UNheardof and adidas are on quite a hot streak. The Rivalry Low collabs from the Cincinnati brand and retailer over the past couple of years deserve praise not only for their beautiful designs, but also for the in-depth storytelling that goes into each project.
The streak continues in 2025 with the upcoming Adistar Cushion 3 “Pork Chop Piggy Runners.” On the surface, it’s just a pig-themed shoe, but it carries a simple yet important message to wearers: embrace the traits and self-expression that got you roasted for being “different” in school, because those are what make you extraordinary today.
UNheardof founder Phil Lipschutz created the Pork Chop pig mascot as a nod to Cincinnati’s meatpacking history—where the city got its “Porkopolis” nickname—but the name also has ties to Phil’s youth and humble upbringing. When Phil was growing up, his family didn’t have a lot of money, and kids in school would make fun of him for his appearance and the way he dressed. They nicknamed him Pork Chop, and would clown him for wearing $20 adidas shoes instead of the latest Jordans.
Phil didn’t let the bullying get to him. Over the years, he made connections in the Midwest skate scene, working at a few shops before opening his own store, UNheardof, in 2008. It’s now the coolest sneaker boutique in Cincinnati, and the days of Pork Chop getting roasted are long gone.
To further spread the message of self-acceptance and individuality in Cincinnati, adidas and UNheardof have wrapped public transit buses in UNheardof’s Pork Chop aesthetics, the same kind of buses that Phil would get made fun of for riding. The two will also be hosting community-driven events at the American Signage Museum, including an interactive sneaker workshop and scavenger hunt for inner-city and rural students. The programming aims to assure the youth that they’re seen and heard, and that they can use what others once used against them as fuel to succeed in the future.
The UNheardof x adidas Adistar Cushion 3 “Pork Chop Piggy Runners” drops March 29th via UNheardof in-store and online (11am ET). These are limited to 1,500 pairs and come with special packaging. Check out the official images below.
UNheardof x adidas Adistar Cushion 3 “Pork Chop Piggy Runners”
Color: Clear Pink/Semi Pink Spark/Collegiate Red
Style Code: JS2974
Release Date: March 29, 2025
Price: $185 USD
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