Pharrell Williams Humanrace x adidas NMD S1 RYAT

Brand: adidas x Humanrace

Model: NMD S1 RYAT

Release Date: October 15, 2022

Price: $250

Buy: adidas.com, humanrace.com

Editor’s Notes: It should come as no surprise to you by now that Pharrell Williams’ latest adidas collaboration with his Humanrace label absolutely bangs. It’s been happening for years now, so it’s to be expected, right?

This time taking on the hiking-focused NMD S1 RYAT – a timely update as we transition into winter – the pair present a winter-ready walker which draws inspiration from Pharrell’s personal appreciation for individuality and outdoor style.

Typically for the designer, singer, songwriter, and producer (take a breath), the shoe’s reveal is anything but generic.

Unveiled with a film conceptualized by Gabriel Moses, the short explores the idea of community and unity by spotlighting the boot as a part of a modern uniform.

Gang Box

The shoe itself is, first and foremost, an everyday sneaker, but thanks to its functional design, it’s built for purpose too. The upper comprises a mix of premium suede and leather overlays, which sit alongside rubberized TPU mudguards and toecaps.

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Gang Box

Gang Box

Gang Box

Underfoot too, things are kept in line with adidas’ epochal Boost midsole for cushioning and a rugged Trefoil-shaped grip on the outsole.

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adidas

adidas

The campaign too is equally as impressive as the film thanks to renowned illustrator Gang Box who interpreted the boot as a totem in his own post-apocalyptic world. “It’s an interesting idea of overlapping [the city and nature],” explained Gang Box of his inspiration behind the illustrations.

“We’re at a cultural point where all those things are merging, so this shoe was supposed to represent that in many ways.”