After weeks of anticipation and speculation, the third merch collaboration between iconic nü-metal band Korn and athletic wear powerhouse Adidas has officially been unveiled.
The union between Korn and Adidas represents more than just a line of clothes; it’s a nostalgic nod to a defining period in rock and nü-metal history. As Korn carved their path in the music world in the mid-1990s, their fondness for Adidas tracksuits and gear became part of their image and helped cement the brand as an emblem of the era’s rebellious spirit.
In the early days of their career, Korn’s members frequently donned Adidas tracksuits both on and off the stage, creating a look that was soon mirrored by legions of fans. These baggy, comfortable outfits captured the essence of nü-metal’s raw energy and nonconformity. For many fans, wearing Adidas became a way to express allegiance to the genre and lifestyle. By the late ’90s, Korn and Adidas had become virtually synonymous in the eyes of the nü-metal crowd, making Korn unofficial ambassadors of the brand.
At the height of their popularity, Korn decided to approach Adidas about a potential sponsorship. Given the exposure and value they were bringing to the brand, it seemed like a natural fit. However, Adidas was initially hesitant to embrace the collaboration formally, likely due to the unconventional image Korn represented. Although Adidas track suits and shoes were practically part of the band’s identity, the company wasn’t prepared to take the plunge and sponsor them directly.
This reluctance left a gap for Adidas’ competitor Puma, which seized the opportunity. Puma stepped in and offered Korn a substantial sponsorship deal worth $500,000, giving the band the support they sought while effectively taking them away from Adidas. For a number of years, Korn sported Puma gear, moving away from the three stripes that had become their signature look.
Over time, however, both Korn and Adidas came to realize the power of their association. Korn’s fanbase continued to identify with Adidas, despite the years the band had spent under Puma’s sponsorship. In 2023, Adidas and Korn reconciled, launching their first official collaboration to tremendous excitement. This limited-edition drop featured classic Adidas pieces reimagined through the lens of Korn’s dark, edgy aesthetic. The line sold out quickly, proving that the nostalgia and demand for Korn-themed Adidas gear were stronger than ever.
The first drop was such a success that the two parties decided to release a second collaboration in May 2024. This collection expanded upon the original, offering new designs while still staying true to the iconic Korn-Adidas look. Once again, the limited-edition items sold out almost immediately, demonstrating the intense demand from both die-hard Korn fans and streetwear enthusiasts who valued the blend of music and fashion.
Now, with the third collaboration officially confirmed, fans are gearing up for another chance to own a piece of Korn history. Adidas Originals, the heritage-focused branch of the brand, announced the upcoming release on October 25th, confirming that the third line would be dropping soon. The collection is expected to include a mix of apparel and accessories that channel the gritty, bold style Korn popularized. Adidas Originals described the new line as a tribute to the band’s roots, blending Korn’s rebellious energy with the classic Adidas aesthetic that defined their early image.
What makes this third drop particularly exciting is the level of craftsmanship and nostalgia that goes into each piece. This time around, Korn and Adidas have leaned heavily into the band’s legacy, drawing from both Korn’s album art and the iconic Adidas design elements that fans have loved for decades. Early glimpses and teasers suggest that the collection will feature variations on the classic Adidas tracksuit, this time updated with Korn’s signature dark color palette and logo stylings. Hoodies, graphic tees, and accessories like caps and bags are also expected to be part of the line, each item an homage to the style that Korn fans embraced back in the ’90s.
Aside from the clothing itself, the partnership highlights an evolving trend in the fashion industry: the blending of music and streetwear. For Adidas, teaming up with Korn isn’t just about selling clothes; it’s a way to connect with a new generation of consumers who value authenticity and cultural significance. Younger generations, who might be discovering Korn for the first time through streaming platforms, are now exposed to the band’s history and style, creating a unique crossover between music, culture, and fashion.
For Korn, the collaboration is a celebration of their journey and the loyal fanbase that has been with them through every stage of their career. By revisiting their iconic Adidas look, Korn is giving longtime fans a chance to relive the past while introducing new fans to a style that defined an era. The continued success of each drop shows that Korn’s influence extends beyond music; they’ve left an indelible mark on the fashion world as well.
The third drop also speaks to the cyclical nature of fashion trends. What was once a subcultural look is now celebrated as vintage style. Korn’s blend of baggy, comfortable athletic wear with nü-metal edge may have once been niche, but today it’s a mainstream aesthetic. This resurgence of ’90s and early 2000s fashion, driven by nostalgia and reimagined through modern lenses, is evidence that certain styles have staying power. Korn’s influence is a reminder that trends in music and fashion are deeply intertwined and often return to the spotlight in new forms.
For collectors and fans, the limited-edition nature of these drops adds to the excitement. Many pieces from the first two collaborations are now considered rare, with some reselling at high prices online. This third drop is expected to be no different, with fans ready to snap up whatever they can get their hands on. Some are already strategizing to be among the first to purchase, knowing that these items will likely become coveted collectibles.
The collaboration between Korn and Adidas has evolved from an organic association into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. It’s more than just merch; it’s a legacy project, encapsulating Korn’s impact on music and fashion while celebrating Adidas’ timeless appeal. By reviving the look that defined Korn’s early years, both parties are acknowledging their shared history and the cultural moments that shaped them.
In conclusion, the third Korn x Adidas collaboration isn’t just another line of merchandise; it’s a testament to the band’s lasting influence on music, style, and pop culture. From their early days in Adidas tracksuits to a globally recognized band with a loyal fanbase, Korn has stayed true to their roots while evolving with the times. Adidas, meanwhile, has embraced its place in rock history, recognizing that its brand has touched lives far beyond the sports world. Together, Korn and Adidas have created a collection that speaks to fans both old and new, providing a bridge between the past and the present, between music and fashion.
For anyone looking to own a piece of this history, keeping an eye on the Adidas Originals channels will be essential. The demand is expected to be high, and with the limited-edition nature of these drops, this third collaboration will likely follow the same pattern as its predecessors, selling out quickly. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Korn, a fashion enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the nostalgia of ‘90s nü-metal culture, this collection promises to deliver a piece of music and fashion history wrapped into one.
