Milwaukee’s SNEEX and Adidas are getting animalistic. The “Wild Rivals” pack puts two creatures on the Adistar XLG 2.0, the mandrill and the African rock python, and it’s a lot more committed to the bit than most animal-themed collabs.

Two animals, two very different textures

The Mandrill pair goes loud and tactile, with reflective gradient mesh, very shaggy suede, satin accents and semi-translucent elements.

The African Rock Python pair swaps the fur for embossed snakeskin-look suede, with reflective details and satin touches. It also has a removable semi-translucent film overlay, a nod to a snake shedding its skin. That’s the kind of detail that earns a second look.

Both colorways carry glow-in-the-dark details that charge up after light exposure, so the pack keeps doing things after sundown. The campaign was shot in New York City with Angela Simmons, framing the city as its own urban jungle, which suits a pack about predators, prey and who runs the block.

Release details and launch week

The pack drops November 14 at 11 a.m. CT. The brand lists the price at $140 for the pack, with men’s sizes 4 through 15. You can shop online through SNEEX or CLICKS, or go in person at SNEEX, 320 E Brady Street in Milwaukee.

If you’re local, the in-store launch is the move. The event includes shoe customization, a gift with purchase and animal handlers, so the theme comes to life. A separate friends-and-family paint-and-dip event follows later in the day.

The community side starts before launch day. On November 12, SNEEX leads a design workshop with WOOD U at Hawthorne Elementary in Milwaukee, joined by a representative from the Milwaukee County Zoo. It’s a smart way to tie the concept back to the city, and it gives kids a hands-on look at how a sneaker goes from idea to product. The adidas Cornerstone Community is partnering on the events.

Boutique collabs work best when they feel rooted in a place and a crowd. This one has a local shop driving the story, a clear concept and a launch built around people showing up. Set an alarm for 11 a.m. CT on the 14th.