ADIDAS OZWEEGO: RUNNING SHOES, CONVERTED

Retro meets modern, sport meets street. Adidas got history. The Stan Smith was made for tennis and then got huge on the street. The Superstar made a similar jump but started on the b-ball court. The Ozweego was first brought out as a lightweight running shoe, but then – you guessed it – got far bigger on the street than it ever was on the track. Let’s see how.

THE ORIGINS OF OZWEEGO SHOES 

When the adidas Ozweego first landed in 1996, it had a classic ’90s vibe but a look that was also ahead of its time. The tech was too. Not only was it super lightweight, the Ozweego had the unparalleled adiPrene cushioning in the forefoot – the predecessor to adidas’ famous BOOST technology. The Ozweego was a favorite for all kinds of runners, and though the shoe kept getting updated over the years, the technology remained largely the same. ’Cos why change a winning formula? 

THE OZWEEGO CHUNK

Raf Simons, that’s why. In 2013, adidas’ new designer brought out his version of adidas Ozweego, which had been overtaken in the running game by more high-tech shoes from brands like Asics and Nike. What Raf did was chunk it up. In fact, he started the whole chunky trainer craze we have today. His Ozweegos kept the ’90s vibes – the overlying layers and the aggressive lines – but he exaggerated everything, especially the outsoles. What he created became uber popular in street fashion – everyone wanted a pair of the Raf Simons Ozweegos. It really is what made the voluminous trainer so popular to this day. All down to the Ozweego chunk. 

THE FOOT LOCKER OZWEEGO TRAINERS SELECTION

As with all adidas shoes, and especially adidas running shoes, updates happen – and the Ozweego is no exception. The modern Ozweego takes Raf Simon’s chunky retro style and modernizes it further with futuristic lines, TPU overlays, and better cushioning in the EVA midsoles, and more of it. It comes in a variety of colorways and is available for men, women, and kids. An ideal shoe for sport or street that makes a pretty sweet finishing touch to loads of possible outfits. Run in it, cruise in it.