Adidas classic sneakers are loved by subcultural communities all around the globe, representing more than just products; each three stripe evokes specific cultural associations.
This year, Nike collaborated with popular culture icons such as South Park and Yu-Gi-Oh to produce themed collections of sneakers. Watch as some of our favorite characters made appearances in these sneakers.
UltraBoost
The Adidas UltraBoost shoe has quickly become a favorite among both runners and fashion-conscious individuals, thanks to its comfortable, chunky design. Primeknit fabric forms its upper layer for extra snug comfort during long runs while chunky Boost foam underneath provides responsive cushioning to return energy back to feet as you run, making this ideal for long, easy distance runs while helping maintain good pace over long distances.
Boost is an innovative sole technology developed specifically to increase running shoe speed and performance. Made of lightweight yet elastic material, Boost helps runners get faster without tiring themselves out. Furthermore, its impact absorption qualities make it ideal for hard training sessions or marathon runs alike.
The shoe featuring this innovative sole was introduced for sale in 2015 and quickly became a hit among runners due to its blend of style, comfort, and speed. Kanye West made headlines when he donned it during his performance at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards; since then it has been reissued in various limited-supply colorways and designs.
Adidas made significant updates to their UltraBoost shoes for 2019 to enhance comfort, fit, and energy return. The UltraBoost 22 now has a lower instep height and narrower heel to reduce heel slip and prevent blisters; additionally, their Boost midsole foam has undergone modification; now featuring larger holes which should allow softer landing.
Even after these adjustments, the UltraBoost 22 remains an ideal shoe for both easy miles and more ambitious efforts. Unfortunately, its lack of agility makes other options like the Nike Pegasus 37 or Asics Novablast more suitable. Furthermore, its higher cost may make other shoes like these less appealing options to new runners or those on tight budgets.
Superstar
The Superstar shoe from adidas has long been recognized as an icon on the global fashion scene. A true cult product, it has become part of various subcultures worldwide – each having their own specific connotations or value while sharing a deep affinity for this classic three-stripe design.
In 1969, when basketball was still heavily regulated, German footwear manufacturer Adidas created the original Superstar design on a basketball court in Germany. Their goal was to develop something that would allow players to compete at their peak while remaining protected and comfortable – this resulted in the all-white upper with shell-toe and the classic 3-Stripes logo on one side of this iconic sneaker that quickly became worn by musicians, artists and everyday people alike.
Over time, the Superstar’s popularity has fluctuated according to current fashion trends, adapting its style accordingly. New technologies and materials have been introduced into its construction while the original model remains available with various colorways and hues. Furthermore, lifestyle products incorporating its design have also been created from this iconic sneaker including its Slip On version ideal for everyday wear.
One of the most iconic Superstar styles is an all-white Triple White Superstar. This timeless and understated piece can easily fit into any fashion lover’s closet and can be worn with almost anything imaginable; its only potential drawback may be keeping its white laces clean! Therefore, take extra special care when cleaning them to protect this piece.
adidas gained global prominence during the early 2000s due to a series of innovations. The German sportswear manufacturer became Europe’s largest sportswear producer and second worldwide, dominating retail stores as well as football – creating some of the world’s most famous match balls such as Beau Jeu (Beautiful Game). Even after divesting CCM and TaylorMade brands, Adidas remains focused on innovation through Creating the New.
ZX Flux
Adidas is well known for redesigning some of their older sneaker models to give them a fresh new look, such as their ZX Flux shoes. While previous designs featured an all-black exterior, the new design features different colors and textures such as mesh fabrics and camo print for an updated look adorned with various motifs.
Adidas ZX Flux sneakers stand out from others thanks to their Torsion system, which allows the front and rear parts of the shoe to move independently from each other without exerting too much pressure on a user’s feet, providing increased flexibility and freedom of movement, as well as better grip across different terrain types.
Adidas ZX Flux shoes feature an outsole constructed of highly durable material, enabling it to withstand prolonged use while offering comfort during repeated wear. Their midsole features foam materials that absorb energy for a smoother ride experience.
Adidas ZX Flux’s latest design feature is its ultralight weight. This allows users to move freely without suffering too much strain from wearing their footwear, while lightweight materials help reduce overall weight by cutting back on unnecessary bulkiness.
The ZX Flux shoe is an ideal way to add flair to any wardrobe, with its stylish appearance sure to turn heads and various colorways available to meet every taste. Before purchasing them, however, we strongly advise trying a pair on to ensure a proper fit – snug yet not tight and no slippage from inside your foot should occur when walking.
NMD
Adidas has long been a major player in football, providing kits to numerous international association football clubs. Adidas also produces an extensive line of basketball shoes used by players across NBA, WNBA and NBDL leagues – with their iconic Superstar design released back in 1969 as one of them arguably being one of the world’s most renowned basketball shoe designs.
Adidas made an aggressive push into cricket during the late ’90s, signing contracts with some of the world’s premier batsmen such as former England captain Kevin Pietersen and Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar. Adidas even created a customized MasterBlaster Elite bat just for Tendulkar to fit his requirements.
The NMD, first released in 2015, has quickly become one of the most beloved lifestyle sneaker. Popular among runners and casual wearers alike, its introduction has also proven immensely successful within streetwear culture; several collaborative models featuring streetwear brands have released over time; notable ones being Yung-1 “OG,” HTM x Kobe X Elite Low, and Nike Sock Darts are just a few examples.
Adidas took full advantage of the NMD’s success in 2016 by unveiling new colorways and models – such as the popular City Sock (NMD_CS1) which combined Primeknit upper from NMD R1 with Gore-Tex bootie to produce an outdoor sneaker with durable construction.
Other releases included the NMD R2 and NMD TS1. The former takes its original design one step further with a translucent upper that exposes its inner workings; while its counterpart offers more technical aspects with toggle lacing and mudguard-esque overlays on Primeknit for an alternative take on this silhouette.
Jagla believes that oversaturation of the NMD contributed to its momentum waning by 2018, but believes it can be revived through collaborations with influential partners like Virgil Abloh and Travis Scott, two ways the brand could regain strength on secondary markets. Furthermore, his popularity serves as an introduction for consumers into its other offerings from Adidas.
