Debuted last year, the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals collaboration satiated the longing for Owens to enter the traditional retail space as opposed to staying too niche and the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner is an addition to the sterling line that pushes boundaries by being over developed.
While the sneaker trend as of late has been to remove as much as possible to attain a certain minimalistic charm, the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner pushes boundaries by adding elements that are just plain unnecessary and moderately retro. The thick, black sole of the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner does indeed serve the purpose of being comfortable, but creates a Brutalist feeling that's either loved or hated by the sneaker connoisseur.
Unnecessarily Jagged Sole Sneakers
The Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner Pushes Boundaries
Trend Themes
1. Jagged-sole Sneakers - The trend of adding unnecessary and retro elements to sneakers, like the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner, pushes boundaries and creates a Brutalist feeling.
2. Minimalistic Charm - The trend of removing elements to attain a certain minimalistic charm in sneakers is being challenged by the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner.
3. Boundary-pushing Collaboration - The collaboration between Rick Owens and Adidas Originals is pushing boundaries and entering the traditional retail space, creating disruptive innovation opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can take inspiration from the excessively developed and retro design of the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner to create disruptive and boundary-pushing footwear.
2. Sportswear Industry - The sportswear industry can explore the concept of merging unnecessary elements with comfort and retro aesthetics, like the Rick Owens x Adidas Originals Tech Runner, to innovate and disrupt the market.
3. Collaboration Industry - The collaboration industry can benefit from the boundary-pushing partnership between Rick Owens and Adidas Originals, inspiring new collaborative projects that challenge traditional boundaries and appeal to niche markets.