United Airlines has unveiled a sharp new pair of Adidas sneakers for its 100th anniversary…but good luck getting one. It is also marking its centennial with a collectible vinyl record tied to the song that is inextricably linked to United. And now I’m on a mission…

United Airlines Unveils Adidas Samba Sneakers And “Rhapsody In Blue” Vinyl For 100th Anniversary

To celebrate its centennial, United Airlines is teaming up with Adidas on a limited-edition Samba sneaker and releasing a special vinyl pressing tied to its long association with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Let’s start with the shoes.

United Airlines 100th Anniversary Adidas Samba Sneakers

United has partnered with Adidas to produce a custom version of its mainstay Samba shoe, styled in “United Blue” with aviation-themed details. The sneakers feature United branding on the heel, including the globe logo on the left shoe and a gold “100 years” mark on the right.

There’s a catch, though: you probably won’t be getting a pair and I probably won’t either….

This release is exclusive to United employees via the internal United Shop, positioning the shoes as more of an internal celebration.

But (and yes, this is why I wrote the article) to my many United employee readers…can you hook a brother up? If you want to order me a pair of hoses, I’ll pay for it…size 11.5. Reach out to me via email or DM on social media!

(yes, I’m 100% serious)

“Rhapsody In Blue” On Vinyl

United is also releasing a limited-edition vinyl record tied to its decades-long association with Rhapsody in Blue, the George Gershwin composition that has been synonymous with the airline since the late 1980s.

The vinyl includes two sides:

• Rhapsody in Flight, United’s modern remix introduced last year
• Rhapsody in Blue, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra

Rhapsody in Flight:

Rhapsody in Blue:

There’s also a visual “easter egg” with this record: both sides feature a zoetrope design that creates an animated effect while the record spins when viewed through a phone camera or under a strobe light.

The vinyl will retail for $35 and be sold via the United Shop to everyone, with limited quantities available.

My uncle has a record player at his house. If I get one, I’ll bring it over to his house and do a test.

United’s connection to Rhapsody in Blue dates back to 1987, when it began using the piece in advertising tied to its “Fly the Friendly Skies” campaign.

Since then, the music has become one of the most recognizable audio signatures in commercial aviation, appearing in commercials, onboard, and even in the corridor connecting concourses at Chicago O’Hare.

While airlines constantly retool cabins and service, very few manage to maintain a coherent identity over decades. United, to its credit, has largely done that with Rhapsody in Blue (though like many things, the song fell out of favor during the Smisek era).

I’ll reflect more on United’s 100th anniversary, which officially was on April 6, 2026, in an upcoming post.

CONCLUSION

United is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new Rhapsody in Blue vinyl and a special collaboration with Adidas, though only employees will get access to the shoes. I suspect this is just the beginning of many special moments and momentos for United as it celebrates 100 years.

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