In July 2020, adidas celebrated the 5-year anniversary of its partnership with Parley with the release of the adidas X Parley UltraBOOST DNA. More significant, however, was the company’s continued effort and declaration to combat plastic waste with initiatives to create sustainable sneakers. adidas Originals has announced its Clean Classics range, a mix of court classics from the adidas archives, created from plastic waste.
One of the biggest issues in the fashion industry in recent years has been its contribution to global waste. As many companies reckon with global warming and sustainable manufacturing processes, many have taken up the mantle in forging new and better processes. adidas has been fighting such issues over many years already, and it’s latest Clean Classics collection takes the design process to the next level.
The range of court classics from the adidas archives includes the likes of the Superstar, Stan Smith, Continental 80, Top Ten, SC Premiere, Supercourt, and Superstar Bold sneakers.
Each of these have been redesigned to reduce the impact on the environment, while also reusing plastic waste. Primegreen, the core of the adidas pledge, features high-performance materials made from at least 50% recycled waste in its manufacturing process.
The range of sneakers includes 70% recycled materials for the uppers, with renewable and reclaimed rubber for the soles. The sneakers also carry the vegan moniker, to further emphasise the impact on the environment.
The Clean Classics collection not only reduces waste, but as a result of new materials, creates a new look and aesthetic for the classic sneakers.
The sneakers from the collection all feature the classic court aesthetic in an all-white finish. adidas has also pushed its message to the next level, stating directly in bold on the shoes themselves that the reduction of waste and renewable methods aren’t enough to save the planet.
adidas Originals has included many Clean Classics emblems throughout the design – a reminder of the brand’s commitment to a sustainable planet.
The new manufacturing process creates a bricolage effect of colour flecks on the sole, with the upper featuring a more clean-cut look to create some contrast in other elements including the laces and stylistic text.
The adidas Originals Clean Classics collection launches today 10 September 2020, and will be available online at adidas.co.za, as well as in adidas Originals stores. Retail pricing starts at R1,899.
