Following the successful launch of the Ballerina silhouette last year, adidas Originals and Bad Bunny introduce a new Vivid Red colorway, drawing inspiration from the vibrant bloom of Puerto Rico’s Flamboyán trees as they flower in late May.
Originally launched in 2025, the Ballerina quickly became a standout release for adidas Originals, tapping into, and helping define the growing demand for low-profile silhouettes. First introduced by Benito himself in 2024, the silhouette established a new expression of adidas’ design language, where the brand’s reinterpretations of heritage and lifestyle continue to resonate across global markets.
Drawing its design inspiration from the iconic adidas Taekwondo model, originally crafted for martial artists at the peak of their sport in the early 2000s, the Ballerina fuses sleek, modern aesthetics with a nod to its performance heritage. Design touches incorporate premium suede overlays on the toe and heel, enhancing its texture, while a streamlined shape and bungee-cord laces offer a secure, contemporary fit. The sneaker also features unique “Benito” branding near the signature Three Stripes and a special sizing tag on the exterior, serving as a tribute to his past adidas collaborations.
The Flamboyán signals the start of summer; a cultural marker instantly recognized on the island and globally associated with Puerto Rican identity. Following a first chapter rooted in movement, this red colorway anchors the Ballerina in origin, connecting it directly to Puerto Rico through a bold, time-bound symbol.
The Vivid Red Ballerina also builds on its growing cultural presence. The silhouette was worn by Bad Bunny during his sold-out residency in Puerto Rico, reinforcing its connection to the island and its influence on global culture. Earlier this year, the white iteration appeared on stage during the Super Bowl, subtly reminding us of the Three Stripes within the Ballerina form to one of the world’s largest audiences.
Continuing this momentum, the Vivid Red Ballerina was also featured as part of adidas’ global World Cup campaign, which launched on May 7, further cementing the silhouette within the broader cultural energy surrounding the sport’s biggest stage.
adidas x Bad Bunny Ballerina in Vivid Red priced at R2499 is available globally from June on adidas.co.za, and at adidas Sandton City.