adidas Skateboarding announces a dual-release with Pro riders, Nora Vasconcellos and Maité Steenhoudt, that unveils their respective colorways for two iconic silhouettes from the brand’s archives — Gazelle ADV by Nora and Samba ADV by Maité . In celebration of International Women’s Day and the brand’s ongoing commitment to empowering female athletes, both timeless models have been reimagined and updated for skateboarding.
An equally talented rider and creative artist, the Gazelle ADV by Nora is detailed with original artwork on the shoe’s heel tab along with a personal story of her mother on the sockliner that pays tribute to the many women who have fought for equal access to participate in sports.
Spotlighting a retro-inspired exposed foam padded tongue, the Gazelle ADV by Nora arrives in a clean full grain white leather upper, nubuck suede T-toe and vulcanized construction for added durability alongside a gum overlay top wrap for extra grip. Handed down through generations to women in her family, Vasconcellos’ first and middle name ‘Gilda’ is seen in gold foil print on the sides. Rounding out the model’s design is the white / pastel purple colorway — a palette that Vasconcellos has indisputably made her own.
Similar to her spirited and energetic video parts, Steenhoudt’s first signature colorway for the Samba ADV by Maité introduces a playful personal touch that sees her handwriting in the stitched details and a unique hidden red layer under the T-toe that gets exposed over time with wear. She also includes a hidden message for her Antwerp skate crew on the sockliner and a subtle nod to her mother and grandmother on the shoe collars.
Reconceptualized for skateboarding, the Samba ADV by Maité highlights a hairy suede upper for durability; a cup sole construction for bolstered support; translucent gum rubber to enhance foot stability; and custom footbed artwork. Steenhoudt maintains the bold and iconic black & white aesthetics for the classic silhouette.
To accompany the Gazelle ADV by Nora and Samba ADV by Maité releases, adidas Skateboarding drops “Sojourn: Nora & Maité,” a video clip that encapsulates the lived experiences of both Pro riders in polar opposite locations — Vasconcellos in Maui and Steenhoudt in Antwerp. The visual kicks off with the pair connecting over a video call to discuss their colorways, creativity within their careers and the women who inspire them daily. After their chat, the camera separately follows each skater as they embark on their day’s adventures.
