The Dassler: Number 34- December 2024. The adidas shoe of the year....
Welcome to The Dassler, Thirty-Forth edition. Read on for enough three stripe goodness to satisfy the most obsessive adidas fanatic.
Welcome to our Twelve and final edition of The Dassler in 2024-number 34, the monthly magazine especially written for (and by) adidas lovers.
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First created in 2011, by adidas marketing executive Sid Lee, the adidas ‘All in’ slogan is never more apt today. Adidas hasn’t outperformed N*ke for at more than 30 years but 2024 looks to be the year when the three stripe revival stirs a comeback. Terrace wear is the number one fashion trend in the far east, this popularity has transcended across the pond to a very jubilent adidas US market and of course in europe where adidas has always had a very loyal fan base.
adidas-always learning!
The Dassler usually 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 review the best adidas releases of 2024, we reveal our three ‘Shoes of the Year’. We obviously couldn’t decide on one! but hey! that’s the beauty of the three stripes-there’s a pair for everyone! Also we’d have been still discussing it well into 2025 and publishing deadlines wait for no one! A big fist bump to subsciber Adam (@clipdaddyad on X) for giving us a bit of steering in the right direction!
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If this is your first visit then we’d highly recommend you run over to the very beginning (obvs wearing a pair of OG colourway adidas ZX600’s)to our earlier issues here.
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 Dassler-adidas shoe of the year.
As previously pointed out, this has been a massive year for adidas. The Samba hitting new heights, pushing the Handball Spezial to stratospheric levels with a multitude of amazing collaborations and tons of new releases.
We have reviewed (more or less) every single adidas release in 2024 and looked in depth at over 200 pairs, to present The Dassler adidas shoe of the year.
Full disclosure, we did have a few caveats, our faves had to be affordable, wearable (as in folks wanted to wear them!) , popular (to a certain extent) and having a woah! ‘three stripe’ factor (which draws the eyes to your feet!) that some other releases just didn’t have.
We discounted a few trainers that were released for promo reasons (Donut adidas anyone?), April Fools jokes (adidas Box pair) or just way too expensive for the average Joe or Joanna to buy (Made in Italy Sambas-lovely but seriously 280 notes!).
We also love the new range of adidas basketball models (especially the AE1’s) currently smashing the opposition in the US but you’ll see an absence of those shoes in our list just because this type of trainer just isn’t an everyday wear this side of the pond.
We also decided that we should have a seperate ‘best of’ section for the Samba, as it is undoubtably the winner of the adidas ‘Rinsed Silhouette of the Year’ award but there has been so many amazing collaborations this year that we couldn’t just cobble it together with the other models.
So without further ado…
Here at The Dassler, we’ve decided that the Samba has really continued to dominate this year, so we wanted to give this model some special attention. There have been classic iterations and some possible future classics too. But what’s the best Samba of the year?
Well, a shout-out has to go to Wales Bonner. Grace has again featured both the OG and Millenium versions of the silhouette prominently in her collections. While the Millenium is surely a Marmite trainer if there has ever been one, the OGs have once again sold out immediately. There is little doubt of the impact Wales Bonner has had. The first collections, back in 2020 and 2021, were easily available months later in the sale, but those days are long gone.
adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Night
Focusing on the Crocodile-style leather Samba OG pairs, these were the standout Wales Bonner designs of the year. The light brown color is stylish and versatile, fitting well with various outfits. The combination of this color with the off-white or almost cream hue has become a big trend for adidas, lending a touch of luxury to the look. While the execution can be hit or miss, if anyone can get it right, it’s GWB.
However, the blue pair truly steals the show. The leather captures the shade perfectly, with a beautiful contrast. The material's quality is absolutely top-notch and justifies the price point. In our opinion, it’s among the best releases of the year.
adidas Samba Brogue
Making a late run and added to this list is the Samba Brogue pack. The use of the brouging details across the trainer is a masterstroke in reality, as it works so astoundingly well. They talk for themselves, it just flows and seamlessly transitions a streetwear shoe for smart casual wear. So they are on the list, and the only hope we have is more colourways are seen in 2025, especially a nice oxblood variant.
adidas x Kader Samba ADV
adidas Skateboarding had another stellar year and the collab with Kader Sylla on the Samba ADV was a high point for sure. Released early in 2024, the blending of suede and leather in the black and brown colour scheme looks insanely good. It suits the silhouette so much, and the shades of colour used are perfect - it is truly great design work.
adidas x SNS Samba JP
One more pair to give special mention to before we get to the Top Three is the SNS Samba JP. A beloved iteration of the model that has been out of production for far too long, and one that was originally created for the Japanese market, hence the JP denotation in the name. Nothing fancy, nothing outlandish, just simple black and white colours, premium materials, and part of a great collection, the Football pack from the Swedish retailers was a great addition to this year's line-up of releases, but the Samba JP was heads above the other pairs, and indeed most Samba launched this year. In our opinions, of course.
