adidas Phantom

• MODEL: ADIDAS PHANTOM
• TYPE: RUNNING
• MADE IN: CHINA
• MADE ON: 11/11
• ART.NO: G63296

The adidas Phantom is one of those silhouettes whose name contains multiple meanings. From the vintage runner released in 1985 to the later appearance of the low and high top basketball versions in the early 90′s, the Phantom model represents a variety of styles, colorways, and – ultimately – personalities.

As for the differences between the models, they’re vast, with nearly nothing being repeated in either the runner or basketball versions, though they do share one thing in common: both types have been retroed over the years. This relaxing “pool” blue and “dark royal” makeup is set for an August 2012 release, accompanied by a grayscale pair that matches the vintage version from ’85 quite perfectly.

By itself the OG runner is a true work of art, particularly marked by it’s outer silhouette. The straight line that dives from the top of the tongue down to the tip of the toe box is nothing short of stunning, clearly illustrating a unbroken, aerodynamic shape that is unmistakable in adidas trainers of the past but regrettable hardly ever seen in new releases of modern makes. This so-called ‘rocket’ appearance breaths a slim and sleek life into the shoe, maintains it’s lightweight and fast-footed flavor. Needless to say we’re loving the angles built into these Phantoms.

Following what appears to be a further tribute to their past, adidas keeps the design simple and clean with a minimal inclusion of branding, leaving the heel tab bare of icons (or even the company name) in true OG style. The upper is a sweet mixture of nylon and suede, under which rests a grey plastic heel balance layer, not something you see everyday. Quite unique in its design, the midsole includes three stripes of negative space and incorporates a variety of coloring and density for a stylishly smooth run home from the store, given that you pop the tags immediately after purchase (as we’d highly suggest you should). From are side all things are perfectly in place with these Phantoms, and their names couldn’t be more fitting, seeing as how they’re destined to fly off the shelves this Fall.

written by Dylan Cromwell

photography by errol