adidas has undersold its Lightstrike and Repititor cushioning systems which has been prevalent in their amazing adios and Adistar CS running shoes. While there is the idea that the innovation at the Three Stripes is lacking, the growing roster of world champions wearing the brand would say, not so fast. I’ve mentioned that they’ve done a poor job of selling their tech and I’ve also stated that there hasn’t been any newness to be excited about. Overlooking design elements like the Energy Rods found in more expensive models of the adios is easy when the information doesn’t show up in my daily search. A brand’s inability to be everywhere shouldn’t inform opinion, but when it does there are going to be comparisons created which shouldn’t be there. The new SwitchFWD is inevitably going to be called an On Running copycat. If that’s the case, then On Running should be called an arch and 361 copycat. I state to this to explain the danger in making a blanket statement because of images.
In 2010 I worked with the Chinese brand to incorporate a tech design they created into a basketball sample I was developing for arch (when it was a shoe company). I came up with a name of 3D. The outsole had 3 channels at the heel. K-Swiss had Tubes before this. There is always a reference point. My logic for the design was the weight of the person landing determined the amount of air pressure and cushioning from those air channels. The concept arrived from when I was a basketball coach and my team wore an adidas SL with Climacool tech. This was in the early 2000s. Climacool allowed air to circulate through the sneaker to keep feet cool during performance. It wasn’t cushioning, but the design of the outsoles had some of the benefits because there were slots. adidas also rolled out the Springblade, which was a completely different concept, but could easily be seen in this new sneaker from the Three Stripes.
Instead of looking towards previous tech concepts from adidas, the immediate reference is going to be that adidas is copying On Running. When the reality is anyone who looks at sneaker design could say that On Running basically copied Tubes, or arch and 361. I write this to offset that type of thinking and to look at SwitchFWD as a new tech from adidas which feels familiar and is certainly looking to sit in that area where max cushioned trainers are growing at a fast rate. Between Hoka and On every brand is attempting to bring a max cushioned trainer to the market. I do think the team could have found a more exciting tech, but it will be interesting to see the feedback around a tech that looks very similar to what I wanted to bring to market, but was too broke to do so, lol. What do you think about the Switch? Is 160 a steep price tag or comparable to the kicks in the market? Is it visually appealing?
- SWITCH FWD uses voids in its EVA midsole to transfer weight into forward motion for a fresh running experience for athletes of all levels
- Intentionally positioned windows feature throughout the engineered mesh upper to provide enhanced breathability
- From 27th July, SWITCH FWD will be available to buy globally via the adidas app, online, in stores and select retailers