Maha Amsterdam x adidas Originals

11 Apr 2024, 12:00

Maha Amsterdam was founded in 2015 by Saskia van Hofwegen and Dian Iskandar out of the need for female representation in the Amsterdam streetwear market. As is true to fashion, Maha has evolved over the years, becoming a multi-brand store that provides like-minded women with the very best within sneakers and apparel.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg for Maha who aims to be the centre of their diverse and inclusive community- filled with passionate, authentic and like-minded women. Creating a space for solidarity and empowerment is at the core of Maha which shows in everything they do.

Remove

Maha has a long-standing relationship with adidas'- proudly stocking the brand on its online and physical store shelves, but designing its very own adidas sneakers will mark the duo’s first-ever collab. The partnership unveils the delicate reiterations of two heritage silhouettes, the Samba and Samoa. These one-of-a-kind pairs celebrate Maha’s remarkable journey.

In true Maha fashion, the chosen silhouettes for this project are both icons in their own right- one being the best-selling sneaker in the world at the moment and the other, lesser-known but equally culturally rich. The Samba and Samoa are both silhouettes deeply rooted in football heritage, which are now integral parts of streetwear culture of the 2010’s and 2020’s. The Samoa was part of the 1977 adidas Island Collection, which shone a spotlight on some of the most beautiful locations in the world. This sneaker featured a “T” pattern on the toe box and a raised toe bumper originally designed to offer protection for indoor soccer training. The Samba on the other hand, was adidas’ first football cleat specifically designed to provide traction on frozen ground but 70 years later, is as celebrated on the streets as it was on the pitch.

Remove

Inspired by the co-founder’s Asian heritage, where heirlooms are seen as a symbol of endurance and growth, this Maha x adidas partnership unveils two beloved silhouettes which feauture a jade centrepiece.

Believed to carry wisdom and strength, jade has a guiding presence of prosperity and protection that weaves through our generations and those to come. Embodying this belief, Maha crafted these special edition pairs as an expression of gratitude for this milestone. Paying homage to familial roots and the brands' mission to uplift women and families across generations. This union serves as a token of appreciation for the community that forms the cornerstone of Maha, for now and for years to come.

Remove

Maha x adidas Samba OG

This sneaker sees premium leather meet fuzzy suede on the upper, promising a charming aging journey as fans wear them over time, as intended. Some deliberately exposed stitching loops in and out around the heel tab all on the classic Samba gum sole with collab branding on the soles inner. What makes this collab so special is its emphasis on jade, where the entire sneaker is covered in shades of jade green.

Maha x adidas Samoa

In contrast to the Samba, the Samoa wears a smooth beige suede upper topped with jade green leather Three-Stripes. Like its companion, the Samba, the collaborative Samoa is complete with the exact contrast stitching on the heel and gum sole accents particular on the front of the sneaker.

What makes both the Samba and Samoa extra special is the tiny jade stone ring embellishing the lace unit of both sneakers. A subtle nod to the Maha co-founder's Asian roots and a unique feature that sets these sneakers apart.