adidas ZX 8000 “Jacques Chassaing & Markus Thaler”

ART NUMBER: G01232

MADE ON: 07/08

MADE IN: VIETNAM

FACTORY: SHW-675001

The aZX project was a limited-edition release. A group of specially selected designers and boutiques collaborated with adidas to remake the classic adidas ZX running shoe. Each designer was given a letter of the alphabet and creative control in designing their own ZX shoe. The project definitely represents one of the largest consortium series’ demonstrating much ingenuity. The magnitude of creativity is also something to be applauded the adidas aZX Project ZX 8000 was the final pair of the series and boy did they end it with a bang!

The aZX pair is incredibly rare. Only 22 pairs were made and given to each participating collaborative member of the series, a competition winner also received a pair. Markus and Jacques have been with adidas since the 70s, with Jacques designing and being largely responsible for the ZX family as well as Markus constructing and detailing the trainers by hand. Markus is one of fourteen now living persons who worked with the Adi Dassler himself.

There are many layers to this brightly colored silhouette. A yellow upper in premium leather matches the laces. Blue Plastic on the heel counter rests neatly on top of the dense blue rubber sole. The blue Torsion-bar lace tag with hints of blue where the laces are inserted add that extra spunk. A purple mesh material on the inner heel and inner tongue, a good use of breathing material. Both the faces of Jacques and Markus are featured on the top part of the tongue in appreciation of their continual contribution to adidas, its only right to pay homage. The Torsion system mid sole usually yellow is in gold, fusing luxury and sport together thus providing foot stability and flexibility. All in all a polished look, lack of visible stitching adds a smooth and a cleaner feel. The packaging is as equally creative, a frosted plastic box and centered is aZX in multi-colour font surrounded by multi-colour stripes.

Photography: errol

Text: Natiki Collins