I saved nearly 100 Euros by grabbing the Adidas AE 2 Velocity Blue from US retailers

March 10, 2026

Why the Adidas AE 2 Velocity Blue is my favorite drop of 2026

I have been following Anthony Edwards' rise for a while now, and his second signature shoe is doing something special for the basketball community. The Adidas AE 2 'Velocity Blue' isn't just a performance beast; it's a statement piece. While the sneaker culture in Thailand is currently obsessed with this specific colorway, I noticed that we in Italy are facing a bit of a struggle. Local shops here are either sold out or didn't get the 'Velocity Blue' stock at all.

I saved nearly 100 Euros by grabbing the Adidas AE 2 Velocity Blue from US retailers
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The US market seems to have the best inventory right now. I spent my morning scrolling through us trends and noticed that American retailers like Foot Locker and Eastbay have consistent restocks. The design, with its aggressive honeycomb-like support and that striking electric blue hue, is exactly what I need for my weekend games. Since I couldn't find my size in Rome or Milan, I decided to look across the Atlantic.

Comparing the US price tag with what we see in Italy

When I compared the retail price in the US to what resellers are asking for in Italy, the gap was shocking. In the US, the AE 2 retails for significantly less than the converted Euro price we see in high-end boutiques here. By the time a pair reaches an Italian shelf, the price has often ballooned due to middleman markups. I realized that even with shipping costs, I could save a significant amount of money by acting as my own importer.

I found that buying directly from a shop us store allows me to access the real retail price. We often get used to these inflated local prices, but once you see the US MSRP, it is hard to go back. This price gap is the main reason I started looking into a freight forwarder to bridge the distance.

How I shop US stores from my home in Italy

The process is actually much simpler than I originally thought. I use a tax-free us address provided by comGateway, which means I don't have to pay US sales tax on my purchase. This adds another layer of savings to my sneaker haul. If you are curious about the logistics, there is a great step-by-step guide on their site that explains how the package moves from the US warehouse to Italy.

I simply enter my dedicated US address at the checkout of the Adidas US store. Once the package arrives at the warehouse, I get a notification and can choose my preferred shipping method. It makes the Atlantic Ocean feel a lot smaller when I can track my sneakers moving toward Italy in real-time.

My secret to getting past stores that block my Italian credit card

Here is where things usually get tricky for us international shoppers. Have you ever tried to buy something from a major US retailer like Nike or Sephora, only to have your order immediately cancelled? I have been there. Many US stores block international credit cards or refuse to ship to addresses they flag as forwarders. It is incredibly frustrating to have the funds but be denied the product.

This is why I started using the BuyForMe service. This assisted purchase option is my safety net. Basically, I tell comGateway which Adidas AE 2 size I want, and they buy it on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. Because the transaction looks like a local US purchase, the store doesn't flag or cancel the order. If you've been struggling with store blocks, this proxy shopping method is the most reliable way to ensure your 'Velocity Blue' pair actually gets secured.

Estimating the total cost for delivery to my door

I always like to know the total cost before I commit to a purchase. I don't like surprises when it comes to my bank account. Before I hit the buy button, I use a shipping calculator to get an idea of what the journey from the US to Italy will cost. You can also check the general international shipping rates to see which carrier fits your budget.

Shipping a single pair of sneakers is usually quite affordable, but I sometimes wait and consolidate a few items to save on international shipping fees. The AE 2 box is a bit bulky, so knowing the weight helps me choose between the fastest delivery or the most economical one. Check our guide on import tax if you want to be fully prepared for the final arrival.

Navigating Italian customs and import duties without the headache

One thing we have to deal with in Italy is the GST/VAT and other import duties. It is a standard part of the process when bringing goods from outside the EU. I've found that being proactive about customs tax makes the whole experience much smoother. When my Adidas AE 2 'Velocity Blue' arrives, I know exactly what to expect because I did my homework on the import tax rules beforehand.

Even after factoring in the shipping and the Italian duties, I still found that I was saving money compared to the local reseller prices in March 2026. Plus, I have the peace of mind knowing I have an authentic pair from a reputable US retailer. It takes a little more planning, but for a release as high-profile as Anthony Edwards' latest shoe, the effort is definitely worth it. If you are a sneakerhead in Italy, this is definitely the way to go for those hard-to-find colorways.

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