Fear of God x Adidas: The Putty Beige Basketball II Is Coming, and I’m Already Clearing Shelf Space
I still remember the day I got my first pair of “serious” basketball shoes. I was 13, saved up my allowance for months, and practically sprinted to the mall with my dad. They weren’t even that great looking back (those chunky 90s silhouettes, anyone?), but man, did I feel like I could fly wearing them. That feeling—that mix of excitement and possibility—is exactly what hit me when I saw the upcoming Fear of God Athletics x Adidas Basketball II in “Putty Beige.”
Let’s talk about what’s coming. Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God Athletics and Adidas are dropping this fresh “Putty Beige” colorway on March 1, 2025. I’ve already set a calendar reminder—and maybe you should too.
What’s the Big Deal?
If you’ve been following the sneaker world even casually, you know Fear of God isn’t just another brand. When Jerry Lorenzo designs something, people notice. The Basketball II continues his signature minimalist approach—clean lines, no unnecessary flash, just solid design that somehow manages to be both understated and attention-grabbing.
I was poking around my closet last weekend, trying to make space (my wife keeps telling me I have a “problem” with sneakers), and realized how many of my favorite shoes follow this same philosophy. There’s something so satisfying about a sneaker that doesn’t try too hard.
The Details Matter
The new colorway is officially called “Putty Beige,” which honestly sounds like a fancy paint color I’d pick for my living room and then regret a week later. But on these shoes? It works beautifully. The main body has this soft, neutral tone that’s versatile enough to wear with practically anything.
What really makes it work is the contrast: a light off-white midsole and subtle tan accents give the shoe dimension without being flashy. Last month, I wore a similar colored pair to a friend’s wedding (don’t worry, it was casual), and even my fashion-challenged buddy Mike noticed them.
They’re releasing both mid and high-top versions—the mid will go for $180, while the high-top costs $200. Not cheap, but not astronomical by today’s standards either.
Performance That Actually Performs
Look, I’m not an NBA player. Not even close. My weekly game at the YMCA is more about not embarrassing myself than showing off any particular skill. But I’ve tried enough basketball shoes to know when something actually helps on the court versus just looking good.
The first couple Fear of God basketball models had some growing pains. I remember trying on the original at a store and thinking, “Pretty, but could I actually play in these?” The Basketball II has really turned that around. A buddy of mine who coaches high school basketball swears by his pair, saying they provide solid ankle support without feeling bulky.
The cushioning hits that sweet spot—responsive enough for quick movements but with enough padding to keep your knees from hating you the next morning. Trust me, at 42, that matters more than I’d like to admit.
Style Meets Function (Finally)
What’s cool about this release is how it bridges two worlds. On Saturday nights, these shoes look right at home with jeans and a nice jacket. But they’re equally at home on the court on Sunday morning when you’re trying to prove you’ve still “got it.”
I’ve always had separate shoes for playing and for going out. My playing shoes looked like playing shoes—functional but often ugly as sin. And my “nice” sneakers would fall apart if I tried to cut or jump in them. The Basketball II actually serves both purposes.
Worth the Wait?
March 2025 feels like forever away. That’s a whole winter of waiting! But if you’re in the market for versatile kicks that won’t be on everyone’s feet, these might be worth marking your calendar for.
Last time Fear of God dropped a limited colorway, I hesitated. “Do I really need another pair?” I asked myself sensibly. By the time I decided “yes, obviously I do,” they were sold out everywhere. I ended up paying way too much on the resale market, and my wife still brings it up during budget discussions.
Don’t be like me. Plan ahead.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a basketball player, or just someone who appreciates good design, the Fear of God Athletics x Adidas Basketball II in Putty Beige has something to offer. The neutral colorway, the proven performance, and Jerry Lorenzo’s distinctive design make these a promising release.
Will I be staying up late refreshing web pages come March 1st? Probably. Will I tell my wife exactly how much they cost if I get them? Definitely not. Some things are better left unsaid.
Anyone else looking forward to this drop? Let me know in the comments if you’re planning to grab a pair—or if you’re trying to talk yourself out of it like I am (and failing).
