Shoe Anatomy
Footwear Categories
Cushioning
Features
Shoe History
100

This provides support and protection for the foot as well as much of the style and look of a shoe.

Made from different materials to suit the needs of the sport or activity - ease of motion, support, cushioning, lightness, durability, feel, breathability, insulation, waterproof etc.

What is the upper?

100

For footwear in this sport there are 3 key requirements: Maximum traction for different surfaces, Superior fit, feel & ball Handling, lightweight and flexible

What is soccer?

100

This cushioning consists of TPU capsules that is our most durable and responsive cushion

What is Boost?

100

This tightly woven stretch fabric combined with elastic bands makes for a sock-like breathable upper

What is Primeknit?

100

This shoe is commonly known as "shelltoes".  It is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and was popularized by rap group Run DMC in the 1980s

What is the Superstar?

200

This is the interior cushioning component located directly under the foot

It provides comfort, cushioning and foot arch support.

What is the insole?

200

For footwear in this sport, there are 3 main key features: Heel stability and cushioning to help reduce ankle injuries and landing, Multi-directional Traction for grip, and Optimal fit

What is basketball?

200

This cushioning is an EVA foam that has been engineered to feel soft and comfortable at step in, and gives a bouncy, elastic experience when running.

What is bounce?

200

This high performance outsole compound from one of the world’s leading rubber suppliers.  It grips the ground for better traction and a powerful push-off.

What it the continental outsole?

200

Name after a famous 1970s tennis player, this classic shoe pays homage to Adidas history with its perforated 3 stripes and has his the tennis player's logo on the tongue

What is the Stan Smith?

300

This provides durability and grip to suit the sport or activity. Styles can vary between and within sports. For e.g., different kinds of running require different out soles: durable for road running, traction and grip for trail running and off-road, thinner and lighter for racing shoes.

What is the outsole?

300

Due to differences in climatic conditions and terrain, there are 4 key requirements: Weatherproof and foot temperature, Stability and support, Durability, and Traction

What is outdoor footwear?

300

This cushioning has a memory foam type cushioning that can be found in the lower tier of running shoes

What is Cloudfoam?

300

This durable rubber outsole pattern Stretches and flexes in all directions for smooth transition whereas conventional outsoles are more rigid.

What is Stretchweb outsole?

300

Released in 2015, although a running shoe, this model was coveted by sneakerheads for its fashionable silhouete after Kanye West was seen wearing them

What is the ultraboost?

400

Provides cushioning (shock absorption) and arch support.

  • Offers stability where needed and ensures the right degree of flexibility when pushing off.
  • Cushioning is often greatest below the heel to absorb and distribute this key point of impact.

What is the midsole?

400

There are 4 different requirements of shoes customers look for in this sport: 

Fast- shoes that are light and responsive.

Long-  cushioned and energized shoes. 

City- shoes that offer stability when taking sharp turns or on uneven pavements. 

Power- a workout to perform better in a different sport. 

What is running?

400

This is the world's first high performance midsole crafted with light and oxygen.  This helps bring comfort and support with every step taken

What is 4D?

400

This waterproof yet highly breathable membrane within the upper that hugs around the foot.  The membrane allows water vapor from the foot to escape while bigger water drops from the outside can not pass the membrane.

What is Gore-tex?

400

Originally known as the Nomad, this street shoe was inspired by Adidas archive shoes the Micropacer, the Rising Star and the Boston Super

What is the NMD?

500

This provides comfort, control and stability to ensure a stable feel upon landing and reduces the risk of ankle injuries. Usually made of plastic and hand sewn into the upper.

What is the heel cup?

500

Since 2015, Adidas has partnered with this company to help clean up the oceans of plastic waste.  Plastic is shredded and reworked to become technical yarn to be used in products

What is Parley?

500

This cushioning is a super-light technology with traction for explosive movement and maximal energy return

What is Lightstrike?

500

This moves naturally between the heel and forefoot for a stable ride. Midsole grooves allow the foot to adapt to the ground at landing.

What is the Torsion System?

500

Debuting in the 1950s and having sold over 35 million pairs, this soccer shoe is also known to be popular to be worn on the streets as well

What is the Samba?

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