Andrew Rizzo adidas’ “Made in Germany” sneakers have historically consisted of vintage runners and terrace icons traditionally composed of leather and/or suede, an understandable strategy as that’s probably the best way to highlight elevated craftsmanship. Not this one. In a welcome break from the norm, the “Made in Germany” line is stepping into 2026 with a premium take on the iconic adidas ZX8000, set to roll out in Europe in the near future.
The 1989-born adidas ZX8000 isn’t “modern” by today’s standards, but it certainly is in comparison to the “Made in Germany” line as we’ve come to know it. Part of adidas’ legendary ZX running series, the ZX8000 introduced two important innovations: Torsion technology and Soft Cell cushioning. The model’s release roughly coincided with the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, and thus caught the eye of East Berliners seeing their estranged countrymen, many for the first time. The model became a staple of Berlin’s underground techno scene and eventually transcended into the world at large. Seasoned collectors might remember the “aZX” project from 2008, which saw 26 different brands collaborate on the model. Japanese retailer atmos also has a sizable backlog of collabs centered around the brand’s hallmark “Glow In The Dark Snake” design theme.
The “Made in Germany” adidas ZX8000 doesn’t look overtly premium at first glance, but we’ve gotta believe the materials used are at least a notch better than those of the standard version. This appears to mark the first step in a bigger push for the ZX line in 2026: UK-based retailer Offspring just announced “House of ZX,” which will serve as an online platform for ZX education, storytelling, and even exclusive releases throughout the year.
Given the ZX8000 has remained highly sought-after across Europe since its inception, we’re expecting these to sell quickly. Multiple European retailers, including Offspring, Solebox, and more, will have pairs available for purchase on January 15th, 2026. Pricing appears to land somewhere in the mid-$200 range.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens adidas ZX 8000 Made In Germany
US Jan 2026
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| adidas US | Standard | Check Site |
