Anthony Edwards signed with adidas in 2020 and his signature line — the adidas AE 1 — launched on November 4, 2023. The AE 1 represents adidas Basketball's most commercially successful new signature launch since the Dame series, arriving during Anthony Edwards's breakout 2023-24 NBA season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The AE 1
Released November 2023, the AE 1 features:
- Lightstrike Pro cushioning — adidas's premium basketball foam
- Forged plastic heel structure — lockdown during explosive movements
- Aggressive traction pattern — designed for Edwards's cutting style
- Mesh + synthetic leather upper — lightweight lockdown
- Asymmetric colorblocking — distinguishing visual aesthetic
- $120 retail price — accessible for young hoopers
The AE 2 (2024)
The AE 2 released in late 2024 with refined proportions, updated Lightstrike Pro configuration, and new colorways including "Georgia" (Edwards's home state), "Howdy" (Timberwolves team tribute), and "All-Star" commemorating his 2024 NBA All-Star selection.
Signature colorways
- "Fear of the Dark" (launch, 2023) — black/white foundational colorway
- "Georgia Red Clay" — Atlanta homecoming
- "Velocity Blue" — Minnesota Timberwolves tribute
- "Howdy" — Timberwolves-themed
- "All-Star" — 2024 All-Star game commemoration
- "The Wolves" — Timberwolves-specific
Market reception
The AE 1 sold out at retail on launch day and has consistently sold through at retail — a significant achievement for a new signature line. Sales data from 2024 ranked the AE 1 as adidas Basketball's best-selling signature silhouette, ahead of the Dame 8 and Harden Vol. 7. The $120 accessible price point has driven on-court adoption among high school and AAU players.
Current status
Anthony Edwards's adidas partnership continues with the AE 2 (2024) and ongoing AE 1 colorway retros. He's established himself as one of adidas Basketball's most important current signature athletes.