The Legacy of Adidas Adizero
PERPETUAL MOTION
Words by Madison Kilough
Adizero, adidas’ advanced running line, has driven the evolution of performance shoes since its inception..…
While the sector evolves at lightning speed, fueled by rapid advancements in technology and materials, Adizero has maintained a unique balance, blending innovation with a strong foundation of traditional methods. Running through it is an undercurrent of evolution, perpetual motion, and the pace of progress – driven by contemporary culture’s unending pursuit of newness
The line, which officially launched in 2008 after its initial development in 2004, was Adidas' deliberate foray into rethinking running shoe design with a focus on intentional innovation. At a time when most major brands were chasing cutting-edge technology, Adidas chose to emphasize the human touch by tapping Japanese craftsman Toshiaki Omori, who had been developing foot-centric models for Adidas since 1999. Omori’s handcrafted methods—building shoes entirely by hand, from pattern cutting to lasting—allowed the brand to break away from digital and machine-driven processes.
The first model Omori designed was the Adios and was worn by Ethiopian runner Halle Gebrselassie for the Berlin Marathon where he broke the world record by 29 seconds. This hand-made design, at the forefront of technology, outperformed shoes that were entirely machine-made. It was clear that his methodology worked: the precision and subtlety of handcraft could create an experience and functionality that machines and programs alone could not replicate.
While the Adios was the defining model of Adizero’s past, the Adios Pro Evo (which released in 2023) defines the line’s present. A groundbreaking racing shoe, the shoe weighs just 138 grams, making it 40% lighter than any previous Adidas race shoe. This significant weight reduction is achieved through the use of a new, non-compression Lightstrike Pro foam in the midsole, partnered with a feather-light mesh upper. The shoe also features a forefoot rocker design, enhancing running economy by promoting a more efficient toe-off. As Adizero’s pinnacle performance model, it represents the "Formula 1" of the line, with cutting-edge technology offset by a moment of human intervention with its painted outsole.
Continuing this legacy is the Adidas Aruku with its advanced materials and construction. Its design is deeply connected to the concept of perpetual motion—continuous movement within a system free from external forces—an idea also reflected in its name, “walk” in Japanese. Rather than defying physics, the Aruku captures this idea through its distinct engineering. At its core lies a nitrogen-infused Swirlfoam midsole, providing added comfort and energy return. Complementing this advanced cushioning are its pronounced toe and heel springs, which simulate endless propulsion both visually and physically for a dynamic running or day-to-day experience.
Despite its strong foundation in the performance category, having helped with over 150 elite racing victories, the Adizero line has expanded into the lifestyle space through collaborations with brands like Y-3 and Wales Bonner. This transition reflects its ability to blend high-end performance innovation with craftsmanship, producing models that resonate beyond their utility. By balancing the fast-paced, progress-driven ethos of performance with a human-centered approach, the Adizero line sets a new standard in versatile footwear. This aligns with CONCEPT(K)’s vision: how shoes can transcend their functional forms and become a testament to the evolution of design as a whole.
Having worked with Adidas for some time, CONCEPT(K) is set to launch its first client-facing project with the brand through the release of a friends & family pack featuring : the Adizero ADIOS OG and the Adizero ARUKU STRUNG. Both feature grey concrete tones that align with the studio's uniform, while a gradient tracing the iconic Adidas three stripes echoes movement and momentum. Each model reflects key elements of Adizero’s ethos: the ADIOS OG merges handcraft with technical precision, representing the brand’s initial step toward capturing the concept of perpetual motion, while the ARUKU STRUNG contrasts this with its highly engineered, machine-driven design.
Central to the ARUKU model is the utilisation of STRUNG — a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind technology—to optimise fit and performance while giving the upper and x-ray-like quality. This innovation leverages athlete data to strategically position threads which are woven by a robotic arm, mirroring human movement. The result is a structure that is breathable, lightweight, and offers targeted support and flexibility where needed. Together, these models not only reflect where Adizero has come from but also tell its story, merging past and present in a tangible, wearable form.
The adidas by_CONCEPT(K) F&F Pack:
Adizero ADIOS OG (£120)
Adizero ARUKU STRUNG (£160)
Available on January 26th exclusively from concept-k.com
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