The Dassler: Number 25- March 2024. Read on for enough three stripe goodness to satisfy the most obsessive adidas fanatic.
Welcome to The Dassler, Twenty-Fifth edition.
Welcome to our third edition of The Dassler in 2024, the monthly magazine especially written for (and by) adidas lovers.
Thank you for continuing to subscribe to our little corner of adidas heaven.
This publication loves sharing three stripe nuggets of information, that add to the mystique of the adidas legacy.
So how about a little factoid about the best selling football boot of all time and any brand?
Yep those of us of the 3 stripe persuasion aren’t surprised to hear that it’s the adidas Copa Mundial! More on this later.
The Dassler comes out on the Third Saturday of each Month-to take your mind off spending all your money on adidas and give you something to do while waiting for the end of the months pay day!
In this edition we have another in our new feature ‘Retro shoe of the month’ where we share a long forgotten Trainer from the mahoosive adidas back catalogue. Woody writes about the first A-ZX release in 2008. Craig shares memories of his adidas journey. We take a break from the adidas Top Ten but have an article on the 25th anniversary edition Copa Mundial football boots and Craig reviews the latest adidas drops of note, with some Dassler exclusives!
A massive three-striped thank you for subscribing, it takes a lot of hours to research, write, source and edit The Dassler and your support is very much appreciated.
If this is your first visit then we’d highly recommend you run over to the very beginning (obvs wearing a pair of adidas ZX600)to our earlier issues here.
They’ll be news of the adidas annual very soon(again please be patient-it’s a huge designer job to put this together-paid subscribers first as promised) and a couple of surprise guest writers for 2024.
This is a monthly newsletter, that will contain ultra rare deadstock trainers, new adidas releases & brand exclusive information from 3 stripe social media giant Craig (@adifamily_ *X & Insta*), adidas oddments & apparel reminiscences written by Woody (@dadidassler *X* & Insta) plus loads of articles from special guest writers and we have some absolute adidas legends as guest writers lined up!
The Story behind the stripes.
Adidas TRX Competition
This excert from the third issue of The Dassler, written by Bobby McCarten, sets the scene for the jogging revolution that started in the early 1970’s.
The giants of the sports shoe industry were quick to make an array of shoes designed for this new craze and the competition became fierce, shoes such as Puma Easy Rider, Brooks 430 Delta, New Balance 320, Nike LD1000V, Etonic Street Fighter, Converse World Class and Asics Tiger Montreal were just a few of the decent yet somewhat similar models that were available in the sports shops at that time but once you’d walked past the air rifles, cricket balls and dart boards, on the upper shelving of the shoe walls, you’d find the many variations of running shoes that adidas had to offer.
By the middle of the 1970’s they were leading the way when it came to shoes designed for long distance road-running and jogging but Adi Dassler, not one to rest on his laurels, along with his team set out to create prototypes that would keep adidas ahead of the pack. In 1976 the classic TRX was created, a relatively simple looking shoe but look a little closer and you’ll notice the suction cup outsole which was designed to provide the wearer with better grip, stability and support and the grooves each side of the heel wedge, which were designed to absorb impact. Plus that timeless blue and yellow contrasting colourway, as nice as they were, they were still not in the same league as adidas’ competitors shoes and Adi knew, that to not only stay in the race but to lead the way, his team and him would have to go further….
Pictured below is the 1978 adidas TRX (short for Tracks or Traction) resplendent in beautiful ‘Stockholm’ yellow and blue. This particular trainer was worn by Norwegian marathon star Grete Waitz. Waitz went on to win the Womens New York marathon 9 times, and wore this exact version of the TRX during training for her first New York victory in 1978.
As always with Adi Dassler and his continued pursuit of perfecting his shoes for the highest athletic performance he didn’t rest on his laurels with the TRX.
The 1979 advert for the TRX Competition below, highlights the lengths that Adi went during the design process to make the original TRX a better shoe for serious joggers.
