adidas had some fightin’ words for Nike when its CEO accepted an award for Shoe Of The Year from Footwear News.
“To the people here Nike here: Watch out, we have a lot in the pipeline.”
Bold statement, considering the shoe that earned the brand the title was from the mid-20th Century . So does adidas actually have some goodies up its sleeve? The Wonder Runner Pro, recently revealed for the first time by Sneaker News, is part of this revamped arsenal under the Future Of Style umbrella that could help the brand’s mission in 2024.
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adidas Wonder Runner Pro (2024) Photography by Sneaker News
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adidas Wonder Runner Pro (2024) Photography by Sneaker News
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adidas Wonder Runner Pro (2024) Photography by Sneaker News
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adidas Wonder Runner Pro (2024) Photography by Sneaker News
The Wonder Runner Pro is a brand new silhouette that combines the 2000s tech runner sensibility with a design ethos that hopes to speak to the Gen Z crowd and “Y3K” culture, a term coined by the brand that refers to the fast-paced, somewhat rebellious nature of the demographic. The core of the design is also derived from Akira, the iconic anime from the late 1980s that explored the relationship between machines and human beings.
The mecha aesthetic is primarily evident in the heel design. It’s bulky and exaggerated, but with a skeletal build that keeps the shoe lightweight. The brand’s prized cushioning platform known as adiPrene+ is paired with the all-new LightStrike 2.0 foam to maintain an uber-comfortable feel. The rubber traction scoops upwards the heel as well as the mid-foot; the overall base is much wider than a classic runner.
The Wonder Runner Pro is indeed one of the more promising new designs by adidas we’ve seen in quite some time. Branding is minimal, materials are premium, and this initial launch colorway is impressive. There’s more to come in 2024, so stay tuned for more details.
Sneaker News 
