Edison Chen and CLOT have once again blurred the lines between global heritage and modern design, this time with the CLOT x adidas Stan Smith Espadrille Beaded (Friends & Family Edition). While the July 12th release introduced the public to a bold rework of the classic Stan Smith, this particular version pushes exclusivity and storytelling even further. Unavailable at retail and limited to CLOT’s tight-knit circle, this pair surfaced unexpectedly via Packer Shoes, giving us a rare glimpse into what sneaker elitism looks like in 2025.
The pair retains the pristine white leather upper of the standard edition, but swaps the classic rubber sole for an artisanal stitched espadrille midsole, instantly shifting the sneaker’s tone from tennis court to Mediterranean coastline. What truly sets this edition apart, though, is the hand-beaded heel tab, offered in red, white, and green or blue, black, and white, depending on the pair. Both palettes fuse elements of the general release colorways, while an extra hit of CLOT logo branding in white beads makes this version unmistakably unique.
Additional flourishes include Chinese characters stitched on the toebox, dual-branded CLOT x adidas insoles, and the same minimal, intentional styling that has defined the rest of the CLOT capsule. The beaded heel fringe, in particular, evokes both opulence and handcrafted charm, lending the sneaker an air of eccentric elegance.
This isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a wearable art piece. Built on a base of cross-cultural design, the Stan Smith Espadrille Beaded F&F pairs high fashion with global storytelling. And while the general public may have access to select colourways from the broader CLOT x adidas drop, this specific version is destined to live on in grail lists and collectors’ showcases. If you ever spot someone rocking these in the wild, just know: you’re not looking at a general release, you’re looking at inner circle royalty.