After the testing and refining process Adi listened to the athletes who said that the shoe needed to be lighter, more stable and have more cushioning.
The major differences between the TRX and the updated TRX Competition were; the midsole-out went the rubber/plastic compound TRX single piece version to be replaced by the different density heel wedge and midsole. The sole also had an increased number of grippy ‘road studs’ up from 60 on the TRX to 72 on the new model. It was also roomier around the toe area than the TRX and slightly wider.
The TRX Competition is the incredible new creation of Adidas. It has no less than 6 features that can improve the way you run whether you're an occasional jogger, serious runner or world class competitor. Adidas made the new TRX Competition for the millions of runners all over the world who wouldn't compete without Adidas on their feet. Step into the new Adidas TRX Competition, available in men's and women's lasts, at your authorized Adidas dealer.
The proven Adidas heel counter maximum stability. for the entire foot. Its meticulously engineered construction helps minimize painful pressure.
The TRX Competition's mid-sole and heel wedge have two different densities of cushioning materials designed to absorb the maximum amount of shock even from the toughest roads.
The sole of the TRX Competition is 72 gripping road studs that deliver the surest traction possible. Their design and placement allow you to be sure-footed even on curved or banked finning surfaces which subject the loot to lateral forces.
The exclusive Adidas last provides an extra wide, roomy toe box, that ensures long distance running comfort.
The superlight, breathing nylon uppers arc strong and provide durability race after grueling race. The legendary three stripes guarantee the TRX Competition has met the Adidas standard of superior craftsmanship.
Adidas Vintage advert 1979
The TRX Competition line continued on from the success of the early TRX, Swiss runner Markus Ryfell won the first ever international race wearing the trainers.
The TRX Competition continued to be manufactured into the early 80’s, although more adaptations to the TRX line were made and the TRX Competition became the TRX Runner from 1984-86 (which was the model the 2017 TRX SPZL was based upon). The original 1976 TRX was re-released in 2009 and 2021 as the TRX vintage.
But the TRX Competition still remains unreleased, in the wonderful adidas deadstock back catalogue.
Adidas Mundial 25th anniversary special capsule.
As it’s our 25th edition we thought we’d share one of the most iconic adidas silhouettes anniversary launch as it’s probably one you’ve forgotten about… Featuring the boots, an absolutely amazing adidas haul and two pieces of apparel.
The adidas Copa Mundial (or World Cup) 25th Anniversary Boot was a limited edition, Made in Germany, of arguably the most iconic boot ever to grace a football pitch. Released in 2007 Adidas offered this special collectors set with the original 1982 Copa Mundial design, supplied in full presentation box and strictly limited in numbers.
The adidas Copa Mundial Football Boot was first released in the summer of 1982 to coincide witht the World Cup in Spain and has since continued to set the standards for all boots to follow. Its' reputation within the professional game has continued to grow with each passing season and has consequently become the only boot of choice for so many of the worlds' leading players.
The original design of the adidas Copa Mundial was created by Franz Schacher in 1979 and the result of a decades-long evolutionary process under the guidance of Adi Dassler himself.
The 25th anniversary edition featured a narrow Pro last fit which ensured excellent ball feel and contact. Whilst the TPU triple density sole unit was designed to combine minimum weight and maximum forefoot flexibility. Although intended for firm natural surfaces the Copa Mundial was often worn throughout the football season.
With the Copa Mundial 25th Anniversary edition, the boot is specifically made using superior quality polished Kangeroo Leather to the exact design of its' original 1982 incarnation. The anniversary edition sports the original tongue labels along with premium leather insole, with the 25th anniversary logo embeded in it and classic PU stud sole plate. The only difference being that the foil lettering above the three stripes are in gold and not the normal silver.
Each limited edition boot was supplied in its own individual presentation box, comprising of the Copa Mundial 1982 Football Boots, commemorative keyfob, wooden shoe trees, premium leather dubbin and unique adiCloth. The package also included a piece of heritage with an original Germany World Cup 1982 Postcard.
