Interview // Adidas Originals' Brian Foresta Talks Mutombo Retro

words & interview by Nick DePaula
When it comes to adidas Basketball sneakers from the 1990's, most everyone first thinks of their Kobe-led Feet You Wear series. And while those models were certainly some of the most innovative and unique silhouettes that the brand has ever released, there was an iconic series just before it that also deserves its due.
With a shot-swatting big man from Zaire fully named Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo as the lead, the adidas Mutombo series was quickly a cult hit when it first released in 1992.

It dialed in a detailed equation of looks and storytelling thanks to its unforgettable logos and badging, African raffia textile inspired patterning and prideful colors.The yellow, green and red found along the tongue's shield logo looked awesome, but also took on further meaning for Deke, as they represented his native country's quest for unity and harmony.
Not only is the much-loved sneaker on the return this Saturday, August 24th, but there's also an accompanying apparel collection that features Mutombo's famous finger wag, shield logo and pattern.
To hear all about the importance of the model to the category, and how they had to actually ...