Shop authentic Adidas and more online in New Zealand. Explore Statement Streetwear's exclusive collection of Adidas footwear, featuring a wide variety of colourways and sizes for both men and women. Every item is thoroughly verified for authenticity by our expert team, ensuring you can shop with total confidence.
Adidas: Everything You Need to Know
Adidas is one of the world's leading sportswear brands, renowned for its innovative products, iconic designs, and significant cultural impact. Founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler in Germany, Adidas has evolved into a global powerhouse in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. The brand is recognized for its commitment to performance, style, and sustainability, appealing to athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.
The Rise of Adidas: A Brief History
Adidas’ origins trace back to the 1920s when Adolf Dassler began making shoes for athletes. The brand gained prominence after supplying footwear for the 1936 Olympics, where Jesse Owens famously wore Adidas spikes. Over the decades, Adidas continued to innovate, introducing groundbreaking technologies such as the first-ever athletic shoe with a cushioned sole.
The brand's iconic three stripes logo, introduced in 1967, became synonymous with quality and performance. In the 1970s, Adidas expanded into lifestyle and streetwear, forging partnerships with sports legends like Muhammad Ali and basketball icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The launch of the Adidas Superstar in 1969 and the Stan Smith in 1971 solidified Adidas’ status in both sports and fashion.
Why Adidas Stands Out
-
Innovative Technology: Adidas is at the forefront of sportswear innovation, developing advanced technologies like Boost cushioning, Primeknit uppers, and Climacool ventilation. These innovations enhance athletic performance and comfort, making Adidas products highly sought after by athletes and casual wearers.
-
Cultural Influence: Beyond sports, Adidas has made a significant impact on fashion and pop culture. Collaborations with musicians, designers, and artists have helped elevate the brand's status in the lifestyle market, making it a staple in streetwear.
-
Sustainability Commitment: Adidas has taken significant steps toward sustainability, focusing on reducing its environmental footprint. Initiatives like the Parley for the Oceans partnership, which turns plastic waste into performance materials, highlight the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Adidas Collection Highlights
-
Adidas Ultra Boost: Introduced in 2015, the Ultra Boost line features Boost cushioning technology, providing exceptional energy return and comfort. This model has become a favorite for runners and sneaker enthusiasts, celebrated for its sleek design and versatility.
-
Adidas NMD: Launched in 2015, the NMD combines modern design with streetwear aesthetics. Its sock-like fit and Boost cushioning have made it a popular choice for casual wear, often released in limited editions that attract collectors.
-
Adidas Samba: Originally designed as a soccer training shoe, the Samba has transcended its athletic origins to become a beloved lifestyle sneaker. Its classic silhouette and retro appeal make it a go-to choice for streetwear aficionados.
-
Adidas Yeezy: The Yeezy line, created in collaboration with Kanye West, has revolutionized sneaker culture. With its distinctive designs and limited releases, Yeezy has become a phenomenon, influencing both streetwear and high fashion.
The Yeezy Phenomenon
Launched in 2015, the Adidas Yeezy line began with the Yeezy Boost 750 and quickly became one of the most coveted sneaker collections in history. Yeezy footwear is known for its unique aesthetics, often featuring bold silhouettes, earthy color palettes, and innovative materials. The collaboration has expanded to include various styles, such as the Yeezy Boost 350, which combines comfort with a futuristic look.
Yeezy sneakers often sell out within minutes of release, creating a thriving resale market. The exclusivity and hype surrounding Yeezy have made it a cultural touchstone, bridging the gap between sports and luxury fashion. Each release is meticulously designed by Kanye West, reflecting his vision and influence on contemporary culture.
Impact on Adidas
The Yeezy collaboration has significantly changed Adidas' trajectory. Prior to Yeezy, Adidas was primarily known for its performance and classic lifestyle shoes. The partnership with Kanye West introduced a new level of hype and desirability, elevating Adidas’ status within the sneaker community and beyond. Yeezy's influence has not only increased sales but has also transformed the brand's image, aligning it more closely with high fashion and contemporary art.
Yeezy's limited releases and innovative designs have set new standards in sneaker marketing, prompting Adidas to rethink its strategies. The collaboration has also inspired Adidas to explore more partnerships with influential figures in music and fashion, expanding its reach and relevance in the lifestyle segment.
The Yeezy line has also sparked a broader trend within the sneaker industry, where scarcity and exclusivity drive demand. This approach has resonated with consumers, leading to increased interest in Adidas products across the board, from performance to lifestyle footwear.
Iconic Collaborations: Adidas’ Creative Partnerships
Adidas has built a reputation for successful collaborations, enhancing its relevance in both sports and lifestyle markets:
-
Adidas x Pharrell Williams: This partnership emphasizes inclusivity and creativity, producing vibrant, bold designs across various footwear and apparel lines. The collaboration celebrates individuality and self-expression, featuring unique colorways and patterns.
-
Adidas x Alexander Wang: Blending streetwear with high fashion, this collaboration showcases unique designs that challenge traditional athletic wear. The partnership has produced several limited-edition collections that emphasize creativity and artistic expression.
-
Adidas x Parley for the Oceans: This collaboration highlights Adidas’ commitment to sustainability, using recycled ocean plastic in its products. The partnership aims to raise awareness about ocean pollution while creating high-performance athletic gear.
-
Adidas x Beyoncé (Ivy Park): This collaboration merges sportswear with fashion, offering a line that celebrates empowerment and individuality. The collections often feature bold designs and inclusive sizing, making a strong statement in both sports and fashion circles.
How Does Adidas Fit?
Adidas products typically fit true to size, although specific models may vary slightly. The brand offers a diverse range of styles, catering to various sports and lifestyle preferences.
-
Comfort and Performance: Adidas integrates advanced technologies to provide optimal comfort and support. Features like Boost cushioning and Primeknit uppers ensure that Adidas products perform well in various athletic and casual settings.
-
Specifics for Each Type:
-
Performance Models: Designed for specific sports, these sneakers often include features tailored for optimal performance, such as traction, stability, and breathability.
-
Lifestyle Models: Adidas lifestyle styles emphasize trendy aesthetics and casual wear. Sneakers like the Superstar and Stan Smith are designed for everyday use, seamlessly fitting into a variety of outfits while maintaining their signature look.
-
In summary, Adidas is not only a sportswear brand; it is a cultural icon that has shaped the landscape of sports, fashion, and lifestyle. With its relentless pursuit of innovation, deep-rooted history, and significant influence on popular culture, Adidas continues to inspire athletes, collectors, and fashion enthusiasts around the world. Its legacy is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring impact of sports and style on society.