Released with the commemorative boot box were two pieces of apparel. A white tee with the 25th anniversary adidas mundial logo on the front. Matched with a lovely white with black trim Beckenbauer tracksuit jacket, again with the Mundial 25th logo on the left breast and the obligatory adidas logo stitched on the right.
To queue or not to queue……
It’s really the only way to guarantee getting those new released adidas trainers, that everyone wants. Craig extols the virtues of queueing…
Make no mistake, I love a get together with trainers being the reason. Any kind of get together, meeting or chance happening. As I write this I'm currently sat on the train to Liverpool, for the size? Launches event at Cains Brewery. I'm staying over and tomorrow, I will be going straight to Leeds to camp outside the size? store for said adidas Dublin.
Why?
Well, half of it is of course the trainers themselves. I'm a fan of adidas, I've no real preferences and my mind has opened infinitely the last few years to be more accepting of a much broader range from the brand. That being said, I'll never queue for Yeezys, never attend any of their launch events, so what's the craic?
It is true that you're going to find like minded folk at these events, whether it's a piss up in a brewery or a camp outside the store. Meeting people is never a bad thing, it's how possibilities and opportunities arise in life, and meeting people who have an appreciation for the same kinds of things as you, is always a winner. I've lost count of the amount of queues I've done, or how many events I've attended, which in turn means I've lost count of the amount of friends that have been made down the years. They are there though, any time I ring the phone or send a message. From all over the place. It's one of those strange phenomenon, but after a couple of hours in the queue, you'll have a couple new phone numbers, handful of new followers on social media, or the really nice pleasure to put faces to names already following you. Meeting people you've conversed with online for ages at one of these things is pure joy.
Finding out each others size, what pairs you're on the look out for, what pairs you've got sat at home for swaps, what pairs you're wearing, what pairs need sending off for some work done, what pairs you'd like to see released, what pairs are rumoured to be released, what pairs were released last week, what pair will be the next you queue for, what pair you've found on ebay or vinted for a bargain. Hours and hours will pass by just chewing the fat about adidas trainers.
That for me, is the beauty of it right there. In this modern world, everyone is so busy it seems, rarely do you get people having in-depth conversations about anything, unless it's work related. Instead, all of a sudden, hours of conversations with people from across the spectrum, there could be millionaires talking to lads who've just been made redundant, lads born around the world talking to folk who have never left the city or county they was born in. It doesn't matter the background, the question is do you like adidas. You do? Funnily enough, so do I, and that's that, it really is that easy.
Of course, it's horses for courses, you get from life what you want to find. I know many people won't dream of entertaining the thought of queuing. I don't begrudge them that, once upon a time, I'd never considered it either. Alas, it was because I hadn't done it. Once done, it's something I find myself wanting to do, time and time again. An experience in life, but it's one I come to love more and more as I grow older. Far too often life can be overbearing, overwhelming even. Constant distractions, it never stops, past times become a habit, just another thing you do, with no real relaxation, no chance of stopping. That's why I love a queue above all else. I'm taking the day off work, I'm grabbing a camping chair, crate of Stella Artois and I'm going to sit in the street in a city centre with a bunch of good people, talk about something I love and get drunk. Trips to takeaway at 3am for a greasy donner kebab, trips at 4am to the 24 hour offy for some more ale, trips at 7am to toilet soon as they're unlocked in the market or bus station. It sounds mental, and it is. It's brilliantly daft and completely different to anything else I do as an adult. If you said to 15 year old me, when you're older you'll have a good reason every now and then, to completely stop and remove yourself from everyday life for 24/48 hours to attend this event or go to a queue, to not have to think or worry about anything, for however long a period of time, I'd of been buzzing. And I suppose that's the word I'm looking for, to describe all this.
