It seems like a lifetime ago since we were last graced with an archive-inspired curated collection from longtime adidas fan and collaborator Gary Aspden, but good things come to those who wait, and this instalment is sure to captivate adi-heads the world over. Off the back of a beautifully shot short film starring Stephen Graham set in the picturesque landscapes of Iceland, this collection celebrates the connection between humans and nature. Let’s breakdown some of the pieces, starting with the footwear.
The Hochelaga SPZL & Super
The Hochelaga makes its first return since 2016, in the form of the Hochelaga SPZL dressed in a deep blue and vibrant yellow colourway, and its neutral counterpart, the Hochelaga Super in a versatile white and navy. Both styles boast a premium upper with smooth leather overlays, with the Super in leather featuring side stripes framed with retro red borders (a common feature in the mid-to-late 80s release) and the Hochelaga showcasing a Nubuck suede construction. A synthetic lightweight tongue echoes indoor football shoes from seasons passed on the SPZL, whereas the Super has a traditional soft leather tongue, tied together with a streamlined gum sole unit for a retro look.
The Hartness SPZL
Continuing the theme, the Hartness SPZL takes cues from vintage 80s runners, in a triple-black colourway with a durable leather and mesh upper that’s complemented by a built-in outdoor-friendly aditex membrane. The midsole features a heel clip for added bump and scuff protection, reflective detailing and a grippy sole for cross-country comfort.
The Arkesden SPZL
The Arkesden SPZL fuses elements from the iconic Campus, a classic 80s silhouette worn by The Beastie Boys, and the Lacombe SPZL, that draws inspiration from both the Campus and the Stan Smith. This unique piece features a luxurious brown suede upper with stripe overlays and metal eyelets, finished with a dark cupsole.
The Hiaven SPZL
Fans of the Winterhill SPZL rejoice! This rough and ready hiking shoe has a tonal leather and suede paneled upper with trail-style laces, an aditex membrane and an exaggerated mudguard covering the toe and heel, sat atop a chunky EVA cushioned midsole and a specially shaped tread, perfect for muddy walks.
The Denim Italia SPZL
As a stark contrast to many of the GORP and adventure-friendly styles available in this collection, the elegant Italia SPZL gets a denim make-over, complete with brown leather tongue branding similar to that which you’d find stitched to the belt loop of your favourite pair of jeans. Samba-style toe paneling and a textured rubber toe bumper solidify this update on the 2000s model as a SPZL classic.
The Newrad SPZL
The final footwear offering is an updated seasonal take on the Newrad SPZL, originally released in 2020, with a balanced smart-casual moccasin look, dressed in monochrome brown leather upper with a gusseted tongue, finished with a stitched side motif and a tonal rubber outsole.
The Feniscowles Jacket
The Feniscowles Jacket is a military-meets-outdoor-utility jacket, in a rich olive colourway with a recycled polyester construction. The coat has a ton of useful pockets to the front, rear and sleeve, finished with a flat collar for a formal look.
The Kearsley Jacket
This bright orange parka jacket features two-tone paneling and a silhouette that celebrates the golden era of 80s mountain coats, with embroidered motifs and an adjustable hood and central drawstring for a customisable look. A zippered fastening is accompanied by a press-stud storm flap for added wind resistance.
The Tockholes Track Top and Track Pants
It wouldn’t be a Spezial release without a two-piece, and this elevated-yet-cosy tracksuit fits the bill, with a recycled fleece construction and an easy-to-style charcoal colourway making it perfect as a mid-layer and bottoms for easy Sundays.
The Feniscowles Hat
When you hear the word “Deerstalker” in relation to headwear, you may not naturally pair the Scottish hunting hat with a prestigious sportswear brand like adidas, but sometimes opposites attract. The Feniscowles hat has a recycled polyester construction and adjustable ear flaps, perfect for harsh weather conditions.
T-Shirts & Mid-Layers
Finishing on a high, there’s a great selection of pocket t-shirts, a long sleeve polo shirt and a half-zip sweatshirt to choose from, perfect to tie together any Spezial outfit, or for dinner dates, drinks with mates or away days.