Progressive Design Meets the Future of Footwear

Fashion is a forever developing space. As new and upcoming creatives break through their ceiling and challenge the convention and ideologies of the pioneers who came before them, we are seeing a new dialect between future-facing innovation and the garments we wear on an everyday basis. From more sustainable and responsible manufacturing to textiles allowing for greater functionality, designers are pushing the boundaries of creativity more than ever. German-based fashion and sneaker retailer, solebox, looks to harness this next-generation power with the release of the adidas NMD S1.

As the young designers pave a new way, it’s important for the giants of the fashion world to acknowledge them too, and there are few brands that showcase a determination towards future progression as much as the German-based sneaker giant, adidas. Always paying homage to their classic silhouettes, but forever taking leaps forward in progression, adidas continues to sit amongst some of the best when it comes to projecting themselves forward in innovation. With the release of their latest NMD S1 it only reinforces this notion; a culmination of the leaps and bounds adidas has come in sneaker technology. The S1 is adidas’ pinnacle expression of premium craftsmanship, and alongside solebox, they both aim to embody and celebrate the abilities of the aforementioned up-and-coming creatives, facilitating a one-of-a-kind experience.

With the NMD S1 set to release on the 12th August, adidas and solebox look to address the expertise of these culture shapers and define a new narrative between brand giants and up and coming designers. With a partnership between Rob Boyd and Jeongli, 2 designers and paragons of progressive design, the release is a connection of cultures and creatives; both existing in the same universe and tied together with the same design expectations.

The adidas NMD S1 – The Sole of Premium Craftsmanship

The adidas NMD when released in 2015 was a king of the sneaker game, both fashionably and functionally. Loved by sports and fashion fans alike, the NMD made waves in the industry and still to this day is a shoe known for changing the game.

Fast forward to present date, a shoe for the new age of functional first, progressive and future-facing individuals, the NMD S1 is adidas latest venture to ensure that every step we take, we move forward. Confidence in every step, adidas continues to prove its place in the market of high crafted shoe technology, and the NMD S1 is once again a welcome addition to the family tree of past innovative products. Fusing adidas’ technology with a human perspective opens the door to a more mindful future. One that is responsible and conscious, but still knows no bounds in performance and functionality. 

The shoe itself, consisting of a prime knit upper inherited from the original NMD for maximum comfort and a voluminous sole allowing the wearer bounce and cushion in their step like never before, pays homage to the original whilst also reshaping it for the future. Fusing together today's creative pioneer's mindset with their own long history of legendary technology built up over years and years of research and development. The S1 looks to connect us closer together like never before through cultural threads and human craftsmanship. 

With the release of the original NMD R1 in 2015, now 7 years later the NMD S1 aims to bring back the concept of crafting something that is meaningful but still connected to the tech-inspired world we live in today. Due to this, adidas and solebox are partnering up with the new generation of pioneers. Real people, who are continuing to develop a more functional tomorrow through their expertise. 

Rob Boyd and Jeongli – The DNA

2 creators, defining the craft of today in modern fashion, help to join forces with the german-based brands in a partnership which embodies the progressive nature of the shoe. Rob Boyd and Jeongli, both outstanding examples of how the convention of modern design can be broken, were set to design 2 custom tracksuits each to go alongside the adidas NMD S1. Resonating with an organic audience that connects to the progressive movement of today, both designers created tracksuits that help bridge the gap between comfort and function.

Rob Boyd’s first instalment consists of his signature patterning and exposed seams, merging a technical look with casual everyday attire. Rob accurately displays an innovative and techy approach whilst also being extremely wearable. His second iteration is a much more casual and cosier tracksuit, yet still well-crafted and highly functional all the same. An all-grey full cotton tracksuit with mesh venting for breathability and toggles to tighten or loosen certain parts makes for a dynamic take on the traditional cotton tracksuit. Roadman meets the future. 

For Jeongli’s additions we see an ultra-technical rendition of a tracksuit, utilising multiple different fabrics and unique patterning to create a neo-future aesthetic. Slick, contemporary and understated yet impactful. The tracksuit acts as everyday armour to any weather condition. Whilst on the other hand, his next rendition is as if an 80s tracksuit was to be fused with a tracksuit from 3022. Muted tones of grey and black dress the tracksuit, and unique pull tags and clips add functionality that is desired from the next generation of tastemakers. 

The Event and Raffle opportunity

Both tracksuits and the upcoming shoes will be on display in a gallery-style exhibition from August 12 / 11am in Berlin (‘the hub‘, Nürnberger Straße 16, 10789 Berlin) – In an attempt again to make the release an immersive experience, people are able to view the collection in all its glory. Not only will the exhibition host these garments to celebrate future-facing design, but solebox will also be raffling away the tracksuits for lucky entrees to be in for a chance to win the one-of-one outfits. Keep your eye on solebox’s and Sabukaru’s Instagram for more information on how to enter. 

Stepping into Digital Design

The projected was directed by Manuel Haring [@x_haring] of 979 Studio [@979.studio], and as well as partnering with 2 pioneers in the physical world, adidas and solebox also join forces with a pioneer of the digital world. Enter Max Salzborn, an exceptionally talented digital artist bringing real-life garments into the metaverse. With his history of digital design, and his own project dubbed ‘SALTY HEADS’, Max blurs the lines between fashion and digital creativity. 

Known for his incredibly high detailed renders of sneakers, hats, and more, Max can transport us into a 3D rendered world seamlessly. Tasked to showcase the custom outfits and shoes in a 3D environment, the designer showcases them in incredible detail, highlighting all the functions, features and nuances of the garments and shoes that really bring them to life. 

The Run-Up to the Release

With the release of the NMD S1 set for the 12th August at solebox, we’re keeping a close eye on the new model’s impact. With the efforts of Rob Boyd and Jeongli, as well as Max Salzborn’s digital world, it’s clear that adidas and solebox are really trying to embody a new generation of creators and consumers. One that progresses past current narratives and barriers set by pioneers before.

We urge you to also keep a close eye on the release of the model, try them for yourself, and again to be in for a chance to win a pair of the shoes and the custom outfits then stay tuned on solebox’s and Sabukaru’s Instagram. 

Text by Joe Goodwin