MENACE Marks 13 Years in the Game with adidas Adistar Control 5 “Heat Signature”

Steven Mena reflects on the work, sacrifices, and perseverance it took to get to this point.

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Original Story (10/16/26): MENACE is marking 13 years in the game with a new adidas collaboration, unveiling the Adistar Control 5 “Heat Signature” during ComplexCon 2026. We caught up with founder Steven Mena at the event to get a closer look at the upcoming release and the story behind its design.

Built around the idea that “energy doesn’t lie,” the “Heat Signature” reflects the work, sacrifice, and perseverance Mena has poured into MENACE over the past 13 years. The shoe’s thermal imaging print covers the upper in a vivid heat-map pattern, bringing the concept to life through a bold visual treatment.

Holographic accents add another layer to the design, while steel plate-inspired textures nod to MENACE’s workwear roots. The details give the retro running silhouette a distinct look while tying back to the influences that have shaped Mena’s approach to design.

In our conversation at ComplexCon, Mena explained that the shoe represents the highs and lows of building the brand, from years of hard work to the challenges of keeping the business going. For him, the “Heat Signature” is a reminder that the energy put into a creative pursuit eventually shows—and that the finished product tells a story beyond its appearance.

The MENACE x adidas Adistar Control 5 “Heat Signature” drops later this year via adidas.com, the MENACE website, the CONFIRMED app, and select retailers. Check them out below.

Update (10/24/26): The MENACE x adidas Adistar Control 5 “Heat Signature” drops October 27th. Building on their multi-faceted partnership, Steven Mena has also been named this year’s partner for adidas’ Nuestra Cultura al Mundo (NCAM), an ongoing platform honoring Hispanic and Latino voices shaping sport, culture, and community. In this role, Mena will lead cultural storytelling across separate initiatives while maintaining a shared foundation in community and creative perseverance.

MENACE x adidas Adistar Control 5 “Heat Signature”
Color: Core Black/Collegiate Purple
Style Code: LB0086
Release Date: October 27, 2026
Price: $180 USD
Resell: StockX

Photos via Oscar Castillo: