Adidas & Kicking It Drop ‘Live Music’ Gazelle

Adidas Originals has teamed up with Kicking It, an Austin-based sneaker boutique powered by Black creatives, to put a fresh spin on the iconic Gazelle silhouette. This unique collaboration, dubbed the “Live Music” Gazelle, pays homage to Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and its rich cultural tapestry.

A Design Inspired by Austin’s Blues

Naja Dorsey, the creative director of Kicking It, spearheaded this first-of-its-kind project. The shoe’s design draws heavily from Austin’s blues heritage, featuring a suede upper in five distinct shades of blue. Accents of red on the tongue and yellow on the signature Three Stripes add a pop of color, mirroring the legendary entrance of Antone’s Nightclub, a historic venue where music icons once performed.

Dorsey aimed to capture Austin’s unique spirit, explaining, “I just wanted something to be funky, because Austin has that slogan, ‘Keep Austin weird.’ So, we kind of pride ourselves on that, too… Being weird, being yourself, being different, standing out.” She also highlighted how the music scene, despite historical segregation, has been a unifying force in the city.

Craftsmanship and Meaningful Details

Dorsey was meticulous about the details, ensuring the shoe felt authentic. “My favorite design element would be the guitar strings on the side, being able to hold the shoe and actually feel like I’m playing a guitar,” she shared. She insisted on embroidered guitar strings and stitched leather for the guitar pick, prioritizing quality and tactile experience over simple printing.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond the aesthetics, this collaboration extends Kicking It’s commitment to community initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from the “Live Music” Gazelle will directly fund scholarships for students at Huston–Tillotson University, a local HBCU. These funds will support its jazz band and future music programming, reinforcing the connection between music, culture, and education.

The launch was celebrated with two events: an in-store gathering featuring customizations and a family-friendly concert at Antone’s Nightclub, headlined by J. Soulja and The Keezy Experience. The “Live Music” Gazelle retails for $120 and is available in limited quantities exclusively at Kicking It’s Austin store and online.

Dorsey expressed deep appreciation for Austin’s support, stating, “I feel loved, I feel special, and I just appreciate Austin for showing out for us.” This collaboration is a powerful example of how fashion, music, and community can come together to create something truly special.