Opinion

A discovery that has me questioning my love for Adidas

19.9.2023

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Clog meets Croc meets Adidas slides. I stumbled across a hybrid shoe by Adidas. And it’s shaken my relationship with my fave footwear to the core. What do you think?

I was innocently browsing our shop for classic clogs. You know, those wooden-soled slippers from Sweden. If trend forecasts are to be believed, you’ll hear them clattering through the streets of the world this autumn. There’ll probably be an edition of «Laura’s Likes» for you on this trend, so you can clip-clop down the street in style. Bad news number one: we don’t (yet) have classic clogs in our range. Bad news number two: I now know Adidas not only produce shapely footwear such as the «Gazelle» and the «Forum», but also suffers the odd design derailment.

Picture a pair of Crocs. That’s right, those thick-soled plastic mules that have been dividing society into two camps for some years: the repulsed refusers and the lovers of ironic ugly chic. OK, now throw a pair of said trendy clogs into your imaginary mix. Add a pinch of Adidas «Adilette» sliders and a generous spoonful of «Superstar». And here you have the unfortunate result:

With this hybrid shoe ...
Source: Adidas

... Adidas has killed my joy. — With this hybrid shoe ...
Source: Adidas

Slippers

CHF55.95

adidas ADILETTE CLOG 40.5

40 2/3

So how to deal with my discovery? Block it out and try to forget it about it? Order a pair? At least that way I could walk that thin line between bewilderment and irony – and probably have comfy feet doing so. In any case, I’d only be wearing them to shuffle from the gym to the pool. Because that’s the route the «Adilette Clog» was made for, at least according to the Adidas product description. But also if you «just want to keep the slouchy-casual vibe going all through your day.» Criminy, I knew it!

Maybe I’m being over-dramatic. After all, standard adilette sliders have been a staple summer shoe for me for years now. Again, this is a matter of taste. What’s more, I recently learned something I’d already expected. I only need to see the clog-croc-superstar hybrid often enough in the right environment until I’m brainwashed and end up popping the shoe into my shopping cart.

Background information
Is Instagram influencing my tastes? I asked a trend researcher
by Laura Scholz

A lot of noise about nothing? I’d love to hear your opinion. What do you think of the «Adilette Clog»? Maybe you’ve been sporting it for a while already? Thanks for letting us know in the comments.

Header image: Adidas

59 people like this article

Laura Scholz

Senior Editor

Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.ch

Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.

Fashion

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Opinion

This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Guide
3 pairs of slippers I wear outside my home – if I have to
by Laura Scholz
Opinion
I can never get enough of trainers
by Patrick Bardelli
Guide
From Zürich Openair to Montreux Jazz – how to rock up at a festival this summer
by Laura Scholz