Even if you’re not that immersed in sneaker culture, chances are you’ve at least heard of the Adidas NMD. When it launched in late 2015, it quickly became a streetwear staple, combining the ever popular Adidas Boost technology with its now iconic midsole rubber plugs.
Lately, however, the sneaker has lost its luster despite several refreshes. But this latest iteration may just change that. First off, it’s Adidas’ first ever tie up with Brooklyn-based sneaker customizer and streetwear designer Philip Leyesa (Yup, he’s ethnically Filipino). Let me introduce you to the NMD S1 x Philllllthy.
Materials
Philllllthy, as Leyesa is known, put his stamp on this silhouette. I wouldn’t say this collab has better materials than normal NMD S1s but I can’t see anything wrong with it either. The upper, which I believe is made of Prime Knit, doesn’t show any defects, and the rubbers and plastics are nice and would last everyday abuse. It has a very premium feel overall, is put together very well, falling just short of luxe. Rating: A-
Design
I’m ashamed to admit I knew very little about Philllllthy before seeing this pair. But now I’m a fan. He put just enough pizazz into the already futuristic NMD S1 design to make it stand out from a regular S1 without going overboard. The black, gray and blue combos…just work. Looks much better in person, if somehow the pics didn’t convince you. Hoping Adidas or other shoe brands has more Philllllthy collabs in the future. Rating: A-
Wearability
Soft to the feet and fits snugly, it’s among the softest in the Boost family. Admittedly a bit heavy but not enough for me to complain. Colors are neutral enough that they should be ok with most fits. However, due to its overall look, your preferred tops and bottoms should best be muted since the design is busy enough as it is. This is a shoe made to stand out, and you should let it. Rating: A-
Price
Retail, they’re cheaper than most Yeezys, even cheaper than Pharrell NMDs. Costs more though than UBs and other GRs. But definitely worth it, if you ask me—the shoe itself, the packaging, and dust bag make it more comparable to a Y3 sneaker. If this is how Adidas plans to position the S1, they may have just found their next hit silhouette. Rating - B+
Final Word
I’ll go out on a limb and say this may be the successor to the Cronut - with just enough familiarity to suit everyone’s taste but sprinkled with exciting new toppings and sweet treats to make you hunger for the next creation.
[An old school sneaker enthusiast, Rhobee Pilares enjoys street fashion, toys, cars, food and the excitement of busy, bustling cities. You can often catch him at coffee shops reading on the latest media trends. IG @rhobeelicious.]