CarryField Guide

Adidas NMD R2 vs AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue: Which Drop to Choose?

Choosing between a $36.99 pre-owned Adidas NMD R2 and a $185 AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue comes down to budget, condition, and fit needs - one is a colorful 2017 daily sneaker in a single size, the other is a new-with-box limited edition with a full size run.

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Picking between droplaced sneakers limited releases often means weighing a low-priced pre-owned pair in a specific size against a new limited edition at full price with more sizing flexibility. One option saves you cash upfront but locks you into one size and condition, the other costs more but arrives new with box and a wide range of sizes. Here's how these two stack up so you can match your budget and wearing plans to the right pair.

Quick Verdict

  • Choose the Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11 at USD 36.99 if you want the lowest listed price, love the orange and white colorful theme, and wear a men's size 11 (UK 10.5).
  • Choose the AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes Size at USD 185.00 if you want New with box condition, a Black colorway with University Blue accents, and access to an extensive EU size range from 38.5 to 48.5.

The listed price spread is USD 36.99 to USD 185.00 - a USD 148.01 difference between the two.

At a Glance

ProductListed PriceConditionColorDepartment / FitKey Listed Detail
Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11USD 36.99Pre-owned - ExcellentOrangeMenModel adidas NMD R2, Style Code BY9915, 2017 release
AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes SizeUSD 185.00New with boxBlackUnisex AdultsEU size 38.5 to 48.5, Features: Breathable, Cushioned, Limited Edition

Where Each Wins

Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11 Wins On:

  • Listed price: At USD 36.99 it is the lower of the two listed prices.
  • Defined model and style code: Listed as adidas NMD R2 with Style Code BY9915 and Product Line adidas NMD, with a Sneaker style and Colorful theme.
  • Specific single-size clarity: Listed as Men's Size 11 with UK 10.5 noted in the description.

AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes Size Wins On:

  • Condition: Listed as New with box versus Pre-owned - Excellent.
  • Size range: Lists EU sizes 38.5, 39, 40, 40.5, 41, 42, 42.5, 43, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5.
  • Listed features and versatility: Attributes list Adjustable, Breathable, Comfort, Cushioned, Limited Edition, Performance and occasions including Activewear, Casual, Workwear with performance activities from Basketball and Running & Jogging to Walking and Gym & Training.

Product Notes

Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11

Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11

This pair stands out for its vibrant orange and white color scheme and the signature Adidas NMD design noted in the description, which emphasizes style and comfort in a sleek sneaker style. At USD 36.99, it offers the lower listed price in this comparison, and the description identifies it as a 2017 release in the adidas NMD product line with Style Code BY9915. A concrete reason to choose it is the combination of that colorful theme and the adidas NMD R2 model identity at the USD 36.99 listed price. A limitation is its narrow fit window - it is listed only as Men's Size 11 (UK 10.5) and in Pre-owned - Excellent condition, so it suits only that size and a shopper comfortable with pre-owned.

AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes Size

AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes Size

This option is presented as a Limited Edition AJ 5 Retro in Black with University Blue, listed at USD 185.00 and in New with box condition. The description highlights everyday comfort with athletic performance, breathability, snug fit, and a cushioned sole that absorbs impact for walking, light training, running, and casual outings. A concrete reason to choose it is the broad sizing - EU 38.5 through 48.5 - plus listed features like Breathable, Cushioned, and Comfort that support all-day wear across seasons Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter. A limitation is the higher listed price at USD 185.00, which is USD 148.01 above the other pair, and the color is listed simply as Black, so the University Blue detail comes from the title rather than the color attribute.

Final Choice by Use Case

  • For the budget-conscious single-size buy: The Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 at USD 36.99 makes sense if you wear Men's 11 and want the orange and white adidas NMD R2 look without paying the higher limited-edition price.
  • For a new-with-box limited edition with fit flexibility: The AJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 at USD 185.00 fits if you need New with box condition, want the Black University Blue colorway, or need a size outside Men's 11 - its EU 38.5 to 48.5 range covers many foot lengths.
  • For daily casual and light training rotation: The AJ 5 Retro's listed Breathable, Cushioned, and Performance attributes and its description of support for walking, running, and gym use point to versatile daily wear, while the NMD R2's description focuses on the colorful, fashionable sneaker style.

Both are listed with Country of Origin Vietnam and share Department-style categorization, but they serve different shoppers: one is a specific-size, pre-owned value pick with a bold color theme, the other is a new, full-size-run limited edition built around comfort and broad activity use.

Products in this article
Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11USD 36.99View on eBayAJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes SizeUSD 185.00View on eBay
Adidas NMD R2 BY9915 Men's Sneakers Shoes Color Orange and White Size 11USD 36.99View on eBayAJ 5 Retro Black University Blue (2026) DD0587-008 Men's Athletic shoes SizeUSD 185.00View on eBay

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