Innovation plus adoption equals legacy. The perennial impact of the adidas ZX Series caused a subcultural shockwave when it first released in 1984 that’s still quaking today.
The ZX Series initiative was spearheaded by two godfathers of modern running design language – Jacques Chassaing and the late Markus Thaler – during a developmental era when new subcultures were flowering across both the UK and Europe. These two unrelated elements, unbeknownst at the time, would magnetise towards one another and cause a potent chain reaction.
Providing an alternative to the abundance of Nike lineages that dominated the running scene at the time, the adidas ZX Series resonated with the then-acid house scene thanks to its zany colourways, plush dual-density cushioning and trail-inspired lugged outsole. Warehouse ravers and those familiar with The Haçienda in Manchester know the beauty of it all too well…
ZX 500
The franchise kicked things off with the adidas ZX 500. Not only was it a ground-breaking running revelation, but the design really just looked the part, too, which was an essential part of the original mandate to ‘balance functionality and style’. We already know they nailed that ethos.
Earliest versions of the adidas Originals ZX 500 were hallmarked by a resilient nylon mesh upper, ghilly loop lace fastenings and TPU heel stabilisers. Remember when we brought back the OG? Remind yourself now.
ZX 600
Having made its return official back in June ‘24, the adidas Originals ZX 600 has seen more than its fair share of releases over the last year, including some size? exclusive staples. Essentially a bulkier version of the ZX 500 and one of the most respected models in the entire family.
adidas Torsion Technology
As the lineage evolved, so did the technology. The ZX Series gave birth to the Torsion bar system, a bridge-like TPU arch designed to increase rotary resistance through connecting the rear and forefoot.
An ever-adaptable principle strand of what would shape future adidas DNA, the Torsion bar is still commonly referred back to when the German brand is developing new running apparatus, and was first sighted on the four-digit ZX 8000 lineage, which signalled a stark departure into newer, more technological space than its three-digit predecessors.
adidas Soft Cell Cushioning
Incepting at the same time as Torsion technology, Soft Cell cushioning also made its debut on the ZX 8000 genealogy. Talk about a landmark lineage crystallised in 3-Stripes lore.
ZX 8000
Yet another cult lineage from the innovative franchise, we’ve had the ZX 8000 on our shelves a good few times throughout our storied past.
First released in ’89, the adidas Originals ZX 8000 helped shape the Y2K era of the ’90s and ’00s, and became the catalyst for both design and perception of running footwear. You really don’t have to look too far in today’s world to see the long-lasting impact the adidas ZX Series has had and will continue to have.
Explore the subcultural significance of even more footwear over on the size? blog.