The energy in Chicago right now is heavy. If you walk past the United Center, you can practically feel the nostalgia vibrating off the pavement. It’s January 2026, and the city is bracing for January 24—the night Derrick Rose’s No. 1 finally goes up into the rafters. But for sneakerheads and basketball junkies, the real story isn’t just the jersey; it’s the feet. Adidas didn't just show up to the party; they brought the Derrick Rose new shoes everyone actually wanted back: the Adizero Rose 1 "Bulls."
Honestly, it feels like 2010 all over again, just with better knees and a lot more grey hair in the stands.
The Adizero Rose 1 "Bulls" Retro: A 2026 Time Machine
You remember these. The sleek black, the piercing red accents, the weightless feel that made us all think we could double-clutch like a prime Pooh. Adidas officially dropped the Adizero Rose 1 "Bulls" retirement edition on January 17, 2026. It’s a retail price of $130, which, in 2026 money, actually feels like a steal compared to some of the high-fashion collaborations we've seen lately.
This isn't just a "vibe" release. It’s a technical beast that still holds up. Here is what makes this specific 2026 drop different:
- The Weight: It still feels like holding a feather. The Geofit collar and Sprintframe construction haven't been messed with, keeping that original DNA.
- The Narrative: This specific drop is tied to "D. Rose Day," which the Chicago mayor officially declared for January 4.
- Availability: They launched via the Confirmed app and Foot Locker, but if you weren't at the Blue Island Avenue activation in Chicago, you probably had to fight the bots online.
People were lining up outside Foot Locker just to get a glimpse of the "MVP" experience. Rose himself was there earlier this month, greeting fans and giving away tickets to the retirement game. It’s a full-circle moment that most athletes never get.
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That Fear of God Collab was a Curveball
Before we got the classic retro, Jerry Lorenzo and Adidas decided to break the internet in late 2025. The Adidas x Fear of God Athletics II Basketball 'Derrick Rose' dropped on December 5, 2025. It was... different.
It wasn't the high-octane performance look we expect from Rose. Instead, it was this minimalist, suede-heavy masterpiece in "Carbon" and "Metal" colorways. Jerry Lorenzo basically took the essence of Rose—the quietness, the grit, the humility—and turned it into a shoe. The "Hi" version was a Chicago exclusive for $200, while the "Lo" went for $180.
I’ll be real: some hoopers hated them. They said they looked too much like "church shoes" or luxury loafers. But once you saw Rose throwing out the first pitch for the White Sox wearing them, the narrative changed. It proved that Derrick Rose new shoes don't always have to be for the hardwood. They can be for the legacy.
Breaking Down the Specs (The Nerd Stuff)
If you're actually planning to play in the new Rose 1 retros, you need to know what you're getting.
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The 2026 Adizero Rose 1 uses a modern Puremotion outsole. It’s sticky. On a clean court, you’re not sliding anywhere. The Sprintframe heel counter is still there, providing that lockdown that saved many an ankle back in the day. However, don't expect the plush "Cloudfoam" or "Boost" feel of modern sneakers. These are "court feel" shoes. You feel the ground. You feel the explosion. You feel like you're 22 again, even if your back says otherwise.
Why Does Adidas Keep Making Rose Shoes?
It’s a fair question. Rose hasn't been an All-Star in years. He’s retired now. So why are Derrick Rose new shoes still a top-tier priority for Adidas?
It’s the contract, sure—that legendary $185 million lifetime deal he signed back in 2012. But it’s deeper than a legal obligation. Rose is the "People's Champ." While other stars chase rings by hopping from team to team, Rose’s journey through injury and resurrection became a blueprint for perseverance. Adidas knows that the "Rose" brand isn't about stats anymore; it's about the soul of the game.
What’s Next: The Son of Chi and Beyond
While the retros get the headlines, the "Son of Chi" line is still quietly doing work in the background. The Son of Chi 3 has been popping up in "Black Pink Spark" and "Silver Green" colorways throughout early 2026. These are the budget-friendly options, usually sitting around $110 to $120. They’re the "workhorse" shoes for kids playing three games a day in suburban tournaments.
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How to Secure the Retirement Pack
If you missed the January 17 drop, don't panic, but prepare to pay. The secondary market is already seeing the "Retirement" Rose 1s climb toward $250.
- Check Local Boutiques: Chicago-based shops like Saint Alfred often get restocks or held-back pairs.
- Monitor "Rose's Flower Shop": Derrick just launched a new business venture called Rose's Flower Shop. While it's a literal florist shop, he's been doing "Bloom" drops that include exclusive merchandise and shoe access for "MVPs" who sign up for the newsletter.
- The Secondary Market: If you must use GOAT or StockX, wait until late February. The hype usually dips slightly after the jersey retirement ceremony before the shoes become "vaulted" items.
The story of Derrick Rose and Adidas is one of the strangest, most loyal partnerships in sports history. From the youngest MVP to the elder statesman of the Windy City, the shoes have tracked every step. Whether you're buying them to hoop in or just to keep on a shelf as a piece of Chicago history, these latest releases prove that the Rose that grew from concrete isn't wilting anytime soon.
Next Step for You: If you're looking to buy, check the Adidas Confirmed app immediately for any "Late Access" restocks following the January 24 retirement ceremony, as they often release a final small batch of the Adizero Rose 1 to coincide with the event.