adidas Samba Tweed
So what were the best three pairs of Samba released this year? Well, we are cheating a little here, as in 3rd place, we have two pairs of them. The link-up with Harris Tweed of Scotland to deck out two pairs in genuine tweed patterns, both brown and grey, was a superb design choice and great work from the brand. One of the things we find so special is it was actually the first time the artist/designer had worked on the Samba model. We won't name her here, but it is fair to say if your first work on a trainer is considered one of the best, you have done a bloody good job. Traditional style and material, coupled with the demand from consumers worldwide, and the fact they sold out pretty much straight away, make the Tweed Sambas hit our third-place position.
adidas x ALWAYTH Samba ‘Sambalwayth’
We are also cheating with our second-place pick, as three pairs were produced, and we can't pick a winning colourway. We didn't try to be honest, if one is good, all three pairs are good. In debating the SOTY list, the hyperlocal strategy adidas are proponent of currently plays a massive part. Do we include pairs that were exclusive to certain regions? If you couldn't go in a store or online in London, Sydney, Istanbul, and New York, could that shoe be considered one of the best? Yes, yes they can and so in second place we have the ALWAYTH collaboration that was exclusive to Asia and adorned the Samba OG in three distinct tonal monotonous colour schemes that featured a serious mixture of quality materials. While the patent leather used for the toe boxes made many hesitant, those who made the effort to secure a pair can attest to the superb attention to detail. Greem, blue, and red are safe choices, but the shades of each colour are emphasised perfectly, and the lack of hype around the launch makes them all the more special. This was the "If You Know, You Know" pair of 2024. They went under the radar in general, and now at the end of the year, nobody seems to be talking about them. So we are, and in the highest regard, as the second-best Samba launched in 2024.
adidas x End Samba OG ‘Past’
And to the winner. The best Samba in 2024. In all honesty, there can be no qualms, END. smashed it this year. The British retailer had a stellar year, and was personified by the Consortium Cup 1st Round winning Samba OG "Past". Using hessian canvas and neutral shades of cream make them a bold choice, but the addition of the custom woven tapestry elevates the trainer to another level. adidas Consortium is the best division of the brand. Do not get that twisted. Never forget it. Since its inception 20 years ago nearly, the usage of top spec materials, uniting some of the greatest creative minds across the globe regularly, pushing boundaries, and breaking new ground, Consortium is top of the food chain and the jewel in the crown. That is exemplified by the Consortium Cup, by the designs that were submitted, by the designs that won the popular vote, and then by the released products themselves. The story told by END. throughout the Cup was brilliant, and it started with this pair of Samba. The best pair of Samba launched in 2024.
So here it is our list of the very best, in our humble opinion, of the adidas releases in 2024. Hopefully you’ll agree with most of our choices and if you don’t then that’s the beauty of the three stripes-lots of models for everyone’s taste! Seriously though if there’s a shoe that you think should’ve been in-please drop us a message and we’ll feature the ‘missed ones’ in our January edition. We’ve picked three winners (obviously we couldn’t decide on just one!) but here’s the best of the rest….
adidas Bern GTX
Lovely indestrustructable pair that celbrates a football game from 70 years ago.
As y’all know we love a trainer with a great back story and there’s nothing finer than the Goretex adidas Bern.
The 1954 World Cup Final took place in Bern, Switzerland, and was between Hungary and West Germany. The weather was awful, the Germans went down by 2 goals, was able to get one back and then at half time, revolutionary technology for the time, studs was unscrewed and replaced with longer ones, this led to better traction on the slippery playing surface, and West Germany went on to win 3-2. The Miracle of Bern. To pay homage to this occasion, adidas gave the Bern a Gore-Tex makeover, with the addition of the lining and an upper of deep brown leather, that had a waxed effect and represent vintage leather, they'll look better with wear once they gain a patina but they look extrodinary to start with. Finished with white stripes and heel tabs, directly inspired by the boots of Max Morlock, who played in the Final for West Germany and his boots now reside in the archives at Herzogenaurach. Another great example of the past being used to influence the present.
adidas Dublin (size? exclusive)
Beautiful release of an iconic silhouette brought back in a much sought after colour.
Launched on St Patrick's Day,another great size? exclusive originally launched in the 80s, made in small numbers in Taiwan.
Built from a supple chocolate suede, this edition was elegant as when it was first released over four decades ago. Maintaining its terrace-style tooling, a dark brown sole unit bears all the usual midsole dimples and tread patterns that mimic the OG Made in Taiwan version from ’81. Complementing the suede is the synthetic leather 3-Stripes and heel tab, with a gold foil “Dublin” beautifully nestling into the soft brushes of suede. Finished off the ensemble of classic detailing is the Trefoil logo on the woven tongue, a final touch that masterfully completes this retro.
adidas ZX8000 x END ‘Future’
Consortium Cup entry of the year-end of.
Craig wrote this in Febuary-just very neatly sums up why this pair is on the ‘Nice’ list.
Finally, after months of waiting, and anticipation, the Semi-Final winning pairs of the Consortium Cup are launching. I've written previously in depth about the Consortium Cup and the details behind the designs. In particular about one pair, the END. ZX8000 "Future". For me, they were the best design out of all the entrants in any round, just something about them is different, eye-catching and screams class. The theme the END. design team ran with throughout the Cup was past, present, future. So for this pair, a dystopian landscape was imagined, and used as inspiration for, hence basically, they're a Mad Max in ZX form-how cool is that!
