BAPE x UNDFTD x adidas ZX 5000
- MODEL: ADIDAS ZX 5000
- SERIES: ADIDAS CONSORTIUM
- PACK: ADIDAS X BAPE X UNDFTD SS13
- TYPE: RUNNING
- DESIGNED BY: BAPE / UNDFTD
- MADE IN: VIETNAM
- MADE ON: 12/12
- ART.NO: Q34751
- FACTORY: SHW 675001
The third installment in their Spring 2013 Consortium pack, BAPE and UNDFTD present the long-awaited ZX 5000, a first for both brands when it comes to the silhouette.
Besides their 2008 release of the unforgettably bright orange ZX 8000 – as a part of the adidas AZX series – Undefeated has never worked with the ZX family before. And neither has A Bathing Ape, who (despite their quite heavy following and ability to amass ample hype for each collab they do) has a much narrower focus of models than UNDFTD (at least when it comes to adidas). Thus, the adidas Consortium team was allowed the wonderful experience of providing a brand new silhouette to both brands for reconsider and redesign.
Originally slotted for a 2012 drop date, it was the ZX 5000 which apparently pushed back the release of the whole pack, moving the shoes into the Spring of 2013. We leave judgement up to our readers as to whether the end result is worth the wait, but we can note on the design itself. Bringing their own personalities to the table, it’s obvious that the camouflage colorway (also known as the ‘apehead pattern’) comes from BAPE’s past endeavors and matches well with both the black and khaki Campus 80s. As for UNDFTD, being an American-based company it’s likely that they’ve pushed the nation’s flag colors onto the side stripes and sockliner for a bit of patriotic flair; these are, after all, an army-inspired pair.
Gold foil emblems shine on the heels to show off the participating partners and the pair can be found for sale on April 13th, 2013, at various BAPE, UNDFTD, and adidas Consortium distributors (such as No.6 in London, No.74 in Berlin, and No.42 in Paris).
written by Dylan Cromwell
photography by errol
