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‘A Step in the Right Direction’: adidas Revives Its Most Iconic Sneakers For Clean Classics
Bringing back a classic comes with its own set of troubles. For instance, production and manufacturing methods have evolved over the years, as have materials used for making some of the most iconic products. So how do you revive a classic while remaining in keeping with current priorities? Sneaker icon adidas is doing just that with its Originals remake. The adidas Clean Classics project remakes the label’s iconic sneakers while cutting back on plastic waste as a part of the company’s Primegreen pledge.
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adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
A sustainability initiative, Primegreen is adidas’ promise to use high-performance materials that contain a minimum of 50 per cent recycled content. adidas turned to Instagram to make the announcement regarding this new approach to sneaker making, saying, “Plastic is a problem, innovation is our solution. With an aim to protect our future, we’ve made a commitment to end plastic waste. Our latest step brings us that much closer. Our classics made cleaner. Starting from scratch, we reworked our icons from the ground up.”
In the case of Clean Classics, the shoes actually employ 70 per cent recycled materials for the uppers, while the soles are made from reclaimed and renewable rubber. This combination actually results in the shoes being vegan. For the sock liners, adidas used recycled OrthoLite or cork (a renewable material). The laces are even getting in on the game and are made of paper. Plus the boxes used for the Clean Classics are actually leftover stock of box material that couldn’t be used because of printing mistakes.
Finally, the BLOOM foam used in the shoes is made using algae-harvesting technology that keeps lakes clean and promotes clean water. On top of all that, adidas also evaluated how they approached pattern cutting so that they could reduce unnecessary waste. This new approach also resulted in the sneakers having a new look and being more ergonomic.
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
The new lineup comes just a few months after adidas reaffirmed its partnership with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans. Back in 2022, the fashion and apparel label dropped a fresh collection of eco-friendly Originals crafted from yarn that contains at least 50 per cent Parley Ocean Plastic.
The Clean Classics line comes in several styles: Superstar, Stan Smith, Continental 80, Top Ten SC Premiere, Supercourt, and Superstar Bold. The Originals feature white leather and are available for $123. While this approach does a lot to help the environment, the claim on the side of the shoes is still true: “This shoe alone will not save the planet.” Still, it’s a step in the right direction, and it’s a step taken in a great looking shoe.
adidas Clean Classics Stan Smith | Image: adidas
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
adidas Clean Classics | Image: adidas
Mr Mark Jessen
Mark Jessen studied English at Brigham Young University, completing a double emphasis in creative writing and professional writing/editing. After graduating, Mark went to work for a small publisher as their book editor. After a brief time as a freelance writer, Mark entered the corporate world as a copywriter. These days, his hours are spent mostly in proofing and editing, though he continues to create content for a wide variety of projects. In 2017, Mark completed UCLA's Creative Writing Certification. A prolific writer, Mark has over 20 years of experience in journalism.
