THE ADIDAS SOBAKOV CAN BE A SOCCER CLASSIC OF ITS OWN

They say some things are just too good to be true. I was certainly in complete disbelief when I first set eyes on adidas’ new soccer-inspired shoe: the adidas Sobakov. The shoe is everything of my wildest shoe dreams except I am not dreaming. These kicks are the real deal and here’s why I think they’re the best soccer lifestyle shoes adidas has come out with as of yet.

The stripes are obviously what draw you in. Their inspiration stems from no other source than one of soccer’s most classic cleats: the adidas Predator Precision. As you’ll recall, adidas recently reissued this cleat and offered a lifestyle option that came with a Boost sole. While many of you, including myself, would not mind having the Predator UltraBoost in our collection, we would not be wrong in saying that we did not miss out on much as rather than a consolation, the new Sobakov is the real prize.

Between the Predator UltraBoost and the Sobakov, one has to admit the UltraBoost will always look like a soccer shoe. The Sobakov, on the other hand, is more subtle in its inspiration and therefore has the potential to not only be more appealing to more people but to also be more versatile in one’s choice of outfits.

The Sobakov has what you call an unassuming elegance that is only further augmented by its shape. The contours, after all, are what I found problematic in adidas’ other soccer lifestyle options such as the latest Predator Tango 18+. That shoe just looked too modern and I couldn’t see anything in it that said Predator to me, even though it was called a Predator. The Sobakov is the complete opposite as I am able to see much more than just a Predator. Despite the references to the adidas Kamanda, the shoe’s shape, especially with that sole, reminds me much more of a Nike Roshe or a Yeezy. Both of these shoes have obviously been overwhelmingly popular amongst consumers and may just provide the wave that the Sobakov can continue to ride.

This connection I draw makes it more apparent to me why the shoe does not look to be packaged as an adidas soccer release. Instead, the shoe looks like it will be an adidas Originals offering even though the soccer inspiration is in much more than just the stripe detailing. adidas has truly exceeded my expectations as rather than merely appropriating the distinct features of a Predator, which I once said was all that was necessary, the brand has now also redefined other features from yet another classic silhouette. Taking inspiration now from the Samba Classic, the Sobakov’s upper makes the Samba’s beloved textured tongue a prime rather than secondary feature. With this, adidas has given us everything we want more of in a shoe that is familiar, but new yet with all the makings of becoming a classic of its own.

There is no info on the release of these as of yet, but make sure to stay tuned to the KTTP IG for all the details.

Images via Sneake Studio.

THIS WEEKS INSTAGRAM BEST 11

Another Friday has rolled around way too quickly, especially when you’ve had the type of hectic week we’ve had. While continuing our efforts on the site, we’ve also had to move offices, conduct lord knows how many back-to-back projects, and find ways to grow our team, all the while keeping an ear on the ground for what’s been happening within soccer culture. So before we can hang our boots in exchange for ones better suited for the Coachella desert, we’re still grinding away at the new (and far from finished) office to bring you our Best 11 Instagram posts of the week, curated as always by our very on Andrew Medina.

To highlight a few, we’ve got COPA Football’s homage jersey to one of the greatest grunge bands ever: Pearl Jam; LAFC’s limited edition recycled Jersey, a Parley x adidas x MLS effort for Earth Day, Bleacher Report’s Bayern vs. Real Madrid and Liverpool vs. Roma Dragonball Z-inspired animation, Zlatan and Shaq (of course), and Alexander Wang’s third season drop with adidas Originals to name a few. Have a look below to see our full Best 11.

Team Markkers FC @jasonmarkk for The Association.

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Took the new @detroitcityfootballclub kits for a test drive

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Bayern vs. Real Madrid Liverpool vs. Roma 11 more sleeps.

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XL vs XXXL @shaq

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New Alexander Wang x adidas Originals. Thoughts? 📷: @bryanluna.co #HSKicks

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In the run up to the World Cup, we are designing prints representing our favourite new national team kits. Our latest print available to buy is the Nigeria Super Eagles kit pattern. . . 'The footwear giant set out to channel the Naija, or “New Nigeria” identity exuded by the youthful, contemporary team, which is mostly comprised of players under 25 years old. Nike accomplishes this through chevron and floral prints in tonal greens. The Nigeria Football Federation gets a lime green/white chevron Fast Fit Vapor Knit home uniform and traditional dark green ensemble for away. The key feature of the performance wear is heat transfer technology 64% lighter than other top-performing gear, making it Nike’s most breathable. . Source: @hypebeast . . . #fifa #worldcup #Nigeria #NigeriaSuperEagles #nike #kitdesign #kit #jerseydesign  #abstract #abstractart #abstractillustration #print #football #footballkit #footballart #footy #futbol #futbal#calcio #footballart . @ng_supereagles @fifaworldcup @nikefootball

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Replay. From a different angle.

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Friday mood 😜

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KVADRAT X ADIDAS ORIGINALS STAN SMITH

Danish textile manufacturer Kvadrat has linked up with adidas Originals for a fresh take on the legendary Stan Smith. Inspired by the city of Copenhagen, the shoe is constructed of Kvardat’s modern plaid in three colorways of Navy, Pink and Core Black. The kicks also employ embroidered details on the Three Stripes along with a leather heel patch. Co-branding graces the tongue and heel to round off this fitting collaboration which sits atop a classic slightly off-white outsole.