It's a buzz. Not many people do it, and the ones who do are real. Genuine. It's means tested, why brands hold these events time after time, why on certain releases you'll see the queues outside the store. Most have different reasons why they've choose to queue. Some will have had the day off work already, so why not, better then sat at home. Some refuse to pay resale prices, so why not, better then paying hundreds to some chancing bastard of a stranger. All do it because they love their trainers and they want to make sure they get a pair. So when you're meeting people who want the same thing as you, and are daft enough to do what seems extreme to many to get what they want. It is easy to make friends, to make life long connections, and that just by itself is why I attend these events and queues. The trainers are a bonus in the morning, go straight to a cafe for some breakfast after or maybe straight home to a warm comfy bed.
What was the point of this article? None really, I just wanted to ramble on about what it meant to me, personally. And in doing so, hopefully advocate for more of you to go to stores and buy your trainers, go to the events and meet the faces, get involved. It is something you should experience at least once, don't knock it until you've tried it eh!
aZX-A retro reminiscence of the first 2008 release.
Part 1 A-H.
In 1984 adidas released the original ZX series, a collection of footwear that was designed by Jaques Chassaing and Markus Thaler to meet the diverse needs and varying abilities of different runners. The series was originally split between both training and competition silhouettes with the ZX500 and ZX800. Before the line was further diversified in the late 80s with the addition of colour coded designs for pronation and supination (Supination means that when you run or walk, your weight tends to be more on the outside of your foot. Pronation means that when you walk or run, your weight tends to be more on the inside of your foot.), including Cushion (Blue), Support (Yellow), Guidance (green) and Racing (Red). The ZX series became synonymous with adidas proprietary technology like the Torsion and Soft Cell systems.
Back in 2008, adidas launched the aZX project. An open-ended brief for limited edition collaborations on the ZX series.
Twenty-two of the worlds leading retailers were selected to participate, each was assigned a letter of the alphabet based on their name and given a choice of which model of the ZX series they would like to work on. All of the twenty-two participating stores met with adidas in Herzogenaurach, the German home of adidas, for 2 days to design their builds. The remaining 4 letters of the alphabet represented (I)n-Store, (O)riginals Store, (Y)ou (a very lucky adidas fan designed version) and a(Z)x (the Chassaing/Thaler designed one)..
This was an opportunity for the worlds leading retailers to get creative with what was previously thought to be a strictly performance orientated product. The project allowed the worlds of lifestyle and performance to be drawn closer together over the coming years.
The A-H list of the stores and their ZX sillouettes were as follows:-
A – ACU x Clot ZX800, B – Bodega ZX8000, C – Colette ZX300, D – D-Mop ZX500, E – LimitEDitions ZX800, F – Footpatrol ZX800, G – GoodFoot ZX8000, H – HUF ZX500.
A-ACU x Clot ZX800
Shanghai-based ACU, which was a CLOT project (established in 2003 by Edison Chen. Since then, the company has built its reputation on selling a unique selection of lifestyle goods as well as launching its own line of products from 2004.), have worked with adidas since 2007 and became the first exclusive retail outlet to carry the Adidas Consortium Collection. The head designer of this project was Director of ACU, Tom-
Tom chose the ZX800 model as a result of its’ light-weight and comfortable fabrics/ textures, with ACU’s cutting edge design, ZX800 is bound to be the next hit item!
aZX press release 2008
This shoe married the east and the west, expressing the Chinese street culture, in order to harmonize ZX800 and ACU’s uniqueness, they used the Chinese flag colours- red and yellow as base colours to create a classic look, CLOT Royale silk on the body and tongue, the CLOT logo was a transparent flash card which reflects different images from different angles. The sole had a special printing of “adidas, a store with 3 stripes” in Chinese, as a salute to adidas. The 3 lines on the heels were computer embroidered; most of the details were matte finished.
