Skip to main content

On Your Feet: The Comfortable and Stylish Adidas Tubular

On Your Feet is all about that new shoe feeling- from the first time you open the box until they’re worn into the ground. Sometimes we’ll sift through the constant Air Jordan releases to bring you the gems other people will leave on the shelves, and sometimes we’ll slide on reclaimed leather loafers from Prague, but we’ll always focus on comfortable shoes with appealing and creative aesthetic. So lace up your new kicks and stand on the precipice of adventure, where will we go together?

Last year was a banner year for athletic and lifestyle clothing company Adidas, with 2014 heralding the release of the game-changing ZX Flux, a slew of variations on the classic Stan Smith, and more artist and musician collaborations than we can count. They didn’t slow down going into the end of the year though, waiting till November to release an updated version of an overlooked shoe from 1993 that took sneakerheads and runners alike by surprise.

Recommended Videos

The original Adidas Tubular took its inspiration from bike tires, with tread and lots of air cushioning to soften the blow without adding unnecessary bulk. Despite a marketing campaign that included an ad directed by David Lynch (Dune, Twin Peaks), and an external pump that allowed you to customize your support experience, the release was shortlived.

AdidasTubular-White
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This time around, the concept behind the technology is the same, with a focus on shock absorption and lightweight construction. The upper has been totally reworked, with a design concept reminiscent of Y-3, Adidas’ high-fashion line. Neoprene and TPU make for breathable, flexible uppers, with leather to reinforce where it’s needed. The result is a sneaker clearly influenced by the simplicity of old traditions, with an eye on the most modern of trends and advancements.

The main feature, however, is the tubular outsole. Adidas hasn’t been afraid to push away from the traditional running and training soles in search of something new, with the Boost material finding its way into basketball and lifestyle shoes, and the flashy Springblades, but they may have found a real winner with the Tubular. The round, smooth pipes that form the underside of the shoe are understated, but appeal to those who like something a little different on their feet.

AdidasTubular-Blue
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More recently, the Adidas Tubular has been seen with an upper construction that pulls its design and style from moccasins, substituting neoprene and TPU for leather and soft suede, and larger stitching instead of fused panels. It will be interesting to see what other shoes the Tubular outsole ends up on in 2015.

You can find the Adidas Tubular in a number of colorways on the Adidas website.

Brad Bourque
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad Bourque is a beer and sneaker writer, retired fantasy football commissioner, and devout Portland Timbers. On the…
These new cherry Dr. Martens loafers are turning heads this season
Dr. Martens releases a new loafer
man tying cherry red loafers

For UK-based Dr. Martens, creating a timeless shoe that’s both street-style ready and sleek is no foreign task. Among the most recognizable designs in the business, Dr. Martens has certainly left its mark on fashion. Now, the brand is taking its overt coolness to the next level with a new hue for its iconic loafers. While the brand is mainly recognized for its lace-up boots, its loafer lineup doesn’t fall far behind. The Adrian Loafer model is considered their shining star, with plenty of iterations that’ll elevate your regular loafers into a runway-ready pick. And now with a new hue, these Dr. Martens loafers are far from your basic run-of-the-mill footwear choice. 

Conquer the streets with the Adrian Arcadia Leather Tassel Loafer

Read more
The Nike x Levi’s collab just dropped sleek new denim sneakers
Nike and Levi's reveal their newest denim sneakers
nike blue denim sneakers levi's

When Nike and Levi’s join forces, you know you are going to be treated to a flurry of high-quality and highly stylish denim designs, and their newest collaboration is no exception. Along with a matching apparel collection, Nike and Levi’s have officially announced their latest footwear releases that bring the luxury and casualness of denim to your favorite Nike sneaker. While the denim material certainly takes center stage, the overall design of the three new sneakers brings a deconstructed touch to the shoe, making it more modern and edgy than before. Arriving in three new colorways, this sneaker collaboration, previously teased in May, is now set to hit stores. Although denim sneakers are no new trend, this collaborative design is certainly one to keep your eye on this summer season. 

Levi’s and Nike take on the Air Max 95

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more