David Beckham x adidas Marathon TR Mid Gore-Tex

• MODEL: ADIDAS MARATHON TR MID
• DESIGNED BY: David Beckham
• MADE IN: CHINA
• MADE ON: --/09
• ART.NO: G08699

The adidas Originals Marathon Trainer was remade by David Beckham and enhanced with a GORE-TEX membrane. The key aspect of this additional material is the waterproofing it provides. Beckham pushed out two colorways – one light and one dark – for this 2009 release.

Pictured here is the darker version, comprised of a black on black colorway. Its upper is constructed of smoothed, mildly textured leather, synthetic GORE-TEXT mesh, and 3M detailing in the side stripes, toe box, and heel. The tongue rides all the way up to the top two metal lace loops, stitched to the side walls to provide extra sealant, warmth, and (of course) waterproofing. The outsole is decorated in an almost silly fashion with layered, three dimensional trefoil logos, cut out of the black rubber to act as traction for serious terrain. A translucent deep blue waffle grip cup can be found below the ball of the foot.

Beckham leaves his unique signature in two places on this remake. First, he drops the adidas trefoil and name branding almost indistinguishably in royal blue against the 3M tab on the tongue which covers a hidden, zippered, stash pocket. And secondly, the removable insole made of thickly padded black leather is embossed with his initials: “DB”. The sockliner matches, also built from a thick and solid, yet comfy black leather.

Overall the shoe is definitely serious business and certainly made more for wear than for looks. The only other adidas branding is low key, in dark key on the upper heel, and embossed, nearly invisibly on the side wall above the silver GORE-TEX name plate.

written by Dylan Cromwell

photography by errol

shoes contributed by Chris SoleconneXion Leal