The time flew by, the shop opened at 10, and I was able to secure myself a pair in my size. All I wanted, for months. Travelling back on the train, I got them out the box, and immediately was blown away by the quality of materials and the build construction. ZX is in a league of its own on these matters, the standard is alway high, but even by those standards, these are just a level above. The tone of colour, that is intermissionly "scuffed" and "faded" to represent rocks, sand and craters on a dystropian planet, is done superbly. One of the best original colourways I have seen in years.
I'm raving about them, I know, but after months of waiting, of hoping, to be completely satisfied with what finally arrives, what you spend your money on. It's such a good feeling, and major kudos to the END. Team, Charlie Irwin, Lorenzo Brunetti, and Callum Hill. Charlie and Lorenzo have since left END. where now they're bossing it for Clarks and Barbour respectively, that's how good they are at their job. Headhunted, but luckily not before they were able to create one of the best pairs of adidas the modern era has seen.
adidas Bali
A surprise Island release from the archives.
From modern creations, to true archival reissues. Or in this case, an exceedingly rare vintage reissue. The adidas Archive doesn't own an original pair of Bali. Can you believe that? The truth of the matter is, they were produced for around 4 years, from 1977 to 1981, and in very small numbers. Produced in the factories in France, they have only ever been seen in UK catalogues of that era, leading to the hypothesis they were indeed an UK exclusive.
The designer at adidas confirmed to me that only 2 pairs were known to him to exist, and that neither of them were owned by adidas. Both were in private hands, and he hadn't much to work off. Needless to say, he's done a really good job, as the reissuing of another Island Series proved again to be popular.
Again, one last massive thank you to Joe Clark and the Aphrodite 1994 team in Sunderland, for the images.
adidas MIG Milano x END.
Yes we know we said that we’d avoid limited release trainers but these were just far too good to ignore!
END. are regular adidas 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 (1 of 500) and made at the Scheinfeld factory,obviously in Germany.
Just like its predecessors the Paris and Berlin. 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.
adidas Shibuya
Japan only City series issue.
In Japan, Tokyo retailer Billy's celebrated their 10th year anniversary with a brand new addition to the adidas City Series. The retailer has four stores across the Japanese capital, but their first and flagship store is the fabled Shibuya district location. With this iconic location enshrined in gold foil along the sidewall stripes, the co-ordinates and street address are also embossed on the inner collar, aswell as commeration of the 10th Anniversary.
Both pairs are built of the same material mix, a soft leather with a furry suede tobox. Billy's colours are Navy and White, so that's the baseplate of each colourway, one navy pair contrasted by white, and the other pair reversed. 10 stripes are painted on each pair, to further highlight 10 years. They was immensely popular on release, with adidas fans and enthusiasts worldwide finding ways to procure a pair or even both colourways, and much praise has been spoken of them.
adidas Stuttgart ‘24
Another great Size? Exclusive that hit the mark.
Size? unveiled an exclusive adidas Stuttgart colourway, coinciding with the EURO 2024 football tournament. Paying homage to the City Series range, this sleek trainer was part of the extensive collection featuring German host venues in the tournament. The adidas Stuttgart '24 “Brown Craft Green” arrived in a workwear-inspired colour scheme, a nod to the city’s vast history with the automobile industry.
This colourway was a follow-up to the “Anniversary Edition” iteration in 2020 and incorporated the same tooling as the Cardiff trainer. The shoe had a brown leather upper with a dark green heel tab and light pink 3-Stripes surrounding the sidewalls. A gold foil “Stuttgart ‘24” label decorated the lateral panel, whilst the massive Trefoil logo stands out atop the textured leather tongue. All-over graphics animated the Ortholite sockliners, adding flair to the retro model. A dark gum sole sat underfoot, capping off the low-profile makeover.
adidas Jabbar
A timely revived 70’s icon pair that celebrated a legend.
The first basketball player adidas ever signed was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In 1972, they introduced the Abdul-Jabbar White. Known by a few names due to different marketing, including Superstar 2, Skyhook Shoes and Jabbar Lo, they had been created with Kareem giving his input. While many basketballers prefer Hi versions, that's to say the larger shoes that include encompassing the ankle for added support; Kareem specifically stated he wanted low cut shoes, to keep his ankles strong and help prevent impact injuries to his knees if the ankles were not taking the shock. The toe panel was to reinforce the area, and make sure the strain put on the shoes with elite athletic performance wouldn't cause the shoes to just come undone at the seams, literally.
Carrying the simple three stripes to the sidewall in signature blue to start with, against a white leather upper and with a decal on the tongue featuring Kareem himself, the shoe immediately became a bestseller in the early 70s. It was an astute business decision from adidas, Kareem was one of the very best scorers in the league from his rookie season, instant impact to the markets and the entire deal affected how Sneaker culture would continue to be formed until this day.
The adidas Jabbar is characterized by its minimalist yet sporty design. The latest new edition remains true to its roots, but features modern accents that make it a stylish statement. The Off White/Collegiate Royal version was released first followed by the iconic blue versions. The low-top and high-top versions play with a nostalgic colour scheme - an elegant creamy white leather with bold blue stripes and heels.