B-Bodega ZX8000
A running classic with added Boston attitude, Bodega (Since 2006 Bodega Store in Boston has been curating the finest selection of footwear, apparel, and accessories for men and women from over 100 brands) take ‘B’ to celebrate the adidas brand’s regional history and dominance by reworking the ZX 8000. Blending subtle colours with bolder shades and adding effective use of texture. Army green ripstop style fabric merged with bright red suede and black textured premium leather, working alongside soft nubuck, set atop an off-white midsole. Carrying the store’s passion for the shoe down to the minute details, the reflective tab on the heel, subtle use of local hand signals depicted on the tongue and metal tipped laces means a makeover with across-the-board appeal far beyond the local inspiration.
C-Colette ZX300
Parisian boutique Colette’s (Colette was a French high fashion, streetwear, and accessory retailer. It closed permanently in December 2017. Colette's logo was two blue dots ) letter allocation saw them embellishing the upper of the ZX 300 – a clean silhouette, with words beginning with ‘C’ and their relevant explanations. A literal approach to the project pays dividends. Black and white was the perfect colour combination and their chosen shoe made for a versatile, wearable release that carried the essence of Colette’s brand, blending the abstract with stark simplicity. If you have/had a pair look out for Circus, Chance, Cinderella, Caviar, Complex and Confession. Cool.
D-D Mop ZX500
D-Mop’s diverse approach to fashion literally shone through as they made up the ‘D’ of the A to ZX, with the Hong Kong fashion store choosing a ZX 500 for their futuristic take on an 80’s icon. Grey suede with a silver reptilian print applied next to a silver premium leather made for an eyecatching version of a familiar running design. Metallic down to the insole, tradition was applied via the unexpected, but aesthetically pleasing dose of yellow and red on the outsole. Given the appealing single colour upper, it was open to a number of different looks via the numerous coloured laces offered as part of the package. Unique and bold, this was a completely new look for a pioneering adidas creation.
E-Limited Editions ZX800
Barcelona’s leading sneaker and clothing boutique, the appropriately named LimitEDitions took this project’s ‘E’ with relish, using the ZX 450 as a basis and giving it a makeup that’s contemporary and respectful of classic adidas styling. Purple and black nylon and suede blended, with glossy fluorescent yellow stripes on the outer foot, and fluorescent green stripes on the inner foot for a subtle twist. Completed with tone-on-tone logo embroidery on the heel and more black-on-black applications, via the reflective panel on the forefoot and arched panel on the heel. Extreme detail for a deceptively simple reworking, this is a definitive take on a classic silhouette.
F-Foot Patrol ZX800
London’s Footpatrol (A shop that’s served trainer heads since 2002)crew knew the importance of the adidas ZX series and its relevance within UK sport and fashion. They took the ZX 800 – a key model as their ‘F’ position in the A to ZX alphabet, the aqua blue, yellow and purple will immediately resonate with connoisseurs who remember the definitive ZX 8000 colourway. Where the ZX 800’s reflective forefoot patterns cemented the design’s appeal, here, all the blue of the upper shines in the right light, completed by a neoprene material application and a logo lace jewel for an intelligent moment of reflection on the shoe’s undeniable impact on UK subcultures.
G-Good Foot ZX8000
Canada’s Goodfoot (The Toronto based trainer shop) naturally, took the ‘G’ position with a ZX 8000 that uses recycled material applications honed by adidas’ Grün project and merged with them with a stunning makeup that brings out the very best in the shoe. Soft grey suede toward the back, and green suede on the forefoot, with the same colour on the midsole made for a striking, simple look. Reflective panelling on the forefoot harked back to the ZX 8000’s performance legacy, while the tongue tag, lettering on the top metal eyelet and subtle blend of nylon meshes makes for well-balanced proof positive that the carbon footprint can be minimised in style.
