A Legacy Built on Storytelling and Street Luxury
Pusha T's partnership with Adidas is one of hip-hop's most refined ventures into sneaker design. Around 2015 to 2017, while many artists were chasing mainstream silhouettes, Pusha aligned with Adidas to elevate the EQT line through storytelling rooted in luxury, street grit, and personal history. Unlike flashy collaborations, Pusha T's EQT models carried a narrative arc: from drug trade allegories to redemption, from fish scale textures to refined Primeknit executions. The height of this collaboration was not a retail pair at all, but the highly-coveted Friends & Family edition of the EQT Support Ultra PK, known unofficially as the "Chalk/White" or "King Push" F&F pair.
Background & Release
In August 2017, Adidas and Pusha T quietly unveiled one of their most exclusive creations to date. The EQT Support Ultra PK "Chalk/White" (SKU: DA8711) was a Friends & Family exclusive, distributed only to Pusha T’s inner circle. No pairs were released to the public, and it's believed that only 50 were made. The model carried Adidas’ signature Primeknit build with Boost technology, but its mystique came from the subtle execution and extremely limited distribution.
Differentiating from General Releases
This Chalk/White pair stands apart from Pusha T’s other EQT designs. While the general release “Greyscale” (SKU: S76777) featured darker tones, reflective elements, and KING/PUSH lace locks, and the “Bodega Babies” (SKU: DB0181) used brown hues, carp leather overlays, and stash pockets as a nod to brown paper bags, the Friends & Family version went minimalist. Its tonal execution leaned into luxury with chalk white Primeknit, red insole detailing, and no overt branding. This was Pusha at his most refined, offering his closest supporters a sneaker that was more about message than mass appeal.
Design & Materials
At first glance, the shoe's all-white presentation might seem simple, but it carries layers of symbolism and detail. The Primeknit upper is rendered in a soft, monochromatic cream, while scale-textured overlays stretch across the side panels and heel counter. These patterns nod subtly to the “fish scale” references that frequently appear in Pusha T’s lyrics, symbolizing both the drug trade and the luxury that success affords. A sock-like ankle collar ensures a sleek, fitted profile, while EQT’s signature lacing system blends form and function. Completing the look is a clean white Boost midsole and outsole, giving the sneaker modern comfort under a timeless shell. A touch of red lines the inner heel and insole, giving just enough contrast to elevate the design.
Unique Features & Authenticity Cues
What sets this sneaker apart is more than its looks. With only about 50 pairs in existence, legitimacy is everything. Unlike its retail siblings, the F&F pair came without flashy branding or external embellishments. No KING/PUSH lace locks. No commercial SKU tags. Instead, authenticity hinges on the presence of specific Adidas hangtags and unique box stamps denoting the DA8711 model. Given the absence of retail distribution, provenance—photos from the time of release, original packaging, or direct links to the original recipients—plays a crucial role in legit checks. Many early sightings of the sneaker came directly from Pusha T’s Instagram, further emphasizing its rarity and insider-only status.
How to Legit Check This Pair
- Examine the Primeknit upper. Authentic pairs will have a premium, soft feel with tight, even knitting throughout the toe box and side panels.
- Inspect the color. The F&F pair should appear in a clean chalk white tone. If it veers grey or brown, it’s likely from the Greyscale or Bodega Babies releases.
- Check the red lining or insole. This subtle but intentional accent contrasts the neutral exterior and is often missing or miscolored on fakes.
- Review the lacing system. EQT-style straps should be seamlessly integrated into the upper—not stitched on sloppily or floating above the knit.
- Look at the outsole and midsole. Legit pairs have the standard white EQT Boost sole with proper texture and heel curvature.
- Inspect packaging. Look for a box with matching DA8711 labeling and any original hangtags. Misprinted or missing labels are red flags.
- Confirm provenance. Documentation—such as messages from original recipients or early release photos—can help support authenticity claims.
Significance in Sneaker Culture
Rather than serve as a high-production release, the Chalk/White F&F pair became a symbol of exclusivity and elevated storytelling. Its luxurious restraint, absence of overt branding, and ultra-limited run showcase a deep level of respect between Adidas and Pusha T. It wasn't about hype drops, but legacy.
Stay tuned as Project Legit Check continues to catalog the rarest, most authentic releases in sneaker history—one pair at a time.