A legend returned, history is being revisited…..again (and we love it!).
adidas x Bad Bunny Gazelle Indoor ‘Benito’ and ‘San Juan’
Rapper gets creative and puts his flair on an adidas original.
Globally renowned Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny recreated a terrace icon in his collaboration with adidas. After dabbling in several retro models since their first collaborative project in 2021, the King of Latin Trap and the 3-Stripes unveiled the next chapter in their prolific partnership in 2024. The Bad Bunny x adidas Gazelle Indoor presented a distorted design approach.
The San Juan (a nod to the adidas City series and the capital city of Puerto Rica) being released in a beautiful baby blue colourway and the Benito (Bad Bunny’s first name) in a vintage ‘off white’ CW.
The Benito Gazelle sported a leather upper with a perforated toe surrounded by an offbeat suede overlay. Serrated 3-Stripes graced the sidewalls, complementing the gold foil print on the foxing. Additional suede layers enveloped the eyestays and heel, while the black asymmetrical tongue paid homage to classic football shoe aesthetics. A noticeably missing detail from these pairs were Bad Bunny’s signature El Ojo logo, typically seen on the tongue. Following on with the updated theme is the interesting choice of placing the sizing label on the heel, a detail seldom seen in the world of trainers-probably for very good reason!
Something a little different and well worthy of inclusion in our list.
adidas Java
Another Island Pair that gets a surprise release.
Craig wrote this about the Java-absolutely nailing the reason these are in.
When I was sent these images the other day, my joy was real. The recent releases in the Island Series have purposely avoided the pairs that were expected. The Guam, the Bali, when folk were thinking Tahiti, Jamaica, they've gone obscure for sure.
It's a great tactic, as the only people who truly desire these shoes are purists, people who pay attention. So it's a small market, and then so it's a small project. They don't expect to light the world on fire, but they can do them properly, they have to do them properly as the people who are buying expect it.
So when I saw that the adidas Java was returning after over 40 years, the joy was real. They've been done 1:1 and are expected on shelves within the next few weeks. General release around the globe, I know plenty of Indonesian lads who will be going crazy for these.
For a little background, I got in contact with Harry Novianto, founder of diehardadidasfan, and he confirmed that the Java was made in France between 1977 and 1983, only sold in a handful of European countries and that they had never been reissued.
The silhouette comes from The Sneaker, which was a low-cut gym training shoe, made of leather, the Java made the material switch to suede. And what lovely, dark blue suede it is, with red stripes and heel counter, the white tongue features the retro blue Java decal. A white midsole, finished with a red sole, they are attention grabbers and a true piece of adidas history that's returning to shelves. T
They're everything the brand is about. Class personified.
adidas x Brain Dead Stan Smith
L.A. brand put their stamp on the biggest selling shoe of all time.
Ever constant and one of the most successful sneakers of all time, the Stan Smith is the star of the four shoe collection designed in collaboration with Los Angeles-based brand, Brain Dead.
After receiving a warm reception to his first start-up, Farmtactics, designer Kyle Ng was aware of the demand for graphic tees back in 2014, but the stockists hated them. Retailers refused to sell them, while people like Kyle knew the public would buy and wear them, the demand was real. This gave rise to Brain Dead, a collective of creative minds that has a unique and disruptive approach to culture. Inviting many fashionistas, independent designers, and artists to inject their own flavorful styles and tastes into products, the logo of Brain Dead has been represented by various forms and interpretations across a wide spectrum of products. The open-minded approach has worked spectacularly for the brand, they now boast an impressive resume of collaborators, including Oakley, Jeff Goldblum, Carhartt, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
At the beginning of 2024, it was announced that a partnership with adidas would be underway with the introduction of a bowling shoe. Since their launch, there has been a variety of super-limited Stan Smiths, including a pair sold only in London while the major tennis tournament Wimbledon was taking place. Now, the wider audience has three pairs to choose from.
All four arrived together and constructed the same, with signature touches being evident all across the design. Coming in hues of Vapor Pink, Shadow Green, Clear Brown and Light Blue, all four pairs sit upon dark rubber outsoles. Soft leather envelopes the upper, with fuzzy suede appearing at the heels. The Brain Dead logo appears using perforations to the medial area, and also upon a custom ‘adidas Endorsed By’ tongue decal, while the traditional Trefoil Stan Smith logos are present on the back heels. There is a line of jagged stitching along the heel tabs, another signature Brain Dead infusion, and the laces are bobbled and distressed to give that unique and disruptive look.
We love the blue ones!
adidas Radlander
A polarising entry but it’s a design classic, brought back from the Peter Moore inspired Equipment range, from the 1990’s.
Another cult classic returns, with a slight name change, as the Radlander EQT is released. The Equipment (EQT) arm of The Brand With Three Stripes was the brainchild of legendary sneaker figures Peter Moore and Rob Strasser, launching in 1991 to wide acclaim. Repackaging the performance-based designs and looking to reinvigorate a flagging branch of the brand, boundaries were pushed immediately, and multiple variations of futuristic-looking footwear began appearing. Design after design looked to purposely suit one activity or another, with every detail and aspect of the impact that footwear has on physical performance being reviewed and analyzed. This led to numerous advances in technology that were implemented into footwear, and indeed, they still are.
