ADIDAS PARALLEL DIMENSION SERIES

This season, adidas Originals steps into bold new territory with a project taken straight out of science-fiction — A//D.

Drawing from archive adidas designs from the early millennium, the A//D (adidas Parallel Dimension) series tells the story of the discovery of an alternate Universe following the appearance of a massive black-hole in outer space. Through a number of expeditions into the parallel dimension, researchers find that the two worlds are virtually identical, with the exception of minor aesthetic differences.

Investigations into two adidas footwear models from the early 2000s reveal striking disparities. Though the two silhouettes — the Twinstrike and Adistar Comp — retain their original tooling and are constructed from familiar materials of the time, their uppers mark a complete departure in style and aesthetic. As a result, their parallel iterations have been dubbed the Twinstrike a//d and Adistar Comp a//d.

First up, the Twinstrike a//d presents a clear departure from the early 2000s runner’s familiar aesthetic. Climacool mesh, premium suede, glossy leathers and reflective details are combined in a striking, futuristic design, finished with a complex ergonomic lacing system for optimum fit. Accompanying the Twinstrike a//d, the Adistar Comp a//d features a similar material construction of Climacool mesh and premium suede atop the original tooling of its namesake, whilst the shoe’s lacing system is defined by webbing tape panels across the vamp and sides. The shoe’s structural 3-stripes are distinguished by a geometric chain motif, supported by a contrast molded TPU heel cap with adidas trefoil branding. Both shoes feature a wealth of details alluding to the interdimensional explorations that led to their discovery – including a number that require closer inspection to uncover. What results is a disorienting exposition of 3-stripes history, told through the eyes of a world that was exactly the same, and yet somehow, totally different.