Mercedes-Benz and adidas are bringing automotive luxury and sportswear heritage together with the launch of the adidas Samba OG x Mercedes-Benz, a limited-edition sneaker that combines iconic design cues from both brands. The collaboration will be available online and at selected adidas stores from 13 October, marking the beginning of a broader strategic partnership between the two global names, with further projects expected to follow.
The partnership was first revealed in January as Mercedes-Benz began its anniversary celebrations under the theme “140 Years of Innovation”, which included the world premiere of the latest S-Class. For the collaboration, the two brands have chosen the adidas Samba, a silhouette that has evolved from its football roots into one of the world’s most recognisable lifestyle sneakers.
The partnership brings together two brands with histories that stretch across generations. Mercedes-Benz has spent 140 years influencing the development of mobility, while adidas has played a similarly significant role in sport, fashion and lifestyle. Although their industries differ, both brands have built identities around innovation, craftsmanship and products designed to remain relevant beyond their original purpose. Those shared values are reflected in the adidas Samba OG x Mercedes-Benz.
The sneaker retains the familiar Samba silhouette while incorporating design elements inspired by Mercedes-Benz. Most notably, the upper features diamond stitching inspired by the interior of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, giving the classic sneaker a more premium character. The Mercedes-Benz logo is also prominently positioned on the tongue, providing an unmistakable link to the automotive brand.
The limited-edition model will be offered in three monochromatic colourways: Magic Beige, Grey Five and Black. Together, the understated finishes highlight the collaboration’s emphasis on timeless design rather than simply adding automotive branding to an existing sneaker.
“ As Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140 years of innovation, we are proud to partner with adidas, another brand that has been inspiring generations around the world for decades,” said Christina Schenck, Vice President Digital & Communications and Investor Relations at Mercedes-Benz AG. She added that both brands share a passion for iconic design and innovation, with the partnership intended to create experiences that connect with their respective communities.
For adidas, the collaboration represents an opportunity to reinterpret one of its most enduring silhouettes through the design language of Mercedes-Benz. “It is a great privilege to collaborate with such an enduring and renowned brand as Mercedes-Benz,” said Michael Batz, Motorsport Category GM at adidas. According to Batz, the project brings together two brands known for pushing boundaries while remaining true to their distinctive identities.
The launch also coincides with a significant milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s “140 Years. 140 Places.” global journey. The three S-Class vehicles named Bertha, Carl and Gottlieb have travelled almost 65,000 kilometres across six continents during their global tour, celebrating the brand’s long history of innovation.
On 13 October, the trio will make a special stop at adidas’ global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, before beginning the final leg of their journey back to Stuttgart. Their return will culminate in the grand finale on 17 October, adding another symbolic link between the two brands as the new collaboration reaches customers.