A dream was had, to create the ultimate outdoor shoe that could traverse any terrain and look amazingly unique in doing so. In 1997, the Badlander EQT was launched, featuring the Feet You Wear technology that adidas had licensed from Frampton Ellis the year before. At the time, the design was considered extremely different from the norm. While being sold globally and finding moderate success, it was in Japan the model truly resonated and became more than just another shoe. Instead of hiking up a mountain, the shoe was worn as streetwear, and the silhouette became an overnight sensation on the streets of Tokyo. There has long been a crowd calling for a reissue.
The problem with reproducing this shoe, now named Radlander EQT, lay in the complex construction and sole molds. Nearly 30 years have passed, the toolings and molds for the originals had long been lost or discarded, and the adidas Archive at Herzogenaurach unfortunately didn't have a pair of the shoes stashed away they could work off, they have 2 pairs but they needed to be kept pristine for Archive purposes. Luckily, an adidas employee located an OG pair from an online selling site, which was then scanned to recreate the molds. Then, the pair went to sneaker heaven as it was comprehensibly butchered, surgically taken apart piece by piece so all the correct specifications could be recorded and worked from. A necessary evil.
With perfect timing as the seasons change and maintaining as close to a 1:1 reissue as possible, the adidas Radlander EQT features an entire upper constructed of premium nubuck, tanned to a shade listed as Cardboard. The upper is lined with a lovingly recrafted waterproof membrane called adiDRY that has not been used in production for many years. The unique Core Black rubber FYW sole is visible by jaggedly appearing from underneath and featuring Feet You Wear Freddy to the side while continuing to wrap around to the front as a toeguard and encasing the Torsion system that resides within. The cushioned orange tongue and the lacing system are hidden by a nubuck panel with a blue embroidered border, held in place by three elastic straps that hook onto metal eyelets placed on the opposing side, giving the shoe a uniform appearance. EQT branding is debossed into the medial panel, with a woven tongue tag adorned with the EQT logo. An adiDRY tag is attached at the toe and Torsion branding appears underfoot.
If you interested in the rest of the beautiful EQT hiking range, Woody did a retro reminence in the last Dassler.
adidas Tobacco (Japan)
A classic in an unbeatable colourway.
In the last 18 months, the diversity with which that adidas has demonstrated with region-specific releases has been clearer than ever and continues to shine with the unveiling of three adidas Tobacco that were exclusive to Japan.
The model itself has been part of the adidas catalog since 1970, over 50 years of being an ever-constant available in a multitude of finishes and colors.
In 1970 Adi Dassler’s son Horst started a range that adidas called 'Special Leisure' that used specific color palettes and styles to have a training shoe represent a more formal tone. One of the first shoes of this range was the adidas Tobacco, and it has been a perennial best-seller ever since much beloved across the globe.
The Tobacco name came about because of the original colorway, which is a muted brown that somebody in the factory likened to dried Tobacco leaves, and to this day the OG 'baccies' palette is sought after whenever reissued.
In Japan especially, the adidas Tobacco resonates with the stylish and trendy. All three pairs are constructed of premium suede, and only minimal branding is seen with a retro decal atop the tongues. The first pair unveiled arrives in a triple Night Indigo finish, with even the rubber sole unit carrying through the one-color block aesthetic. This is highly reminiscent of another sought-after adidas Tobacco that was Japanese exclusive, a collaboration with United Arrows.
The second pair is seen adorned in hues of wonder orchid and silver green, a colorful yet slightly muted look that only enhances the sleek suede and the profile of the low-cut silhouette, giving a modern update to a vintage classic. A dark gum-colored rubber sole is underfoot.
Last but by no means least, the third and final adidas Tobacco in the pack features an upper primarily comprising of off white premium suede, that provides the perfect canvas for the contrast of the collegiate green stripes and heel tab. A white rubber sole is used to finish the clean vibe.
If you are lucky enough to have a pair of these beauties (especially the Night indigo) then massive kudos to you!
adidas Country Japan
The most beautiful colourway of the year.
The Country Japan adorned in a classic colourway released this year is another beautiful trainer. The model is newly renamed, having only been released in Japan before under the Special moniker, and comes with subtle differences from the beloved Country OG silhouette.
The main distinctions between the two models would be the tongue detailing, outsole, lettering, and unique heel cup that wraps up around the rear of the shoe. Upon the Country Japan, lettering is apparent on the sidewall, with a small boxed adidas logo in gold foil, while on the Country OG, there is never any lettering applied. The outsoles, both designed to provide extra grip and traction, are created using different tooling. The heel cup, the rear of the sole raises at the back in an instantly recognizable manner that denotes the Country model, but on the Country Japan, this is less pronounced with a narrowing that does not occur on the OG, which uses a much wider heel to provide stability. A woven tongue tag appears on the Japan model, as opposed to a printed decal on the OG. The Japanese 'Special' pairs of yesteryear that the Country Japan now emulates have always primarily used suede as the base material, while the Country OG tends to be a leather base, another small distinction between the models.
