German athletic apparel and footwear giant Adidas has decided to discontinue Trae Young’s signature sneaker line. The Atlanta Hawks guard, known for his dynamic play and impressive stats, will see his fourth signature shoe, the Trae Young 4, as his last with the brand.
Trae Young’s partnership with Adidas began in 2018, and his first signature shoe, the Trae Young 1, was released in 2021. The initial release was met with enthusiasm, thanks to Young’s rising star status and the shoe’s innovative design. However, subsequent models, the Trae Young 2 and 3, did not achieve the same level of popularity.
While Adidas has not officially disclosed the reasons for discontinuing the line, it is speculated that the declining sales and reduced interest in the later models played a significant role. The sneaker market is highly competitive, and maintaining a successful signature line requires consistent consumer interest and strong sales performance.
Despite the end of his signature line, Trae Young’s relationship with Adidas may not be entirely over. The brand might continue to release budget-friendly models like the Trae Unlimited. Additionally, Young could explore partnerships with other brands, similar to how other NBA stars have navigated their sneaker careers.