Combining elements of the Micropacer, Rising Star, and Boston Super silhouettes, the adidas NMD was ahead of its time when it first hit shelves back in 2015, and it remains so today. In fact, through its partnership with the International Space Station, adidas has sent its BOOST technology to space — the first of its kind to do so — even dropping the "Goodbye Gravity" NMD to celebrate.
The OG NMD R1 that first appeared in 2015 was packed with enough tech to be the runner's best friend but was designed first and foremost for day-to-day activity. Dreamed up by company veteran Nic Galway, the adidas NMD married the specification of a long-distance running shoe with the everyday comfort of a lifestyle sneaker. A stretchy mesh upper keeps the NMD R1 light and breathable, while responsive cushioning adds support. The silhouette can be spotted by the iconic NMD plugs at the midsole.
The fact that this suped-up shoe hid its runner side under a casual appearance is perhaps key to the popularity that it still holds. Since 2015, the Three Stripes has released various new iterations of the NMD — the V3 edition, for example, revamped the classic lifestyle piece, bringing bold new colorways like this purple edition.
Whatever your style, you'll likely find an NMD that's a fit. Minimal heads will find solace in all-black and all-white colorways, while those looking to make statements will likely be drawn to editions such as the camo-dressed NMD below.
Scroll on for a round-up of the best adidas NMD sneakers out there.
Black / Red / Blue
NMD R1 Shoes
adidas
This NMD really treads the line between minimal and bold. Mostly minimal, the exterior walls are finished in black, but the sole plugs offer a nice flash of color with red and blue edges.
Royal Blue
NMD R1 Shoes
adidas
Royal Blue is a safe bet. The classic blue hue nods to the sporty roots of the NMD without removing it from the daily rotation.
White / Gum
NMD R1 Primeblue Shoes
adidas
Made using Primeblue, a recycled fabric, this all-white NMD features a beautiful detail in the gum outsole. It harks back to adidas' archive which was dominated by retro gum-sole designs.
Black
NMD R1 Primeblue Shoes
adidas
Triple Black is a fan favorite for good reason. Especially on a silhouette like the NMD, the all-black colorway boosts its versatility to no end.
Magic Grey
NMD R1 Shoes
adidas
Partly toned-down with a muted Magic Grey upper, this NMD also succeeds in catching the eye. It's ideal for summer days which emphasize the colorful upper.
Purple V3
NMD V3 Shoes
adidas
The NMD V3 takes a much more durable tack than the R1. Hard-wearing textile uppers in purple align with technical, hiking styles while the Boost midsole is cradled by a sturdier outsole than the regular NMD is used to.
Ecru Tint
NMD R1 Shoes
adidas
We're always on board with a neutral coloray and the Ecru Tint palette of this pair is doing it for us. Styling is made easy because there's nothing that the off-white finish won't go with.
Camo
NMD R1 Shoes
adidas
Reserved for adiClub members, this Camo pair is definitely the boldest in today's roundup. It's easy to unlock this release, simply sign up to adiClub for free.
Linen Green
NMD R1 Shoes
adidas
In stark contrast to the previous Camo selection, this Linen Green NMD R1 proves the understated potential of the silhouette.
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