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words & images // Nick DePaula:
Over in London, Adidas brought together a collective of creators in tandem with the launch of its latest statement silhouette from its Originals category, the new P.O.D.-S 3.1.
The sleekened model takes its “collective memory” design approach and influence from a mid-90s EQT model, with a streamlined upper fitting for today’s style. Ever a fan of acronyms, the name is short for “Point Of Deflection System,” with the number 3 representing the heel Boost, midfoot Torsion bridge and forefoot EVA parts, and 1 simply being the first version of what’s expected to become the next big Originals franchise.
As part of the brand’s ongoing aim to celebrate creativity and champion its “open source” mentality, Adidas gave creators a 2 hour window at their pop-up Maker Lab to start with the new P.O.D. platform and create their very own concept.
For some reason, I felt like wearing a fuschia shirt earlier today, and as you’ll see below, I took a festive and colorful approach to my design, crafted in tandem with Adidas footwear designer Brieuc Ferron, who has created several recent EQT models for the brand. Marc Dolce, VP of the Brooklyn Creator Farm, also lent a hand along the way.
With a bright fuschia canvas upper, offset suede toe overlays and an elongated tongue and heel lacing system, the shoe sits atop a clean white Boost and foam midsole and outsole. In keeping with the P.O.D.’s folded eyelet design language, we re-incorporated the event’s woven wristband into a tongue framing.
Check out the full design process of the P.O.D. NDP below, and you can also check out the FutureBoost 4D concept shoe I worked up earlier this year during NBA All-Star Weekend. Let us know what you think on Instagram at @NiceKicks and @NickDePaula.
