adidas Originals revisits an old partner for the A-ZX series

After working the first A-ZX project 12 years ago, we’re pretty excited as to how this year’s series is turning out. Over the last month, we’ve seen releasees in partnership with atmos, Juventus, the National Parks Foundation and key pairs tied to adidas’ heritage. This September, adidas partners with an old collaborator that created one of the best collabs ever done by the Three Stripes.

Representing the letter ‘I’, adidas pays homage to the hustle of downtown culture by partnering with legendary New York graffiti crew IRAK for two ZX 8000 silhouettes. Back in 2007 and 2008, IRAK created a pair of loud RMX EQT Support Runners that blew everyone’s minds. Collectors and sneaker purists hold those IRAK EQTs as one of the best ever made by adidas to this day. Taking the same elements of those bright, bold sneakers, adidas and IRAK use the ZX 8000 to recreate the 2 pairs made by the group.

The 2020 iteration of the ’07 pair is now made with a GORE-TEX grey upper paired with black suede overlays. Bright lime yellow and solar red hits are seen throughout with IRAK 2020 printed on the toe box. Branded lace jewels appear in purple complete the look.

The second pair from the collection recreates the 2008 IRAK pair which is predominantly black with orange suede overlays. The Consortium-exclusive pair also uses GORE-TEX uppers and uses purple and lime accents to contrast the stark black silhouette.

Sadly, the adidas Originals ZX 8000 IRAK pairs won’t be available on our shores. But if you have access or find them across the pond, go for it. This is one set from the A-ZX series worth picking up.