This arrival of the Country Japan sees all the classic differences, a full suede construction that is finished off with a heritage colorway. Known to adidas fans as 'Green Vista', the colour palette was first seen in 1980 as the original colour scheme of the adidas Jeans mkII and has become iconic over the years, due to its infrequent use which makes it highly sought after. Preloved Blue adorns the suede base as the primary colour, contrasted by Royal Blue stripes and heel tabs. The sock lining and woven tongue tag are finished in signature adidas blue. Underfoot, more adidas Blue meets Preloved Green in a two-section EVA foam midsole, with that distinctive rubber outsole gum-coloured to complete the classic aesthetic.
adidas x CP SL83 SPZL
Great CP release and one of the best from the adidas SPZL range.
The best of the latest adidas spezial x CP company releases the SL83, a new shoe born out of the love for previous adidas SL (Super Light) sneakers. Using the SL80 as the base for the model, this was then reworked and changed completely by the addition of a T-style overlay to the toe, as per SL72 and SL76. The upper is constructed from Night Cargo-coloured Dyneema, which just happens to be the strongest fibre in the world. This then features overlays of Dust Green suede to the heel, toe and lace stay. A black suede tongue is in place, with Sand hues applied to the Three Stripes branding along the midfoot. A black EVA midsole is joined by a multi-color rubber outsole, that matches the colour of the upper.
adidas Handball Pro SPZL
Pick of the Spzl Decade pack for us.
Released in Clear Blue/Chalk White/Collegiate Navy from the Pre-Spring 2024 10th anniversary collection. The Handball Pro SPZL was inspired by an obscure pair of made in Germany adidas Handball shoes from Gary Aspden's personal collection believed to be made for a professional player by adidas Athletes Services. The colourway is a subtle nod to a pair of Russian made vintage indoor shoes.
END. x Adidas SPZL Moscrop Sneaker 'By the Sea’
Stunning END update of a Spzl classic.
Joining forces for an exclusive 11-piece capsule, these END. x Adidas SPZL Moscrop sneakers, celebrate the line's 10 year anniversary. A reinvigorated take on the OG, a tonal blend of synthetic and suede intertwine on the upper of these shoes. With Cordura material underneath for durability all day, a lugged outsole enhances stability with every step.
END
Again END smashes it out of the park with this update of the OG Spzl Moscrop.
adidas x Kseniaschnaider SL72 OG "Denim Pack"
A beautiful denim pair that was unfortunately a women’s only release (lucky for the twinkle toes blokes!) but absolutley deserves its spot on the best of 2024 list.
The Kseniaschnaider × adidas SL 72 OG utilizes an underlay of light blue denim. Dark blue denim covers the overlays, and Three Stripes branding on the sides sans the eyestays in a suede purple hue. A preloved crimson toeguard extends to the midsole, with flashes of the color also seen at the back heel tab. A big blue adidas tab is also found on the heel, reminiscent of the kind you would find on denim. A light blue dimpled tongue and leather sockliner complete the look.
Founded in 2011 by married couple Ksenia and Anton Schnaider, Kseniaschnaider the Kyiv-based fashionistas have had several products go viral. The couple, rooted in sustainability through necessity, would trawl flea markets and thrift stores for materials, denim in particular, and all their most classic items came from upcycling. The Demi-Denims that brought worldwide acclaim to the brand, worn by Bella Hadid, were sourced from hunting through second-hand stores, like the infamous Lesnoy bazaar in Kyiv. By 2019, it was estimated they were upcycling over five tons of textiles and denim every year, and this kind of commitment has led to their growth and avid fanbase that loves the ‘meme’ style offerings that come forth.
adidas ZX6001 x Civilist
Amazing collab produces a future classic.
In a powerhouse collaboration between two German brands, adidas Skateboarding joined Civilist Berlin to unveil a skate-inspired ZX model. The retro silhouette blended the ‘80s running heritage with the distinctive skate culture, weaving together a familiar yet strikingly new design. Paying homage to the Brunnenstrasse lifestyle, the adidas Civilist ZX 6001 “White Gold” borrowed elements from the ‘90s and 2000s skate shoes, offering a clean, wide-ranging style catering to trainer officinados and ZX loyalists.
This trainer featured a clean white textile underlay with ribbed textures on the quarter panel for additional comfort and structure. Off-white suede reinforces the toe, eyestays, and heel counter, replacing the typical plastic backing. Black and gold accents animate the nylon 3-Stripes on the sidewalls, offset by dark blue suede layers underneath. Co-branded details highlight the mesh tongue, complementing the “6001” labels on the lateral forefoot and volt green lace dubrae. The silver rear tab flaunts 3M reflective details for nighttime visibility. A lightweight EVA foam midsole provides plush cushioning and adequate shock absorption, whilst the rubber sole features a rigid Torsion support bar on the midfoot and a smiley face emblem on the heel. Special-edition graphics on the co-branded sockliners showcased the outsole design.
adidas TMNT Shell-toe
Hero in a Shell-Toe.
Celebrating the franchise’s 40th anniversary, the legendary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles joined adidas to unveil a special-edition Superstar. TMNT x adidas Shell-toe “Craft Green” paid homage to the original comic book issue of the TMNT, depicting the beloved Superstar with premium details inspired by the hard-shelled reptiles.