H-HUF ZX500
As the ‘H’ in this collaborative project, San Franciso’’s sneaker store HUF paid tribute to their city’s railroad history with a canvas upper that homages the hickory striped uniform of the railway worker. Far from workmanlike, this intelligent conceptual approach went the distance in terms of detail, from the brass eyelets, branded ghilly lacing system and tipped laces, to the all-over lettering on the tongue, completed by a gum outsole. A bold move that paid dividends, the shoe was packaged with a matching striped drawstring bag embellished by six brass badges, making for another classic.
Next edition we continue our retro reminisce of the AZX Project with Part 2 and the review of some models from the letters I-P. Included in this line up are efforts from Just Be, Kendo, Livestock, Major, Neighbourhood, and Patta.
Craig (@adifamily_) reviews adidas new releases for March 2024.
It's a short one this month, as releases seem to have tapered off slightly, no doubt to accommodate the upcoming Spezial SS24 releases and there are also some serious Consortium pairs in the pipeline ready to be seen really soon.
One of my personal favourites to arrive since last time, is without doubt the two new adidas London. Now I've seen the complaints, they're being "rinsed" and I can't really articulate about the sheer amount of people who are now buying "Terrace" style adidas compared to just two years ago is something you can't comprehend. It is tenfold at least, and they are buying at RRP no qualms, they don't insist on waiting for sales. They don't care about the lack of lettering, they're seeing something they like, they're buying and wearing, so it's good business to make sure these customers are accommodated to. The London has been huge, with great sales the last 12/18 months, in all its iterations, and these two latest have mixed it up with the material mix. Both are constructed in full leather uppers, stripes, heel and all, both finished off with the classic bobbled tongue. One is adorned in a fully off white shade, that's almost cream, personally reminds me of the shade of the first LG SPZL, or what it's supposed to be before they start yellowing randomly. Anyway, they're a perfect pair for any custom work, a blank canvas, while as they are they're rather fresh and perfect for summer. The other pair features a predominantly white upper, with blue stripes, heel counter and lacestay. The white tongue is finished off with a blue decal. Both pairs sit upon the iconic gum sole units, and are available now from most good retailers.
A two pair pack appeared that features a new collaboration between adidas and Amsterdam female skating shop Maha. Using the now obligatory Samba for the first pair, and a return for the Samoa with the other pair, both feature heavily neutral pallettes. The Samba sits atop an almost coffee coloured sole, it is so dark, while the upper is made up of differing shades of pale green. The toebox, laces, and leather lining all carry a lighter shade, while the stripes and heel counter carry a darker shade, the rest of the upper and tongue is adorned in a shade that's in-between the other two. The Samoa has a gum toe shield and sole, with a white midsole. Sitting atop that is a plush light grey suede upper, finished with leather stripes that have an almost khaki shade. Both pairs carry co-branding and the finishing detail to each is both have heel counters overlapped with a cross stitching effect, and unique looking lace jewels. Going under the radar for many, they're one of the highlights of the start of 2024 for me personally.
From size? there was two releases of note, both size? Exclusives. To start the month of March, the launch of the SL72 RS came with two colourways. Inspired by a pair and clothing worn by Bob Marley on a visit to London in 1977 where he was famously pictured playing football in Battersea Park, one pair has an upper featuring a mixture of nylon and suede that is adorned in a golden yellow, with contrasting orange stripes and a white heel counter. Sitting atop a gum sole, white midsole and a grey compression strip, the bobbled tongue is also golden yellow with a muted blue decal. The pair to sot opposite them is a rich navy, same material mix of nylon and suede, the tongue again bobbled and navy, this time with a muted red decal. The stripes are white with red piping downnthe front edge, they are finished with white heel counters, gum sole, white midsole and a red compression strip. Both pairs carry a retro lettering layout of the SL72 in gold foil.
The second release of note was the brown Dublin of Taiwanese heritage. Long anticipated, they drew queues at size? stores across Europe. There isn't much to be said that hasn't already with these, the original pair was made in 1981, in extremely low numbers and they was produced in Taiwan. Long called for by collectors for a reissue, the Dublin connection made St Patrick's Day launch viable, with launch events held in Dublin and Liverpool a couple days beforehand. A deep chocolate brown suede is contrasted by a darker shade of brown for the stripes, heel counter and inner lining. A full suede tongue that carries the woven label in brown and white isn't the usual sight for this pair, but is true to original. Sure to grow in popularity as the years go by I feel.
