The (Not So) Long-Lasting Adidas ZX Family Pack

It seems that Adidas Originals, with every spring line, succeeds at surpassing its past releases with instant classics-- namely its shoes. Usually these sneakers are recognized for their individual qualities and, usually, this equals limited editions and therefore inflated prices. Although a limited run for Adidas Originals shoes gives customers simulated room for individuality, Adidas Originals often misreads its own styles. In the case of the new Adidas Originals ZX family pack, the designs were clearly estimated for sale by a monkey. A very unstylish monkey.

While the Adidas Originals ZX family pack definitely has its winners, namely the ZX 500 weave colorway, the numbers simply do not match up. While the said shoe was released in a limited run of under 10,000 other ZX designs were just spilled on the market. ZX designs-- especially those in the camouflage colorways-- were given lower prices and wider availability than the ZX 500.

What's most disappointing about the contrast between the widely released camouflage ZX package and that of the weave is its originality. While Adidas Originals' philosophy lies in reinterpretation of old designs (taking something old and making it new), there is barely a reflection of that in the entire ZX family package itself.

The animal package is far too liberal in its anticipation of customer acceptance, and some might argue that it is just plain silly-- animal prints are fantastical in regards to human apparel, to say the least; the patent [leather] package, while shiny and new, really could not get a colorway together that could work (that pink colorway is probably going to have some size thirteens on a never-ending eBay auction in the near futures); and the weave, while successful in a number of ways (namely the re-issuing of 80's classics with the adaptation of the weave for increased durability), just plain ran out-- the ZX 600 and the aforementioned ZX 500 were simply too limited.

Meanwhile, the market is flooded with camouflage shoes. Thanks Adidas!

So, why doesn't Adidas Originals pay closer attention to its market trends and opt for a re-re-issue of the ZX weaves? In fact, if Adidas Originals truly had some insight, they would actually pursue this project of re-issuing vintage classics from that era of running shoe enlightenment. Perhaps a ZX anniversary package, released annually, with a more conservative approach (no B.S. designs) and wider availability would erase some of the embarrassment Adidas Originals put their ZX family advertising team through this spring season.

Although the ZX package is a great idea, it obviously comes up short.