “Old Rose” marks his most vulnerable project yet. When adidas invited him to their headquarters to design the shoe, his first call was to his mother to ask her favorite color. That simple conversation became the foundation for everything.

“This one is for my mom, and for every mom out there,” Mena shared. His mother’s immigrant experience—leaving everything behind, navigating shared apartments in South Central LA, and making sacrifices so her children could chase bigger dreams—infuses every element. The shoe carries “her spirit, the weight of those sacrifices, and the love that is the foundation for everything we’ve built.”

Mena’s story resonates widely in streetwear and beyond. As a first-generation American, he turned personal heritage into a brand that celebrates resilience, family, and cultural fusion. MENACE has carved a space for thoughtful, story-rich design in a category often dominated by hype. This collaboration with adidas Originals feels like a full-circle moment—a platform large enough to amplify family stories that might otherwise remain private.

In an interview, Mena reflected on how family sacrifices fuel his drive: “I’m only here… because somebody a long time ago decided to put their life on the line and make the journey to the U.S. How could I ever fail or give up?” That mindset transformed the design process—no detail could exist purely for aesthetics; each had to earn its place in the story.

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To mark the release, MENACE and adidas are hosting a special Mother’s Day weekend pop-up flower shop in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 9. The event becomes a celebration of motherhood with flowers, food, drinks, and limited-edition tees. The first 100 attendees who arrive with their mother or a loved one will receive complimentary flowers and a buy-one, gift-one opportunity on the “Old Rose” Superstar. Expect custom conchas from La Princesa Bakery, matcha and sparkling lemonade from Harun Coffee, and a strong sense of community throughout.

This experiential activation aligns seamlessly with the shoe’s theme—giving moms their literal and figurative flowers while creating space for shared stories and connection.

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The Superstar silhouette has endured for decades precisely because it adapts without losing its core identity. MENACE’s take honors that legacy while pushing it into emotional territory. In an era where collaborations can feel increasingly transactional, “Old Rose” stands out for its authenticity. It bridges streetwear’s workwear and heritage influences with a deeply personal tribute.

Mena’s long-term vision for MENACE extends beyond single drops. He aims to build a brand that outlives trends—one that people pass down, rediscover years later, and continue to value. Future ambitions include a physical retail store and even directing films, expanding his storytelling across mediums. He has already hinted that his father will receive a dedicated project for Father’s Day.

For consumers, this shoe offers more than wearable fashion. It becomes a conversation point around family, immigration, resilience, and the quiet strength of mothers. Whether purchased, gifted, or simply appreciated, “Old Rose” elevates the Superstar beyond sneaker culture into something more lasting.

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The MENACE x adidas Superstar “Old Rose” proves that the most impactful designs often come from a place of sincerity. Dusty rose suede, floral textures, and carefully considered details create a compelling visual package, but the true weight lies in the story—one of sacrifice, love, and perseverance stitched into every panel.

As Mother’s Day approaches, the release serves as a timely reminder to honor the women who shaped us. Steven Mena has translated personal gratitude into wearable form—and in doing so, offers a piece that resonates far beyond the surface.