Basketball shoes usually try to look tough. They’ve got sharp edges, "aggressive" traction patterns, and names that sound like fighter jets. But then there’s Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers star—affectionately known as "Spida"—decided to lean into his massive sweet tooth instead.
If you’ve seen those bright, translucent, candy-colored sneakers on the court lately, you aren't imagining things. These are the donovan mitchell gummy bear shoes, a legitimate collaboration between Adidas and Haribo. Specifically, we’re talking about the Haribo x Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6.
It’s a weird mashup on paper. A high-performance NBA athlete and a German candy company? Honestly, though, it’s one of the most authentic collaborations in years. Mitchell doesn't just like gummy bears; he’s obsessed. He’s gone on record saying Haribo Goldbears are one of the ten things he literally cannot live without.
The Design: More Than Just a Sugar Rush
Most people see the "Lucid Red" or "Cloud White" colorways and assume it’s just a paint job. It isn't.
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Adidas went pretty deep on the details for the donovan mitchell gummy bear shoes. Take the tongue, for example. The Spida logo isn't just printed on there; it has a squishy, jelly-like finish. When you touch it, it actually feels like the texture of a gummy bear. It’s a small touch, but it’s the kind of thing sneakerheads live for.
Breaking Down the Colorways
The collection officially dropped on Halloween 2024, which—let’s be real—is the perfect day for a candy-themed sneaker. There are three main versions floating around:
- Lucid Red (Raspberry): This is the loudest pair. It’s almost entirely drenched in a vibrant red that mimics the raspberry Goldbear. It features "Solar Green" accents that look exactly like the neon trim on a Haribo bag.
- Cloud White (Pineapple): This one is a bit more "low-key" if you can call a gummy bear shoe that. It uses a white base with pastel green and pink gradients along the side. It’s meant to represent the pineapple flavor.
- Vivid Green (Strawberry): Often released as a Grade School (GS) exclusive, this pair represents the green strawberry bear.
The coolest part is arguably the outsole. It’s a semi-translucent rubber, and if you flip the shoe over, you can see the Haribo branding sitting right under the traction pattern. Even the insoles have the iconic Goldbear mascot staring back at you.
Performance vs. Aesthetics
Can you actually play in these? Or are they just for "the 'gram"?
Mitchell is a high-flyer. He needs shoes that won't explode when he plants his foot for a dunk. The donovan mitchell gummy bear shoes are built on the D.O.N. Issue 6 platform, which stands for "Determination Over Negativity."
They use Lightstrike Pro cushioning. This is the same foam Adidas puts in their elite marathon racing shoes. It's incredibly light but bouncy. For a guard like Mitchell, who relies on quick first steps and explosive jumps, that energy return is everything.
The upper is a breathable mesh. It’s flexible, which is great for comfort, but Adidas added a TPU midfoot plate to keep your foot from sliding off the footbed during hard cuts. Basically, it’s a serious basketball tool that just happens to look like a snack.
The History of Spida's Sweet Tooth
This isn’t actually the first time Donovan Mitchell and Haribo have danced. Back when he was on the D.O.N. Issue 2, they did a limited run that was even more literal. Those shoes came in a "Gold Metallic" colorway that looked exactly like the shiny gold Haribo bag.
That pair became a massive collector's item. Prices on the secondary market like eBay or StockX can still climb pretty high because of how rare they were. The new Issue 6 collection is a bit more accessible, retailing around $130 for adults and $90 for kids, but the hype is still there.
Haribo even went as far as creating 2,500 custom bags of "Spida's Picks" Goldbears to celebrate the launch. It was a mix of only his favorite flavors. That’s the kind of power you have when you're an All-Star with a signature shoe line.
Why These Shoes Are Everywhere Right Now
The donovan mitchell gummy bear shoes have hit a sweet spot (pun intended) in the "lifestyle" market.
Usually, performance basketball shoes stay on the court. You don’t see people wearing LeBron 21s to the grocery store that often. But the Haribo collab has crossed over. The colors are fun. The packaging—which literally looks like a giant bag of candy with a transparent window—is a masterpiece of marketing.
Dealing with the "Narrow" Fit
If you’re thinking about picking up a pair of these donovan mitchell gummy bear shoes, you need to know about the fit.
Common feedback from players is that the D.O.N. Issue 6 runs a bit narrow but slightly long. If you have a wide foot, you might find the midfoot lockdown a bit too "snug." Most reviewers suggest trying them on in-store if possible, or sticking to your true size and letting the mesh upper break in over a few sessions.
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The traction, however, is top-tier. The multidirectional herringbone pattern on the bottom grips dusty floors surprisingly well. You won't be sliding around like you're on ice, which is the last thing you want when you're trying to channel your inner Donovan Mitchell.
Summary of Key Features
- Cushioning: Full-length Lightstrike Pro for maximum bounce.
- Materials: Breathable mesh with TPU overlays for support.
- The "Haribo" Factor: Jelly-textured tongue logo and Haribo branding on the outsole.
- Packaging: Collector's edition box that mimics a Goldbear pouch.
- Price Point: $130 (Adult) / $90 (GS).
Finding a Pair in 2026
Since these dropped late in 2024, finding them at a standard retail shop can be hit or miss depending on the colorway. The "Lucid Red" tends to sell out the fastest because it's the most "Donovan" of the bunch.
If you're hunting for a pair, check the Adidas app first. They often do restocks of the Grade School sizes. For the adult versions, you're likely looking at sneaker boutiques or the secondary market. Just make sure the box is included—the box is half the value for collectors.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to grab the donovan mitchell gummy bear shoes, here is exactly how to handle it:
- Check Your Local Adidas Outlet: Believe it or not, because these are a "loud" colorway, they sometimes end up at outlets 12–18 months after release at a heavy discount.
- Size Up for Comfort: If you have wider feet, look for a half-size up to compensate for the narrow TPU midfoot cage.
- Inspect the "Rainbow Strip": Some early users reported the decorative strip along the side can peel if you drag your feet. If you're playing high-intensity ball, keep an eye on that area.
- Verify the Box: If buying from a reseller, insist on the original Haribo-themed gold box to ensure the resale value stays high.
These shoes aren't just a gimmick. They’re a well-built performance trainer that proves basketball doesn't always have to be so serious. Sometimes, it can just be about your favorite candy.