Adidas Spezial Will Revive Four Sneakers From Its Archives in Celebration of Its 10th Anniversary
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
More from Footwear News
Adidas Is Making Cheaper Versions of the Samba and Other Popular Shoes
Anya Taylor-Joy Wears Christian Louboutin's So Kate Shoes to 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' Premiere
Aubrey Plaza Sparkles in Crystal Miu Miu Shoes at the 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Adidas Spezial has dug into its archives to revive four sneakers initially released on a super limited-edition basis.
The Adidas Spezial “Decade” pack will see the return of the Ardwick, Blackburn, Garwen and Lacombe sneakers. None of the forthcoming sneakers are precise replications of their original counterparts, i.e. retros, but rather feature subtle differences that Spezial designer Gary Aspen says “hopefully” bring improvements while maintaining their primary appeal. Regardless, the new capsule marks the first time Spezial has ever revisited releases from its past.
Serving as the genesis of the Spezial line, the Ardwick released in 2014 exclusively at the now-shuttered Manchester, England boutique Oi Polloi. Aspden based the design off of an Adidas California sneaker Oi Polloi co-founder Nigel Lawson refused to part with. The green-on green look is modeled after the Manchester district that gave the shoe its name, and it returns with a new gold on black and gold tongue tag, chocolate foxing and reworked T Toe.
The Blackburn “Nightsafe” released in 2019 with just 160 pairs raising money for the Nightsafe organization in Aspden’s hometown of Blackburn. One pair even went on to fetch nearly $70,000 on eBay later that year. For its return, the tongue has swapped green for navy and the mustache logos have been moved to the heel’s lateral side with gold embossing, including a new rose symbol to represent Lancashire county on the left shoe. Blackburn’s town motto “Arte Et Labore” has also been added to the insole. Two versions of the Blackburn will actually release — one with the “Nightsafe” branding in extremely limited quantities and another sans the charity.
Spezial’s first iteration of the Lacombe from 2016 in white and blue now will now opt for a more cream color on the midsole, sockliner, and laces. The Garwen, a leisure shoe that dates back to 2017 and includes collaborations with Union and Noel Gallagher, will also return with a new tonal brown colorway with suede and leather consturuction. Perforations have been added to the toebox, while branding revisions include a leather patch for the tongue and metal logo with debossed words on the midfoot hangtag.
The Adidas Spezial “Decade” pack’s Ardwick, Blackburn, Garwen and Lacombe sneakers will all release May 24 through the Confirmed app and select third-party retailers, while the Blackburn “Nightsafe” will exclusively go on sale on the same date at the “Decade” exhibition in Darwen, England. Just 100 pairs of the latter shoe will be made available and will once again generate proceeds for its namesake charity. Pricing for any of the sneakers has yet to be announced.
Shop adidas Spezial Shoes
adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
Best of Footwear News
Air Jordan 11 History & Timeline: Everything You Need to Know About the Air Jordan 11
The History of Oxford Shoes: From University Grounds to Red Carpets
Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
