If the Samba is adidas' past, the XLG is its future.

The adidas XLG Metawave is a refreshingly chunky sneaker, shaking up the flat shoe agenda that’s been dominating the sneaker zeitgeist. 

Look familiar? Kitted with a techy upper punctuated by an overextended heel and layered midsole, the XLG Metawave resembles Balenciaga's equally futuristic Circuit sneaker. 

The shoe made its global debut during Namesake's Spring/Summer 2025 presentation and, true to its name, the XLG Metawave sneaker is huge, both in size and implication. 

See, the adidas XLG Metawave represents the future of adidas, specifically adidas' Sportwear label, which excels in more youthful and innovative design styles. adidas has been quietly and frequently dropping XLG models for a minute now, like the laced-up XLG Runner Deluxe and the pre-dirtied Vento XLG Deluxe.

Big ole shoes are nothing new for adidas — just take a look at its Lanvin-coded Forum 2000 sneaker. But the XLG line represents a new frontier for adidas that directly contrasts with the mega-popular — and ultra flat — adidas Samba.

The shoes couldn't look more different if they tried. Where the Samba is flat and unassuming, the XLG Metawave is bold and commanding. The Samba is a classic piece of adidas history, and the XLG is its innovative antithesis, representing adidas' more avant-garde pursuits.

The XLG Metawave is an omen of the end of flat sneaker mania. About time!