The Kvadrat X adidas Originals Stan Smith will arrive at retailers and online July 6th

#CHICKSINKITS: HOPE WATSON

Admittedly most of our #Chicksinkits features are centered around pro, semi-pro or college female soccer players. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But our mission with #Chicksinkits has always been to shed light on the female soccer perspective as a whole. From fitness models to producers to tv personalities and more, fans of our beloved game come from all walks of life and from every corner of the world. A case in point; our latest feature hails all the way from Australia. Her name is Hope Watson. She grew up loving soccer in a land where rugby reigns supreme. We sat down with Hope for some unique insight into the beautiful game from an Aussie girl pursuing her dreams.  

KTTP: So tell us your name and where you’re from?

Hope Watson: My name is Hope Watson I grew up in Canberra in Australia. I moved to New York about 5 years ago. I was fortunate enough to get a visa for modeling, so I did that while I was at university in New York. I moved to Los Angeles last year and now I’m transitioning into the film industry. 

KTTP: How would you describe your style?

HW: I’d describe my style as tomboyish, a little 80’s and maybe some 70’s, plus lots of color! 

KTTP: How do you think style effects soccer and vice versa?

HW: The combination of football and style/design is one of my favorite things! I’d honestly prefer to kick around with people that look sharp but aren’t necessarily that “good” than a bunch of boofheads that wanna yell and slide tackle. If I can relate to someone’s sensibilities I feel like it indicates we’d have other things in common. I wanna play with people I can relate to. 

 

 

KTTP: What are your favorite soccer boots?

HW: My favorite boots are either Adidas Samba’s or these Lotto boots that I got in Budapest a few years ago. I dunno know why I like them so much… They’re so comfortable. I think I just like them cos no-one else has them!

KTTP: Favorite pair of sneakers growing up?

HW: There was a pair of sneakers I had as a child, they were converse, low rise with one star and an arrow. They didn’t look like Chuck Taylor’s though. I tried to google them one time but I couldn’t find them! Also, Adidas made this super skinny martial arts looking shoe that was weirdly a big deal with all the soccer players in my home town. 

KTTP: What do you wear now?

HW: Now I wear Adidas Superstars basically every single day of my life. I just find them really comfy and I like the look of them. 

 

KTTP: Do you have any style or fashion tips?

HW: One thing I try to do with style is not follow direct trends. I just like to find nice fabrics and interesting colors. I feel like that’s cooler than finding something in a magazine and regurgitating it. 

KTTP: You’re from Australia, soccer isn’t the biggest sport where you’re from. How’d you get involved in the game?

HW: So, it’s a funny thing. In my hometown, people think rugby is what’s up! I don’t know why, but, my father was obsessed with soccer. I think because it’s truly a world game. We used to watch it every single night at home whether it was EPL or Champions League or even the Australian League. I actually hated that everyone liked rugby, but eventually I liked that I was into the “niche” sport… I would have feuds with rugby kids though – one time my all girls school had to visit this all boys school that was really big on Rugby. I told one of the guys I liked soccer more and he spat at my feet! I was pissed! So, yeah, it was a contentious thing as a kid for sure.

 

KTTP: So why did you ultimately choose soccer over rugby?

HW: Well as I said in my hometown Rugby was king. But I just thought soccer was much cooler, more chic. I thought soccer players were better athletes. So I was always fine with liking soccer.  

ADIDAS ORIGINALS BECKENBAUER TRACKSUIT 50TH ANNIV

It really doesn’t get more nostalgic than this. adidas Originals have decided to dig deep into their design archive for the resurrection the iconic Beckenbauer tracksuit 50th anniversary edition. Named after the great footballing legend, Franz Beckenbauer this one-to-one release mirrors its original design to a tee via classic, minimalist Three-Stripes branding. The tonal red/white color scheme along with the side zip pockets, full zip into a stand-up collar and draw-string elastic waist really round out the vintage inspired details.

The adidas Originals Beckenbauer tracksuit 50th anniversary is aptly made in Germany and will be available at select retailers starting April 20th. 

ADIDAS ORIGINALS X ALEXANDER WANG DROP 3 COLLECTION

After a tease via photos from earlier in the week, we now get the full adidas Originals x Alexander Wang Drop 3 Collection. The already fruitful collaboration now brings us a slew of streetwear staples including soccer inspired kits, track jackets, a French terry sweatshirt, a bomber, hoodies, collard shirts, sweat-shorts and various outerwear pieces ranging in textures. As with the previous drops adidas branding is flipped, inverted, turned inside out and reworked in trademark Alex Wang fashion.

The adidas Originals x Aexander Wang Drop 3 Collection will be available starting April 1 at select retails and on the adidas Originals web store.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS X ALEXANDER WANG

As we mentioned in our radio show last week, the Three-Stripes have really taken to their high-fashion partnerships with a refreshing confidence. Giving their collaborative designers a sometimes shocking freedom, has paid off. Their latest sees adidas Originals set to drop another collab with fashion prodigy turned full blown juggernaut, Alexander Wang. The collection takes classic adidas trefiol and three-stripes branding then twerks them in ways never seen before.

The drop features timeless sportswear silhouettes with an over-sized, in-fashion tinge. It’s all good and gravy with the clothing, especially track jacket, but without a doubt the two standout pieces are the kicks.  Both feature popular, BOOST and Primeknit tech, but once again in vessels never seen before. An all white “AW Run Clean” looks like a high-end ACE 16+ UltraBOOST while the black “AW Run” features an entirely unique lacing aesthetic and system which tightens at the heel.

 Look for the adidas Originals X Alexander Wang collection to drop on March 1st at select retailers worldwide.