The trainer boasted a revamped shelltoe design mimicking the mutant's turtle shells, a first for the Superstar. Darker green hues enveloped the suede heel tabs and inner lining for contrast. The red serrated 3-Stripes and lace charms honoured the original masks worn by the four heroic ninjas. Signature Trefoil symbols embellished the rear, while a turtle shell emblem replaced the traditianal logo. A similar story surrounded the "Shelltoe" gold foil lettering, swapped in for the typical “Superstar” wording. The sockliners boasted pizza graphic prints, honouring the squad’s favourite post-fight dish. A gum rubber sole sat underfoot, serving the perfect finishing touch.
Just like the well-renowned Star Wars x adidas collaborations, this edition came with action figure-inspired packaging, including extra grey and red laces, extra graphic insoles, lace jewels with the Turtles' initials as well as a mini comic book.
There were also Master Splinter and Shredder versions but these were the best.
adidas Stan Smith Freizeit
The best of would not be complete without featuring an adidas leisure or Freizeit (Free Time in German) shoe.
Released in a beautiful redwood and dark brown, the adidas Stan Smith Freizeit sports a premium, all-leather upper. Debossed branding is seen on the tongue and sockliner. Classic Three Stripes perforations are on the lateral and medial sides, with redwood-colored laces keeping the theme. A solid, dark brown rugged, solid rubber outsole makes the Stan Smith Freizeit stand out from your traditional version.
adidas Predator 94
For its’ 30th anniversary adidas released a limited (limited to just 1,994 pairs worldwide) run of an almost 1-1 remake of the OG Predator football boot.
The adidas Predator 2024 remake retained the OG features, such as a reptile leather upper, large rubber patches and the iconic three stripes design of the Ooriginal 1994 boots. However, adidas not only took the original upper but improved it with more high-quality materials and more details.
In 2014, adidas also re-released the Predator 94 boots as part of the Revenge Pack. However, while adidas opted for a synthetic upper back then, the 3 Stripes decided to stay closer to the original with a kangaroo leather upper in 2024. Predator aficionados certainly appreciated this.
Iconic.
adidas x END Tobacco ‘Fly Fishing’
Another Tobacco on our list but the quality of this release just couldn’t be ignored.
A favourite among trainer collectors, the END. x adidas Tobacco arrived as part of the ‘Flyfishing’ collection, in a colourway inspired by the highly skilled sport. The buttery soft suede uppers were contrasted by the iconic serrated 3-Stripes while a custom co-branded label sits on the tongue. Classic gum rubber soles provide stability underfoot and the contrasting leather heel tab completes this must-have sneaker.
adidas x Overkill ZX8000 ‘Heimspiel (Home Game)’
Celebratory European Champion pair win.
The Overkill x adidas ZX8000 did a good job of letting its theme shine clear as day, with black, yellow, and red stripes delivering a direct nod to the German flag colors. That same arrangement made a minor yet notable cameo on the midsole, while Overkill branding hit the right tongue and mudguard, both of which appeared in black in lockstep with other accent elements across the upper. Additionally, separate green and light blue insoles were inspired by the Olympiastadion stadium in Berlin, the site of the tournament’s final on July 14th, 2024.
and now for the winners….
adidas ZX600
The adidas ZX600 Returns
A much-heralded return for an iconic classic finally happened. (We admit we never thought it possible!) In a highly competitive marketplace during the 1980s, Nike and adidas were constantly going head to head, striving to gain any little advantage over the competition. This led to massive advances in the technology implemented during the shoemaking process, how the sneakers were constructed and what materials they were manufactured from.
In 1984, curated by legendary designer Jacques Chassaing, adidas launched the ZX range which revolutionised running footwear. The first pair in this new collection was the ZX 500; with the ZX 600 first launching in 1985, these pairs immediately struck a chord amongst various sub-cultures.
Quickly adopted for more than just running tracks, they became a staple of streetwear around Europe during this highly influential period in history. The Berlin Wall still stood in Germany, in the UK Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, the world was awakening to the thawing of the constant nuclear threat and the Soviet Union was starting to collapse. For those who lived through this period, the nostalgia for shoes like the ZX 600 is immeasurable.
At present, the shoe hasn't been on shelves for sale since 2010. The last time the much-loved original colourway was reissued was 2006. In 2020, during an Instagram Live interview with UK retailer size?, curator of the adidas Spezial range Gary Aspden confirmed the tooling had been lost, so the shoe couldn't be made again as things stood. This led to social media chatter that has continued unabated as many fans of the shoe wanted to see a return. Now it seems the brand noticed this demand and a pair of the original 1986 Made In France ZX 600 has made its way to Herzogenaurach, the home of adidas HQ, to be scanned for recreation of the sole units tooling. With this being the 40th anniversary of the launch of the ZX range, it made perfect sense.
