Sneaker Politics returns to collaborate with adidas Originals, this time surfacing with the Adistar HRMY “Red Snapper”, a release that channels the gritty, soulful energy of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast fishing culture. Rather than produce just another runner, Politics digs into their roots, celebrating the red snapper, symbol of local livelihood and maritime tradition, and weaving that narrative through every inch of the sneaker’s design.
The colour story hits first. A rich, bright red washes over the upper, thanks to a bold mesh underlay that’s been carefully patterned to resemble fish scales. Synthetic overlays and nubuck panels provide structure, while semi-translucent striping and reflective detail around the heel nod to the glimmer of a freshly caught snapper’s scales.
That storytelling continues in small but powerful touches. On the tongue, there’s a hanging tag styled like a seafood market label, a playful reference to the way red snapper is bought, sold, and celebrated locally.
Inside, the insoles are mismatched: one foot shows scale patterns, the other features bones, hinting at the entire life (and end) of the fish. These are not decorative afterthoughts, they tie directly into the craft and community behind the sneaker.
Structurally, the HRMY platform serves as the base, a modern adidas runner silhouette that channels both performance and comfort. The design incorporates Repetitor cushioning, a midsole setup that balances the shape’s sleek, ergonomic look with practical wearability. Politically-co-branded Three Stripe elements resemble gills and fish bones, further driving home the aquatic theme in a way that’s subtle rather than literal.
Beyond visuals, what makes this collaboration emotionally resonant is its sense of place. As Sneaker Politics describes in their “Behind the Design” breakdown, it’s rooted in the rhythms of Gulf Coast life, early mornings on the water, the ebb of tides, the pride of fishermen hauling in their catch.
Buy Sneaker Politics x adidas Adistar HRMY “Red Snapper” Online
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