adidas Gazelle Indoor

  • MODEL: ADIDAS GAZELLE INDOOR
  • MADE IN: VIETNAM
  • MADE ON: --/13
  • ART.NO: Q23098
  • FACTORY: SHW 675001

Once again the Gazelle returns and the funny thing about this model family is the range of opinions it conjures up. For some it’s an unnoticeable silhouette blending in with the rest and easily passed over. For others it’s the epitome of all things good, a shoe to be loved and cherished. And then for many more it’s just another nice adi model, nothing to overly worship though certainly not a pair to put down or pass over. Despite the many perspectives that exist, there’s one thing on which we can all agree: the Gazelle is a well-known staple of the Trefoil tribe.

But what is it that makes the Gazelle so renowned? Is it the design itself? Straight-forward, low-cut silhouette with supple materials and clean lines. Produced frequently in one or two tone colorways appealing to the general masses by keeping the hues controlled and tamed.

Or could it be the history behind the model? Reproduced and evolved over the years it has met the general public through a variety of faces. Various versions, indoor and outdoor, as well a myriad of color makeups since it’s creation. But this isn’t anything special; many shoes from a large portion of major brands also have a similar historical path.

So it must then be the fame and glory attached to it by Wilma Rudolph, an American athlete who won not only one, but three gold medals in the 1960 Rome Olympics despite her childhood diagnosis of polio. Not surprising is the fact that she wore adidas trainers during her victories and furthermore her nickname ‘The Black Gazelle’ likely inspired the creation of this model. Yet again, no matter how special this angle appears, many models have such legends attached to them and still don’t rise to such a household name status.

No actually, in my eyes it’s just about the opposite. The Gazelle is an everyday, regular, easy to wear, not much to live up to, low commitment trainer. And this makes anything possible for it. This gives the brand a prime place for reproduction and an endless supply of remakes, retros, and collaborative projects.

And that is exactly what we have here. Yet another terrific face in the life of the multifaceted, overly popular, yet still incredibly down to earth, African savanna creature. Long live the Gazelle.

written by Dylan Cromwell

photography by errol