Andrew Rizzo UP THERE has ascended from a little-known Australian boutique to a household name in the sneaker collaboration space, a status earned through a strong run of projects with ASICS and New Balance, with a bit of Saucony sprinkled in as well. Given its hot streak over the past year or so, a reward feels warranted. Not only is UP THERE set to release its first-ever collaboration with adidas, but they’re doing so on the City Series model named after the boutique’s home stomping grounds.
Enter the UP THERE x adidas Melbourne, the latest addition to adidas’ iconic City Series and a love letter to the Three Stripes’ legacy in the land down under. As we saw with UP THERE’s New Balance 991v2, the design weaves in a number of specific archival references.
First up is the adidas Rome, a 1970s/80s trainer that was originally produced in Australia despite its namesake. The suede T-toe and exaggerated rubber toe cap of the Rome are carried over here, along with a tongue designed to replicate an original pair from UP THERE’s personal archive. Next is the adidas Rod Laver, the signature shoe of the Australian tennis legend who has an arena named after him in Melbourne. From that model, the adidas Melbourne borrows a white ribbed mesh upper.
The third and final reference is arguably the most significant: an archived track spike used at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, which UP THERE uncovered during its research for the collaboration (pictured above). Gold “Melbourne” script appears just beneath an adidas box logo on the sides, while the insoles feature UP THERE and adidas Consortium co-branding.
The UP THERE x adidas Melbourne releases via UP THERE stores on January 29th, followed by an online drop at uptherestore.com at 2:00 AM ET on January 30th. Extended sizing will be available, with the sneaker priced at $157 USD. Check out official images below if these have made your wish list.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens Up There x adidas Melbourne
US 01/30/2026 Friday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Up There | Standard | Check Site |
