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The Better Generation, the Houston-based boutique co-founded by Brandon Davis and NBA star PJ Tucker, has linked up with adidas and creative Andu.C to put something out that feels like a statement. The collaboration, titled “GrassRoots,” lives on the adidas Predator Sala, and every inch of it was thought through.
The upper tells you exactly what this project is about. Contrast stitching mapped across the shoe mirrors the grid of a globe, longitude and latitude lines running like invisible roads connecting one city to the next. The colorway does the same kind of work, earthy, muted tones at the base that slowly give way to vibrant green suede, the whole palette reading like a timeline of building something from nothing into something worth noticing.
But the number stamped inside each pair might be the most intentional detail of all. Every shoe is individually numbered from 1 to 1,248, which is exactly the number of players set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The collectible side of the project goes even deeper. The Better Generation tapped 26 independent creators to produce collectibles across three tiers, mirroring a 26-player roster, the idea being that every single person brings something distinct to a shared story. These stories come in the form of pins designed by each creator, which can be attached to the shoe for added flair.
The 26-person roster includes: AD Sneaks, Ant Kai, Throwback City, Celmatique, SneakerDenn, Donkeeboy, Chef Huy Le, Dav Ilernia, Del Ten, Tolga, Allen Yang (楊艾倫), Sneakernomicz, Stimps Kwams, Jordan Watkins, Hidden NY, Sally Javadi, Gramps, Nadia Idder, Prozech, Hirofumi Kojima of atmos, Don’t Charge Abdul, Pak’s Caps, JD Kicks, JW Studios, Metagirl, and Vick Almighty.
Each pair comes with a unique soccer field-themed box and a world newspaper featuring all 26 creators. Tier 1 also includes two randomly selected stories (pins). Tier 2 ups the stories to six and also throws in a tote bag and red and yellow card keychains. Tier 3 includes all 26 stories inside a special case, as well as a fuzzy bag charm for the tote bag.
“For us, it’s less about a product and more about celebrating the people, relationships and creative energy that continue to move Houston forward,” says The Better Generation owner Brandon Davis. “This collaboration with adidas and Andu reflects a shared belief in the power of culture to bring people together. For us, it’s less about a product and more about celebrating the people, relationships, and creative energy that continue to move Houston forward.”
Andu echoed that same sentiment: “It’s about recognizing that no matter where you’re from, growth starts with a foundation. Every city, every culture, and every community has its own story. Houston’s spirit of building from the ground up was a huge inspiration for this project, and I wanted to create something that reflects both that local energy and the global connections that bring people together.”
The EQL draws for the better+ x Andu.C x adidas “GrassRoots” Predator Sala are now open via better+, with entries accepted until June 20th at 7pm CT. The Better Generation is also hosting a morning soccer morning soccer tournament for the community on June 20th at Revolution Soccer Complex in Houston, followed by an in-store launch celebration featuring a penalty kick competition, jersey customization, and a watch party.
Check out the shoe and its accompanying accessories below.
better+ x Andu.C x adidas Predator Sala Edit “GrassRoots”
Style Code: KZ8749
Release Date: June 20, 2026
Price: $135 USD (Tier 1)
Price: $175 USD (Tier 2)
Price: $299 USD (Tier 3)
