The 6 Key References Behind the 'Game of Thrones' x adidas Ultra Boost Colorways
Winter is coming, and so is the final season of Game of Thrones as well as a pack of adidas Ultraboosts that have been modelled after the popular HBO show. Having been teased as far back as early 2018, all six Ultra Boosts from the Game of Thrones x adidas pack were officially unveiled today.
The product shots, which you can check out in detail here, give a good indication of what characters and houses inspired the colorways — for seasoned Game of Thrones fans, at least.
If you’re not a die-hard Westerosi, or just haven’t had a chance to rewatch all seven of the previous seasons, we’ve got you covered. Scroll on to read about what likely inspired each of the Game of Thrones x adidas Ultra Boost colorways below.
Check out our dedicated post for more information on the upcoming collaboration, and tune into HBO on April 14 for the start of the upcoming season of Game of Thrones.
“The Night’s Watch” adidas Ultra Boost
Key references: The Night’s Watch are the guardians of the seven kingdoms. Stationed at the northern-most point of Westeros, they patrol the infamous wall. Because the wall is in the North and made completely of ice, members of the Night’s Watch wear heavy coats to protect them from the cold. The “Watchers on the Wall” also only wear black.
The corresponding Ultra Boost has been decked out in a black and white Primeknit upper, which most likely represents the garb worn by the Night’s Watch. The white mudguard, Boost midsole, and outsole could be said to represent the snowy and icy north. A leather lace cage completes the look, most likely symbolic of the heavy leather and armor worn by the Night’s Watch. A heavier tread on the outsole, as well as a fleece sock liner also play into the winter theme.
“White Walker” adidas Ultra Boost
Key references: The White Walkers are undead creatures from the aforementioned North that only have one thing on their minds: destruction. As their name suggests, the White Walkers are primarily white or icy blue, owing to their natural, albeit frozen, habitat. Their Ultra Boost is dressed in primarily white Primeknit, with hits of contrasting black on the tongue, liner, and Three Stripe branding. The lace cage, heel cup, and mudguard are a translucent, icy blue, another color seen on some of the White Walkers.
The phrase “Winter is here” is present on the heel, which is the biggest giveaway, as the White Walkers come when the winter does. A white Boost midsole and white rubber outsole continue the theme.
“House Stark” adidas Ultra Boost
Key references: House Stark are the wardens of the North and their sigil is a grey direwolf on a white background. The house’s colors are black and grey, which adidas has very literally applied to its Ultra Boost. A dark grey Primeknit upper is complemented by hits of black on the lining, mudguard, Boost midsole, rubber outsole, heel cup, and Three Stripes branding. The house’s motto, “Winter is Coming,” is sewn onto the heel as a tag. A heavier tread on the outsole, as well as a fleece sock liner also play into the winter theme.
“House Targaryen” adidas Ultra Boost
Key references: The Targaryens are the former ruling family of Westeros, having been defeated in a rebellion led by Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark. The house’s sigil is a red, three-headed dragon in front of a black background and their words are “Fire and Blood.” Those same words are present on a tag on the heels of both of their Ultra Boosts.
The house’s first Ultra Boost takes inspiration from the Targaryen’s close relationship with dragons. A black and red, gradient Primeknit upper is an obvious allusion to the fire dragons breathe, as well as the official colors of House Targaryen. An all-black Boost midsole and outsole combination, as well as a black lace cage and heel cup add to the dark and dangerous theme.
The second Ultra Boost is all white, with cream and silver accents on the laces, lace cage, heel cup, and heel tag. The Targaryens are an old noble Valyrian family (the former name of the territory east of Westeros), and are known for their distinctly Valyrian features (namely pale, white skin and strikingly silver hair).
“House Lannister” adidas Ultra Boost
Key references: House Lannister are the current rulers of Westeros and one of the richest and most powerful families. Their sigil is a golden lion on a crimson field and their words (also present as a tag on the heel) are “Hear Me Roar.”
The red Primeknit upper is a clear nod to the house’s colors, as well as the family’s status as the ruling monarchs of Westeros, due to crimson’s regal connotations. The gold Three Stripes branding is, again, a reference to the house colors, but can also be taken as symbolic of the riches the Lannister’s possess.
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