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