From Hardwood to Hard Grass: The adidas AE 1 Hits the Pitch
adidas are taking the AE 1 cleat run into 2026, continuing the brand’s crossover push after the model’s on-field debut last season. Originally introduced through Travis Hunter, the AE 1 Football Cleat marked the first time Anthony Edwards’ debut basketball signature was reworked into a pitch-ready silhouette, translating its bold design language from the hardwood to the gridiron.
The collection of new colourways kicks off with ‘Pure Ruby’, the first of three releases. At the same time, there will also be a wider drop of the ‘Best of Adi’ colourway, which Hunter debuted during the 2025 season. A third option, dubbed ‘3SSB’, is currently scheduled to arrive mid-way through this year.
Design-wise, the game-ready iteration retains the core aesthetic of the original AE 1, reengineered with football-specific traction, stability and support for play on turf.
Unsurprisingly, the AE1 has already made its mark beyond basketball, showing up across multiple sports through custom cleated variations. In the MLB, Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober has worn bespoke versions of the 'Ascent' and 'Best of Adi 2.0' colourways, while in the NFL, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has taken the silhouette to the field in two AE 1-inspired customs.
The AE1 Football Cleat 'Pure Ruby' and 'Best of Adi' will release via adidas starting May 1 followed by the '3SSB' on July 1.
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