At the time of writing, there is two releases upcoming. One is the END. 1/500 Made In Germany Milano. Regular collaborators that are part of the Consortium partnership, some of the pairs that have come forth from the relationship are rated incredibly highly. This time the Milano gets the full white leather treatment, in limited numbers, and made at the Scheinfeld factory. Just like its predecessors the Paris and Berlin. While END. have done these the last couple of years, the word is that adidas themselves also plan to make a few pairs that are Made In various locations to premium specifications, as seen recently with the Made In Italy Samba. This END. pair sets the standard, with incredible leather and construction. Carrying the Milnao name finished in gold foil alongside the stripe edge, the heel counters feature both co-branding and the 1/500 insignias. Sure to sell phrases immediately, I wish you luck if you have gone for them.
The other upcoming launch is a pack from another Consortium partner of adidas, Overkill, to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Based in Germany, and founded by graffiti artist, CEO and stylish bloke Marc Overkill, I personally always look out for and love Overkill collabs. They push boundaries, they produce class, they add to history and prestige. This three shoe pack ticks the boxes, with the ZX6000, EQT Guidance and Spiritain 2000 making clear their connection and love for running shoes. All three pairs feature different material mixes of premium leathers and suedes, meshes, fabrics and foams, all done spectacularly. The ZX6000 carries a light grey colourway, contrasted by striking blue stripes, side panel and inner lining, sitting on a white sole that features a blue colour block. The EQT Guidance is again a light grey upper, this time also featuring off-white panels and accents, but with vivid orange stripes and heel counter. A white sole, with the orange colour blocks to continue the stripes as per design. The Spiritain 2000 with its predominantly mesh upper is done again in off-white and light grey, though the blending of colour is much more subtle with a pale jade green used for the stripes and various accenting on details. Grey and white sole unit featuring adiPrene. They go on sale the 23rd and will sure to be one of the most sought after releases of 2024 so far, and could be still by the end of the year.
And to finish, the Spezial range is still being unveiled by Gary Aspden on a daily drip feed, so that will be covered next issue. To leave you though, a world exclusive. Returning for the first time in a long, long time, the first running trainers marketed in Japan by adidas, the Special. The 60s and early 70s seen many pairs marked down as training, or not even categorised at all, with catalogues not even carrying designations. The first pair designated a true running shoe was the Special. The Country OG was released in 1972, and the Japanese licence holder Kanematsu immediately adapted this silhouette to the market in Japan, and thus to thus day this shoe is still beloved and treasured. I believe the last reissue may have been the early 90s, but now there is at least two colourways lined up for launch, they'll be more details shortly but for now, just confirmed they are coming and here are a couple of images.
Well it is the end of the 25th edition and we can’t mention twenty five without linking to Bathing Ape founder Tomoaki Nagao-otherwise known as Nigo.
Most folks thought that the above logo of the number 25 and the originals logo that has adorned Nigo X adidas originals capsules since 2014 was a reference to 25 years of adidas originals. But you’d be wrong- 25 in japanese is Ni (2) Go (5)-always learning!!
You won’t be surprised to learn that we think The Dassler 25 has been another standout edition and we very much hope you have enjoyed reading our three stripe homage.
Honestly we are made up that you’ve read it-Thank You, as it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work, knowledge and research.
As always if there’s anything you want us to feature or if you have any comments or suggestions please get in touch in the comments section.
If you do love our work please share your thoughts with us on socials, recommend us to your adidas-loving friends (who we’re sure you have many)and see you all on Saturday April 20th for the next issue- number 26!
Keep wearing 3 stripes.
Woody & Craig-TD 👟///
