Brands Bridge Gap Between Sneaker Style & Technology

In sneaker culture, the term technology is almost always used literally. But in most cases, the term refers to integration of new materials that optimize a shoe's comfort, functionality, or something of the sort.

However, there are instances when models are given technological upgrades in a mechanical sense. Ideas that would be a plot line in a film released 30 years ago. (Ask Marty McFly!) And in those moments, we see just how far the bar can be pushed in regards to innovation.

Of course, there's levels to this. The level being how the shoe in question fairs aesthetically. Because we've seen what happens when there's a disconnect between lofty technological gambles and how well the design actually looks.

SG revisits some models that checks off the aforementioned boxes. Shoes that introduced groundbreaking technology, while pushing the limits of style and creativity.

NBHD x UNDFTD x adidas Micropacer

Link: NBHD x UNDFTD x adidas Micropacer

Released in 1984, the adidas Micropacer was the perfect release to coincide with the era's infatuation with the future. It was pegged a runner with a built-in pedometer for calculating steps, making it one of the first smart shoes ever.

A sensor in the toe determines distance, average pace, and calorie burn, though its functionality was questionable, even by 1980s standards. Results are displayed on a small digital screen featuring two buttons labeled "mode" and "reset."

The Micropacer would see numerous re-releases over the years, with each new iteration featuring new adidas technology like an EVA midsole – not to mention colorways that incorporate materials that make it a worthwhile lifestyle selection.

The pair photographed above is a rework from Japanese streetwear label Neighborhood, who teamed up with adidas Consortium and retailer Undefeated for this 2004 release. The pair maintains a clean all-black upper with the brand’s signature skull and crossbones logo. Undefeated’s logo is also applied to the left shoe.

Parley For Oceans x adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 "Coral Bleaching"

Link: Parley For Oceans x adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 "Coral Bleaching"

Parley for the Oceans, known for creating environmentally friendly products, continued its collaborative relationship with adidas with the "Coral Bleaching" collection.

Comprised of an Ultra Boost 3.0, Ultra Boost Uncaged, and Ultra Boost X, the trio of sneakers were meant to bring awareness to coral bleaching – a crisis that threatens our waters. The technological aspect lies in how this info is shared. Each model is outfitted with a NFC chip that provides more information about the adidas x Parley partnership as well as the Parley A.I.R. strategy ("avoiding" plastic use, "intercepting" plastic waste, and "redesigning" the plastic material).

Each Ultra Boost model makes use of 11 recycle plastic bottles in the upper's Primeknit upper and webbing on the heel.