The original ZX range launched in 1984, 40 years ago this year. The ZX 600 launched shortly after, 85/86 and became a cult icon amongst certain communities. Northern, working-class communities in particular. Which considering the price of them back then, is surprising. It calculates to something hovering about 120 pounds in today's money, which isn't cheap at all. The original colourway is made up of greys, yellow and black. Plush grey suede makes up most of the upper, with yellow leather stripes and heel counter, a small heel panel of black suede, and then shades of grey make up the canvas and mesh sections. They have decided to reissue these. Alongside a ZX 600 pair carrying the ZX 700 colourway. Deep navy suede make up the upper on them, with red leather stripes and heel counter, white mesh and canvas sections. And of course; the by now legendary outsole, which because of the lost tooling led to them not being able to be recreated for the best part of a decade and a half. The outsole is finished in black which is expanded to increase shock absorption and reinforced in strike zones that receive particular stress upon impact. Real retro feelings as these haven't changed in design in 40 years.
An absolutely vital release, a stunning design and an essential purchase in 2024.
adidas Japan
Beautiful.
Harkening back to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the archival adidas Japan returned to the catalogue in 2024. Last seen in 2020, this sleek trainer offered a low-profile design, characterised by its lightweight construction and flat-soled aesthetic.
Reappearing for another Olympics, this trainer’s colourway flaunted a leather upper with perforation on the forefoot for ventilation. Suede overlays cover the T-toe and lower heel, offset by suede 3-Stripes and back tabs. A gold foil “adidas Japan” label adorned the lateral panel, complementing the metallic gold lace hole on the topmost portion. The verdant Trefoil on the heel coordinated with the woven label on the tongue. An outsole sat underfoot to keep you low to the ground.
An absolutely superb release that has captured the imagination of plenty of trainer addicts. Produced in some stunning colourways (watch out for a stunning ‘Kill Bill’ wasp colourway soon) and super quality leather. The adidas Japan looks to continue adidas’ popularity well into 2025.
adidas SNS GTII
The best shoe released by adidas this year? The SNS GTII. It has become common for a collab to be the best shoe of the year, but this collab is everything good about footwear. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Swedish retailer Sneakersnstuff - SNS's collaborative efforts have been off the charts, with multiple product launches in partnership with different brands. However, the work that SNS achieves with The Brand With Three Stripes seems to resonate louder with consumers.
What a quarter of a century it has been, and in the last few years, their collaborations with adidas have seen them highlight their roots, from the ‘Sodermalm’ Stadt, a homage to the SNS HQ that is still located on the small island in the center of Stockholm, to the Hometown Love series that celebrated each of the SNS stores around the globe with an iteration of the SNS GT.
Both the GT and the GTII are archival adidas personified, with rich history meeting modern times most agreeably. The origins of the first model, the SNS GT, go back over four decades. In 1979, adidas released the Handball Spezial to wide acclaim, and then the Austrian factory capitalized, with small differentials and spec changes, producing a new shoe, the Stockholm GT in 1980. This model was only sold to a handful of European markets, thus being relatively unknown and forgotten until SNS announced they would be adapting the sneaker and placing their name upon them.
Eight different pairs of the SNS GT appeared, each representing a city where SNS had a store. Then, at the beginning of this year, it was announced that the sneaker was being updated again. This time they took the SNS GT and blended them with elements from an incredibly rare model of vintage adidas called Malmo Net.
This created a new silhouette, the SNS GTII, and again the locations of the flagship stores would provide the backdrop. After a hugely successful launch of the SNS x adidas SNS GTII 1st Edition ‘London’ in April, the green pair that had many fans, they followed that up with the 2nd Edition, Berlin, and then the 3rd Edition, Paris.
A switch-up in materials from one pair to the next makes them a little more special than most pairs. So many people appreciated the pairs that SNS designed, that the demand was just there, and they sold out immediately but there were not swathes of people missing out. They got it just right. Not crazy amounts of hype, they did not have people flocking like sheep. They had folk who loved their trainers wanting a pair. And they got them. The choice of colours, all wildly different from one pair to the next, allows more appreciation. You don't wear green, that's okay here's a blue pair. If you don't like the nylon upper, that's okay here's a Cordura pair. The quality of the material was top-tier, meaning they'll still be pairs in a decade or two. The biggest compliment to be paid is the aesthetic. They look like they could have been in a 1970s adidas catalogue and a genuine reissue, instead of being a modern creation that had never been done until 2024. The price was not restrictive, with pairs from Dingyun Zhang and Y-3 coming in at 250 quid, twice the trainer and half the price SNS provided a more stylish alternative. In the years to come, more and more will appreciate the SNS GTII, and they will be widely considered classics, many already do. All year there was talk about these trainers on the socials and the year is ending with the next pair freshly unveiled and anticipation building for that release. So when the shoe is so good, that it is being sought into 2025 and beyond, it takes its place as the number one pair of 2024.
We at The Dassler would like to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year, wherever you are. We hope that 2025 brings you and your family much joy, happiness, peace and plenty of adidas!
You won’t be surprised to learn that we think The Dassler 34 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 with a comment on here or socials, recommend us to your adidas-loving friends (who we’re sure you have many)and see you all (slightly later than normal) on Saturday January 25th for another great Dassler, packed with adidas goodness- number 35!
Keep wearing 3 stripes.
Woody & Craig- TD 👟///
Glad the Civilist made the list