Ant-Man Levels Up: Here’s Your First Look at Anthony Edwards’ Second Signature Sneaker From Adidas
Look, I’m not gonna pretend I don’t get a little too excited about sneaker releases. Just last week, my wife caught me staring at my phone at 3 AM during a “bathroom break” that was actually me checking for leaked images of upcoming drops. We sneakerheads are a different breed, and when it comes to signature NBA shoes, that excitement hits different.
So when the first images of Anthony Edwards’ second signature shoe with Adidas hit my timeline yesterday, I literally spilled coffee on my favorite shirt. Worth it though, because the AE 2 looks absolutely fire.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just don’t follow basketball), Anthony Edwards has quickly become one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard brings a combination of raw power and finesse that makes him a highlight machine. His first signature shoe was solid, but this second iteration? Man, Adidas clearly understood the assignment.
The AE 2: First Impressions
The first colorway that leaked features a bold red, gold, and black scheme that screams superstar status. It reminds me of those classic Jordan colorways that dominated the 90s, but with a modern twist that feels fresh. The design seems more refined than his first shoe, with cleaner lines and what appears to be premium materials throughout.
But the “Acid Orange” version? That’s the one that’s got me reaching for my credit card already. The woven orange upper is the kind of statement piece that turns heads at the gym. I still remember wearing my bright orange KD 4s back in the day and getting compliments from complete strangers. These have that same energy.
The golden cage structure wrapping around the shoe isn’t just for show either. It looks like it provides serious lateral support, which makes sense for a player like Ant who changes direction faster than my GPS when I miss a turn.
Performance Features (That Actually Matter)
From what I can gather, Adidas has built this shoe specifically for Edwards’ explosive play style. The lightweight build should make it feel like you’re wearing nothing (always a plus when you’re trying to dunk on somebody), while the responsive cushioning will help absorb impact when landing.
I’ve hooped in enough shoes over the years to know that lockdown support is crucial, especially for guards who are constantly cutting and changing direction. The AE 2 seems to address this with an improved lacing system and that golden support cage I mentioned earlier.
After playing in some Adidas models that felt like bricks last summer (won’t name names, but you probably know the ones), I’m cautiously optimistic that these will find that sweet spot between court feel and cushioning.
Price Point and Release Date
Here’s the good news for your wallet – the AE 2 is set to release on October 4th, 2025, with a price tag of $130. In today’s market where signature shoes regularly cross the $200 threshold, that’s actually pretty reasonable.
I remember paying nearly $200 for LeBron’s latest shoe a few years back, only to have them collect dust because they were too clunky for my playing style. At $130, the AE 2 seems like it might be the value play of the 2025 basketball sneaker lineup.
Will They Live Up to the Hype?
Look, we’ve all been burned before by shoes that looked amazing in photos but felt terrible on foot. I’m still nursing emotional trauma from a certain Kyrie model that looked incredible but gave me blisters the size of quarters.
That said, Adidas has been on a roll lately with their basketball offerings. The Trae Young line has been surprisingly good, and their Harden models continue to deliver. Given Edwards’ rising star power and Adidas’ recent track record, I’m betting these will be worth the wait.
Plus, if Anthony keeps ascending as a player (which seems inevitable at this point), these could become collectors’ items down the road. Not that I’m suggesting you buy them as an investment or anything… but I’m not NOT suggesting it either.
Final Thoughts
October 2025 feels like forever away, but the AE 2 already has me planning my fall basketball rotation. Between the bold aesthetics and what appears to be thoughtful performance features, Adidas might have a winner on their hands.
Will I be setting an alarm for these? Absolutely. Will my wife roll her eyes when another shoebox appears at our doorstep? Without question. But such is the life of a sneakerhead, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go create a calendar reminder for October 4th, 2025. And maybe start saving up now – just don’t tell my wife.
