Following a breakout season for his signature basketball line, Anthony Edwards is officially taking his “Believe That” mantra to the football field. In a formal unveiling this week, adidas US Football confirmed that the fan-favorite AE 1 Low Cleat will make its retail debut in May 2026, headlined by the sleek “Core Black” colorway.
Originally teased by college football sensation Travis Hunter last year, the AE 1 cleat represents a rare crossover where a basketball superstar’s signature design is fully repurposed for elite gridiron performance.
Design: A “Triple Black” Powerhouse
The “Core Black” edition (Style Code: KJ6071) stays true to the “Best of Adi” philosophy, stripping away loud colors in favor of a menacing, monochromatic look. It features a rich dark-brown leather upper with a smooth, glossy finish that gives the shoe a refined and slightly vintage appeal. The side panels showcase perforated three-stripe detailing, complemented by precise stitching that enhances the craftsmanship.
Unique rope-style laces add texture, while a decorative tassel near the lace area introduces a fashion-forward twist. The layered midsole combines cream and brown tones for subtle contrast, and the iconic shell toe from the Adidas Superstar silhouette is seamlessly integrated into the design. Overall, the sneaker blends luxury materials with streetwear aesthetics, making it suitable for both casual and smart-casual styling.
Adidas AE 1 Football Cleat Core Black Release Timeline & Pricing
The rollout for the AE 1 Cleat is scheduled to hit just in time for off-season training and summer camps.
| Detail | Specification |
| Official Name | adidas AE 1 Low Football Cleat |
| Colorway | Core Black / Core Black / Core Black |
| Release Date | May 1, 2026 |
| Retail Price | Est. $160 – $180 (€149) |
| Availability | adidas.com and select sporting goods retailers |
Expanding the AE Empire
The launch of the AE 1 Cleat comes at a pivotal moment for the partnership. While the basketball world anticipates the debut of the Anthony Edwards 2 later this year, adidas is leveraging the massive success of the AE 1 to conquer new categories.
The “Core Black” will be joined by other inaugural colorways on May 1st, including the “Pure Ruby” and the “3SSB” editions, signaling that adidas intends for Edwards to be a dominant force in athlete storytelling across both the NBA and the NFL.
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