Positivity Inspired Donovan Mitchell's New Adidas Sneakers

The adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 pushes the sneaker industry in a positive direction.

Since the launch of his signature line, Donovan Mitchell has become a fixture in the sneaker community. The confluence of affordability, performance, and style has made Mitchell's basketball shoes a sound investment for athletes and fans worldwide. With his fifth sneaker, Mitchell wanted a shoe that pushed the limits on and off the court.

The newly-released adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 features Lightstrike Strobel for improved explosiveness and a sculpted midsole for speed with Lightstrike technology created to withstand even the toughest defenses in the league. The performance basketball shoe is currently available in three distinct colorways for $120 on the adidas website and in select retailers. 

As part of the exciting announcement, FanNation Kicks spoke with the 4x NBA All-Star about his inspiration for this shoe, the direction of the signature line, and shared values with adidas.

You shocked sneakerheads by debuting a cleated version of the adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 at the MLB Celebrity Game. What made you want to debut the hoop shoe like that?

"Baseball is my first love and my biggest passion. To be able to play in that game was just a dream come true for me. I've made my NBA debut and played in front of thousands of people in arenas. But to be able to play in that space in front of 40,000 fans is truly special. I figured, why not come out and make it a moment with my shoes? I've always wanted to make my shoes into baseball cleats to show my love. We are working on getting a few adidas guys to wear my shoes as baseball cleats, so I felt like that was the right direction to do it."

Donovan Mitchell in the 2023 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game :: Alika Jenner/Getty Images

What did the design process for the adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 look like?

"It was pretty standard. But it started off different for me at first for me until I understood what direction they were taking it. The biggest thing for me was, 'I wanted to be able to wear these on the streets.' If I'm at a Summer League game, I want to be able to walk in with my shoes. And not let it be just a basketball shoe. I want to put it together with a 'fit, as well as play in it. I think we accomplished that. I think they look really good."

What new components are you most excited about?

"Honestly, I think the look. How different it looks from the first four. I'm excited about it, and I know a lot of people are excited about wearing it on and off the court. As a businessman, a basketball player, all of that, I want a shoe that has the same feel to it as well."

These shoes are designed to look good on and off the court while also promoting positivity. Where did this concept come from?

"I think the biggest thing in today's world is we like to focus on the negative. Negativity sells. For me, that's not what life is about. Being able to inspire the generation behind you is what it's all about for me. In a social media era where there's negativity, for me, it's about continuing to show positivity and practicing that light because that's ultimately what it's all about."

Multiple colorways of the adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 / adidas

Last season, you scored 71 points in a game, and adidas quickly donated $71K to your charitable foundation. How did that make you feel about the partnership?

"To be able to have that support is really special. We do a lot of work through my charity: education, homeless shelters, single-parent homes, and different things that we do, and having your partner back you up and support you with things you do off the floor is truly special."

Last question: what adidas sneakers (besides your signature line) are you wearing casually this summer?

"The Forums. They are my favorites, for sure. I'm a big Forum guy."

Donovan Mitchell Wears Adidas Forum 'Louisville' Sneakers