Brightening the Court: My First Look at the Adidas Dame X “Almost Yellow”

I still remember the days when sneaker hunting meant physically hopping from one store to another, sweating in the summer heat and hoping your size wasn’t already gone. Now here I am, previewing the Adidas Dame X in “Almost Yellow” that’s not even dropping until Fall 2025! How times have changed, folks.

Last weekend, I got a sneak peek at these beauties during a basketball event in Portland, and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you all. The sneaker game has definitely evolved since I started this blog back in the day, typing away on my clunky laptop in my parents’ basement. Remember when we thought the Dame 4s were revolutionary? Well, hold onto your hats, because Damian Lillard’s tenth signature shoe is about to shake things up again.

That “Almost Yellow” Vibe

First off, let’s talk about that color. It’s not quite yellow, not quite cream – it’s somewhere deliciously in between. When I held the Dame X in my hands, it reminded me of fresh butter melting on pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning. The lightweight mesh feels as airy as my grandma’s famous pound cake, and those 3D TPU overlays add just enough texture to make the shoe pop without being too flashy.

I’ve seen a lot of basketball shoes come and go over the years, but there’s something about this “Almost Yellow” colorway that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. It’s like when you find that perfect vintage tee that somehow still looks modern – that sweet spot is hard to hit, but Adidas nailed it here.

Performance That Won’t Break the Bank

Now, I’m not the player I used to be (was I ever really that good? Let’s not answer that), but I can still appreciate a well-designed basketball shoe. The Dame X marks a pretty big milestone – it’s the first time Adidas has brought their fancy Lightstrike cushioning to a shoe that costs less than $100. That’s huge!

For those who don’t speak sneakerhead, Lightstrike is the same stuff they put in their premium models. It’s like getting a luxury car feature in your everyday ride. When I tried them on, it felt like walking on clouds, but clouds that somehow keep you stable when you’re trying to cross up your opponent (or in my case, not embarrass myself at the local YMCA).

Why This Matters

Here’s the thing about Dame that’s always impressed me – the guy gets it. While some signature athletes seem content slapping their name on $200+ shoes, Lillard has consistently pushed for performance shoes that actual kids can afford. At $90, the Dame X continues that tradition.

It takes me back to my childhood, saving up weeks of allowance just to afford a decent pair of basketball shoes. I remember the crushing disappointment of finally getting to the store only to realize the ones I wanted cost twice what I had saved. No kid should have to feel that way.

What to Expect When They Drop

Mark your calendars for October 2025, when these kicks will officially hit shelves. Based on past Dame releases, I’d expect them to sell pretty quickly, especially at that $90 price point.

The other day my neighbor’s kid asked me if these would be good for his first “real” basketball shoes. I told him what I’ll tell you – for the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better balance of performance, comfort, and style. Plus, that “Almost Yellow” colorway is gonna look fresh whether you’re on the court or just hanging out with friends.

My Two Cents

After spending over a decade covering sneaker releases, I’ve become a bit jaded. It takes something special to get me excited these days. But there’s something about the Dame X that brought back that familiar flutter in my sneaker-loving heart.

Maybe it’s the combination of the buttery colorway and the accessible price point. Or maybe it’s knowing that somewhere, a kid is going to lace these up for the first time and feel like they can fly. Either way, I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing these hit the streets and courts next fall.

I might even have to dust off my jumper and hit the court when these drop. My knees aren’t what they used to be, but with that Lightstrike cushioning, maybe they won’t complain quite as much.

So, what do you think about the Dame X “Almost Yellow”? Are you planning to grab a pair when they drop? Let me know in the comments – I always love hearing your thoughts!

Until next time, keep those laces tight and your crossovers tighter.