The sneaker news beat is still relatively new territory for us, and in an era increasingly shaped by super convincing AI-generated imagery, speculative leaks and premature “drops,” separating signal from noise is more of a challenge than ever. In this case, the trail is unusually consistent. The same product images of what is being described as the Audi x adidas Adizero Evo SL have surfaced across multiple independent sneaker outlets, with no obvious discrepancies in execution, color, or branding. That suggests legitimacy rather than fabrication.
At the same time, the absence is notable. There is currently no mention of the shoe on adidas’ retail website, nor within the official media and press support resources we are able to access. But that silence does not necessarily undermine the story.
As seen recently with LEGO and other global brands, niche enthusiast outlets often receive early visibility on upcoming releases, either directly from manufacturers or via retailers and distributors who are briefed in advance to prepare merchandising, editorial, and regional rollout plans. Several of the sneaker-focused reports surrounding this project (HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE) point to January availability, a timeframe that would align with adidas quietly preparing its distribution partners..
If accurate, this sneaker appears to be more than a one-off collaboration. Instead, it looks very much like the first public expression of the adidas–Audi F1 partnership, and potentially a soft introduction to a broader product ecosystem.
That interpretation gains weight when viewed through the lens of adidas’ existing motorsport partnerships. The brand’s retail site already hosts a dedicated Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team collection, spanning footwear, apparel, and accessories. That gear is globally accessible online, even if its physical retail presence may be spotty. For example, a quick visit to the adidas store in Tyson’s Corner, VA didn’t found no F1 gear from either team on display.
Reportedly based on a redesigned Adizero Evo SL, the sneaker appears to lean into Audi’s clean, technical visual language rather than overt co-branding. A khaki-gray mesh upper forms the foundation, contrasted by sharp black Three Stripes. Subtle red accents appear throughout, most notably on a red suede heel tab bearing the Audi logo. The result is restrained, purposeful, and distinctly consistent with Audi’s most recent push for minimalism.
Notably, the colorway closely mirrors the Audi Formula 1 livery revealed with the R26 concept. Audi has confirmed that the team’s final 2026 Formula 1 team reveal will take place in January, aligning neatly with the reported sneaker release window. If intentional, the timing suggests this shoe may act as an early, consumer-facing bridge between Audi’s design identity and its Formula 1 ambitions.
Motorsport references appear to extend beyond color alone. Co-branding tied to Audi F1 is can be seen applied to the sole, adding a subtle reference without overwhelming the silhouette. It’s a measured approach that aligns with both brands’ shared preference for precision over spectacle.
According to the reports circulating in sneaker circles, the Audi x adidas Adizero Evo SL is expected to release in January 2026, available through adidas.com and select retailers worldwide. Until adidas or Audi formally confirms the project, a degree of caution is warranted. But taken together—the consistency of the imagery, the alignment with Audi F1 timelines, and adidas’ established motorsport playbook—the evidence points toward this being the first of many products rather than an isolated experiment.
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