2016 was the year my obsession with trainers and Adidas in particularly took a significant upward curve and therefore my bank balance a dive!
So I thought I’d look at some of my favourite releases from 2016…in no particular order…
SPEZIAL New York “Carlos”
Inspired by the owner of a Buenos Aires store where an incredible number of dead stock and rare Adidas trainers were discovered over a year ago, the New York “Carlos” edition were part of the main SPEZIAL releases in 2015 and 2016. Based on the classic 80s “runner” the New York but with the classic Argentinian baby blue, I just love these. Unfortunately I didn’t get my hands on a pair and you’re unlikely to now unless you’re happy to pay upwards of £150 on eBay.
New York SPEZIAL – Granite & Grey
The sister shoe if you like to the above New York Carlos, the granite and grey version wasn’t quite as rare when released, but just as easy on the eye.
SPEZIAL Lacombe
Part of another SPEZIAL collection, which references pieces from the brand’s vast archive, tweaking and reshaping them for a fresh, contemporary take on adidas’ signature DNA; the Lacombe was inspired by the Newcombe tennis shoe and continued the collection’s nod to the French riviera.
SPEZIAL Samba
Again, another SPEZIAL release and this time a take on the classic black and white Samba. The good news is, there are still plenty of these available!
Samoa Vintage – Collegiate Navy & Yellow
Originally released in the 1980s, the adidas Island Series instantly made its way into the annals of sneaker folklore with its simple design, head turning colourways and names that recoiled images of faraway lands. Instantly embraced by terrace ‘casual’ culture in the UK, the series eventually became popular globally, leading to 20 styles being released in total. For 2016 the Samoa was lovingly reworked in archive colourways – I picked up the Navy & Yellow version ahead of my weekend in Amsterdam, but the Maroon and White and Cargo Olive and White are just as attractive. And they are all on sale over at END. Clothing.
EQT Running Support OG
During the 1990s adidas’ Equipment series was the first name in performance trainers, creating a legendary legacy. This one-to-one reissue of the 1993 EQT Running Support feels as relevant today as when first released, genuinely timeless. Also currently on sale at END. Clothing.
SPEZIAL Indoor Super
SPEZIAL’s transformation and rejuvenation of adidas’ most iconic footwear releases continued later in 2016. The Indoor Super is perhaps my favourite of the lot, revamping the styling of models from the 70s and 80s Freizeit collections, reworking them for the modern age. This reissue of a squash show is built with a nylon and suede upper, with the model sitting atop a unique Indoor Super outsole.
Consortium LA Trainer OG – Made in Germany
The LA Trainer OG series is one of my favourites from adidas, and this Consortium release was extra special. Created in adidas’s home country, Germany, this OG colourway features mesh underlays with suede overlays, along with metallic silver leather to the serrated three-stripe branding and heel panel.
LA Trainer OG – Legend Ink & Matte Silver
The LA Trainer achieved international fame in 1984 after athletes from around the world competed in Los Angeles. Staying true to those roots, paying homage to the original DNA with smooth suede uppers and mesh panels, styled with the iconic tri-colour plugs in the midsole for an authentic finishing touch. The Legend Ink & Matte Silver colourway below is a new release, but I picked up both the metallic blue and grey versions throughout the year. Shop the series at END.
Jeans MkII “Bern”
Released only this month and based on an archival design from 1980, this ‘Bern’ edition of the Jeans silhouette with suede uppers and a luxe leather lining is one of the best yet. The streetwear shoe has been made for a super-soft feel, finished with a grippy gum-rubber outsole that rounds off the vintage look. Available at END.
