I have a massive shoe fetish and have around 50 pairs, most with heels, some without. The ones without are usually Adidas sports shoes or floaters. I’ve been an Adidas-addict ever since I was a Steffi Graf-obsessed kid. She always wore Adidas, she also played excellently and elegantly, and she’s always been my tennis idol. That’s why when I was in school, I’d make mom buy me only Adidas or I’d refuse to wear sneakers, and now that I’m all grown-up (and then some), I stick to Adidas for all my sports shoe needs. I remember my first pair was pink and had Velcro instead of laces (I was pretty bad with laces as a kid). I still miss those, I’ve never had a cuter pair of sneakers.
My current favorite are beautiful pink and white tennis shoes from Adidas’s Barricade range that I bought last year. The retail price is 7, 500. I needed tennis shoes because tennis courts require no-marking shoes, but I just didn’t have the heart to spend 7.5 k on sports shoes. I waited a month for their sale and then got the same pair at 40% off, a real steal! These sneakers are a bit tough and heavy, but they’re really comfortable, specially after you’ve worn them a few days and they’ve molded themselves to your feet’s contours and curves. They’re ideal for running around the court.
I also have pink Adidas floaters that I wear if and when I go to the beach or when I just have to go down to run a quick errand or move the car. And for when I just want to take a walk or wear comfortable shoes (rare, but it happens), I have a pair of while, blue, and pink jogging shoes. These are really light and comfortable, fit perfectly, and I’ve been using (and abusing) them for over two years. What I love is that Adidas has a good range of designs for men and women and even has some unisex shoes (or at least that’s what the salespeople try to sell some designs as). But what’s intriguing is that they have more options and designs for men. That’s really strange considering, from what I know, women are a lot more obsessed about their shoes than men are. Something for Adidas to think about.
Despite the fact that Adidas can be slightly pricey (about the same price range as Nike), the shoes really last. I’ve never had a pair of Adidas that didn’t last at least a couple of years. I hate the feel of muck against my feet during Bombay’s monsoon, so I usually wear my old Adidas all through the rains and even then they last and last and last (just like Duracell :) ). I actually wear Adidas to work too, since I park a distance away from my office building and then just slip on a pair of heels when I get to work. Nothing is more comfortable than walking through the rain and slush in a good pair of sneakers knowing that the gross muck isn’t making contact with your skin.
Not only are Adidas shoes amazing, their sportswear and accessories are adorable too. I have loads of t-shirts and sweatpants from Adidas. The ClimaLite range is the best for people into sports. The fabrics breathe and keep you cool even in Bombay’s humidity. I stick to ClimaLite as much as possible and have noticed that this range really does absorb the heat and not let it get to you as much. Adidas sportswear is available in beautiful colors, like pinks, purples, blues, reds, grays, besides the usual blacks and whites. Sometimes you can even find semi-formal clothes, like I have this pink-checked shirt that could almost pass off as a formal shirt. And their clothes are good quality, the colors don’t run, and they aren’t high-maintenance. You can just dump them in the washer and then in the dryer and they’re fine. Also, the Adidas logo (three stripes) is cute and understated and integrated into all their merchandise beautifully.
I love Adidas bags too, these last just as long or longer than the clothes and shoes. I have a lovely bright pink sling bag that’s been going strong for a few years now. A friend recently gave me a baby pink backpack that is just the best, with lots of room - ideal for an overnight trip or trek (not that I actually go on treks :) ). Their gym bags are awesome too. The bags are sturdy with good zippers and adequate compartments. And don’t get me started on their adorable sweatbands and sports bottles and socks. They also have watches and sportsgear like rackets, balls, and bats, but I’ve never used any of that.
Overall, Adidas is an excellent brand that sells quality products. If you wait for their bi-annual sales or shop at factory outlets, it’s great value for money. If you can’t wait for the sales, they’re pricey, but they’re so worth it. What would be awesome is if Adidas started a line of pretty, dressy shoes/sandals/heels for women. I’d definitely forsake my current favorite (Charles and Keith) and give them a go! For now though, I just have to live happy with everything that’s already available at Adidas.