Though known for its progressive approach to new sneaker technologies, adidas’ partnership with the International Space Station, announced at the end of 2019, would most likely have surprised even the most clued-up of Three Stripes fans. The partnership will see the German sportswear giant work closely with the ISS US National Lab, testing improvements to adidas sneakers in outer space. Yep, actual space. And it’s the first brand in history to do it.
Without the burden of gravity, adidas hopes to explore how comfort and durability can be improved via its BOOST technology, optimizing the way its soles are molded. Utilizing the testing conditions of space, the partnership will examine how things such as extreme heat and compression effect footwear and the wearer, also looking into how sustainability can be bettered.
To celebrate adidas sneakers stepping over the final frontier, the brand has set out on a mission of space-inspired drops, including the “Goodbye Gravity” NMD. The original NMD was itself a future-forward sneaker, shaking up the footwear game when it launched back in 2015. One of adidas’ most popular silhouettes, the NMD blends elements of the Boston Super, the Rising Star, and the Micropacer. The OG Micropacer, which first landed in 1984, was a revolutionary sneaker, coming with a concealed sensor for recording speed, distance, and even calories burnt. adidas’ futuristic approach to footwear is by no means new.
The three latest NMD sneakers come in colorways that mirror the dark abyss of space. Futuristic detailing comes in the form of iridescent Three Stripes on the NMD R1, while the R1 V.2 upper is stamped with an iridescent patch. All NMD sneakers, which are available to shop at Foot Locker, are home to adidas’ soon-to-be-space-travelling BOOST technology.
Shop the Space Race adidas NMD sneakers at Foot Locker.
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