As 2018 continues apace, adidas Originals deliver a crop of pre-orders for May that boast a distinct Russian influence to help get us all in the mood for the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup in June.

Most prominent is the Samba Classic. Eschewing the usual Samba callouts from the lateral sides of the shoe, this version instead sports LUZHNIKI text in both Roman and Cyrillic characters, commemorating the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, set to be the focal point of the upcoming World Cup. Given its legendary football DNA from both on and off the pitch, it’s only fitting that the Samba would be the focus of the collection. That classic off-white and red colourway doesn’t hurt its appeal, either.

The Russian theme continues on to a duo of adidas’ most recent addition to its stable of all-time classics, the adidas 350. Based on the obscure Asia-only A-350 from the 80s, the 350’s simple lines, premium leather construction and distinctive perforations have made it something of a connoisseur’s favourite for the last few years. The latest release shakes things up a little, adding overlays in bold, warm shades, and once again swapping out the traditional 350 callout for gold-stamped ‘MOSKVA’ lettering – the Anglicised transliteration of Москва, the Russian name for the country’s capital, Moscow (and also, perhaps, a nod to the Russian Special Forces’ very own adidas bootleg, the MOCKBA). This level of attention to detail is sure to appeal to collectors and casual fans alike.

Moving away from Russia and across the pond to the USA, this month also sees the welcome reintroduction of the iconic Forest Hills tennis silhouette. First released in 1976 and named for the site in Queens, New York, which at that time hosted the US Open tennis tournament, the Forest Hills has enjoyed a cult following over the years as one of adidas’s all time classic casual shoes. This version boasts clean, all-white uppers with perforated details — a feature that the Forest Hills pioneered — all set atop the signature coloured sole unit, dressed here in your choice of rich burgundy or cool clay blue.

Finally, what adidas Originals drop would be complete without an appearance from the venerable Gazelle Super? The Three Stripes mainstay returns this month in a duo of iconic colourways: a Brussels-inspired black and red, and a white and blue colourway that’s reminiscent of the more obscure Athen from the 1980s. Whichever you opt for, you’re getting premium leather construction and a classic gum sole unit that’s perfect to team with everything from jeans to tracksuits pants to shorts — you really can’t go wrong.

Want to get your hands on one of these amazing pairs? All of the above styles are available to pre-order through our online store now, with delivery expected some time in May.