In a collaboration that continues to fascinate the fashion world, Adidas and the British designer Grace Wales Bonner have joined forces once again, this time to launch a fresh, unexpected pair of sneakers: the Wales Bonner x Adidas Adios Neftenga. Released on September 10, this release marks a significant shift from their previous offerings, surprising fans who may have been expecting yet another take on the ever-popular Samba.
Since the partnership began in 2020, Wales Bonner and Adidas have released more than 30 sneaker designs, many of which have gone on to sell out immediately, particularly the Samba iterations that have dominated the partnership’s releases. However, the Adios Neftenga is not only an anomaly in design, but also a reintroduction of a classic model that has been off the public radar for more than a decade.
For those unfamiliar with the Adios Neftenga, its history is steeped in athletic achievement. The sneaker was first introduced in 2008 and gained legendary status as an Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie wore it during the Berlin Marathon, where he broke his world record by 29 seconds, finishing with a time of 2:03:59. Despite its impressive pedigree, the Neftenga has never been released to the public until now.
Wales Bonner’s version of the Adios Neftenga is a faithful representation of the original, bringing back the striking ‘Light Yellow’ and ‘Core Black’ colourway that adorned the marathon champion’s feet. The sneaker retains the signature Adiprene foam midsole, known for its exceptional bounce and comfort, while introducing subtle updates that reflect Wales Bonner’s refined design ethos. The updated pair features suede accents around the lacing system and toebox, along with new logos on the tongue and insole that highlight the collaboration’s unique identity.
In keeping with the exclusivity and attention to detail that Wales Bonner is known for, the Adios Neftenga comes in a limited edition shoebox made especially for this release. The sneakers also come with a special dust bag, which adds an extra touch of luxury to the offering.
The Wales Bonner x Adidas Adios Neftenga ‘Light Yellow’ is available via the Wales Bonner website, Adidas, the Confirmed app, StockX and select retailers worldwide for $220+. The sneaker’s limited edition and legendary pedigree suggest it will be a sought-after addition to any collection.
This drop not only marks a bold new direction for the Wales Bonner and Adidas collaboration, but also pays tribute to one of the greatest running shoes in history, offering sneakerheads a rare opportunity to own a piece of marathon heritage.
Featured image: Adidas
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