Basketball shoes used to be boring. You had your team colors, maybe a flashy neon here and there, but mostly it was play-it-safe design. Then Anthony Edwards happened. The Minnesota Timberwolves star didn't just walk into the league; he crashed into it with a level of charisma that hasn't been seen since the early days of MJ or Shaq. When his first signature shoe, the AE 1, dropped, it changed the conversation. But nothing sparked a more heated debate among sneakerheads and casual fans alike than the various iterations of Anthony Edwards pink shoes.
Honestly, if you've been tracking these kicks, you know it’s a bit of a maze. People see a flash of coral or fuchsia on the court and immediately start googling "Ant-Man pink shoes." But here’s the thing: most of the time, they aren't even officially "pink."
The "Lucid Pink" AE 2: The New King of the Court
Let’s talk about the big one first. We are currently in the era of the AE 2. While the original AE 1 was a masterclass in TPU honeycomb design, the sequel has taken that "Believe That" energy and turned the volume up. Specifically, the adidas AE 2 "Lucid Pink" is the pair currently haunting the dreams of defenders.
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It’s loud. It’s unapologetic.
The "Lucid Pink" colorway, officially sporting a mix of Lucid Pink, Core Black, and Lucid Red, hit the shelves on January 17, 2026. If you saw Ant-Man tearing it up on Christmas Day 2025 against the Nuggets, those were the ones. He basically used the holiday spotlight to give everyone a first look at the adult sizes. Most of the upper is draped in this vibrant bubblegum pink, but it’s the contrast that makes it work. You've got these sharp black hits on the toebox and the heel, plus those signature side panel vents that make the shoe look like it’s breathing.
Under the hood—or under the mesh, really—there are deep red accents. It’s a tri-color blend that shouldn't work on paper but looks lethal on the hardwood. At a retail price of $130, it’s surprisingly accessible for a top-tier performance shoe.
Why the AE 2 Pink Version Matters
- Performance Tech: It still features the top-tier cushioning that made the first shoe a hit.
- Visual Pop: In a sea of white and black team-bank sneakers, this stands out from the nosebleed seats.
- Psychological Warfare: There is something inherently "Ant-Man" about dropping 40 points on someone while wearing bright pink sneakers.
The Pink Confusion: Coral, Purple, or Actually Pink?
This is where things get messy for the average shopper. If you go back to the AE 1, there were at least three different pairs that people kept calling "the pink shoes," even though the box label said something entirely different.
First, there was the "Georgia Red Clay." To the naked eye, especially under the harsh LED lights of an NBA arena, these look like a dusty, salmon pink. In reality, they are a tribute to the red soil of Georgia, Ant’s home state. The official colorway is "Wonder Clay," but good luck telling a teenager on TikTok that they aren't pink.
Then came the "Preloved Purple." This one is the biggest culprit of the "pink" mislabeling. Released in October 2024, it features a black textile base with a TPU wing that sits right on the border of lavender and fuchsia. Depending on the lighting, it’s a total chameleon. If you’re buying these on the secondary market like StockX or GOAT, you’ll often find them listed under both "purple" and "pink" keywords because the community just can’t agree.
The Mural Low: A True Pink Contender
If you want something that actually leans into the rosy spectrum, the AE 1 Low "Mural" is your best bet. Released on August 5, 2024—officially "Anthony Edwards Day" in Atlanta—this shoe is a vibe. It’s got a "Acid Red" cage that most humans would just call pink. It was designed to mimic the colors of a specific mural in his hometown. It’s low-profile, sleek, and honestly one of the best summer hoop shoes of the last few years.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Pink" Tribute
There is a persistent rumor every time Ant wears a pink-adjacent shoe that it’s a specific breast cancer awareness PE (Player Exclusive). While Nike has their famous "Kay Yow" line, adidas and Anthony Edwards usually take a more personal route.
Many of his "pink" or "peach" colorways are actually subtle nods to his mother and grandmother, both of whom passed away from cancer. His debut colorway, "With Love," utilized a peach/acid orange tone for this exact reason. So, when you see him in those Anthony Edwards pink shoes, it isn’t just about looking flashy for the cameras. There’s a weight to it. It’s a tribute to the women who raised him.
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Pricing and How to Actually Get Them
If you’re looking to pick up a pair today, the market is a bit of a rollercoaster.
- AE 2 Lucid Pink: This is the current "it" shoe. Since it just launched in mid-January 2026, you can still find it at major retailers like Foot Locker or Dick’s Sporting Goods for the $130 retail price.
- AE 1 Low Mural: You’re likely looking at the resale market here. Expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $120 depending on the condition. Surprisingly, the lows haven't skyrocketed in price as much as the mid-top "Stormtrooper" or "Velocity Blue" pairs.
- The "Pink Ascent": This is the "final boss" of the pink collection. It was an Asia-exclusive release in late 2025. It features a marbled, psychedelic pink pattern that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. If you want these in the US, you’re going to have to pay international shipping and a hefty resale premium.
Actionable Insights for Sneaker Hunters
If you're hunting for these, don't just search for "pink." You'll miss half the listings. Use these specific terms to find what you're actually looking for:
- Search for "Wonder Clay" if you want that earthy, salmon-pink look from the Georgia Red Clay edition.
- Search for "Preloved Purple" if you want the high-contrast black and fuchsia look that Ant wore during the 2024 playoffs.
- Check the SKU KJ2363 for the newest AE 2 Lucid Pink to ensure you aren't accidentally buying a knockdown model or a different version.
- Look for "Acid Red" when searching for the AE 1 Low Mural.
The hype around Anthony Edwards isn't slowing down. Whether he’s wearing "Lucid Pink" or "Georgia Red Clay," the shoes are becoming just as iconic as the dunks. If you’re buying for performance, the AE 2 is the superior tech beast, but if you’re buying for the "pink" aesthetic, the AE 1 Low Mural is still the cleanest look in the entire lineup.
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Next Steps for Buyers:
Before you drop money on a resale site, check the official adidas app. They have been doing "shock drops" and restocks of the AE 1 and AE 2 silhouettes throughout early 2026. Also, always verify the "Style Code" against official images. With so many "sorta-pink" colors in the mix, it’s easy to end up with a peach shoe when you wanted bubblegum.