Adidas Elevates a Historic Sneaker Into a Masterclass of Retro Styling

The shoe that kicked off one of the most dominant runs in history returns with premium materials and a vintage vibe.

Brown Adidas sneaker with woven mesh upper, leather accents, white and brown laces, and gold eyelets.

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By Jack Seemer

Published April 17, 2026

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Updated April 17, 2026

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The story of the Adizero, really, begins in a hotel.

The night before Haile Gebrselassie broke the 2:04 barrier in the marathon, the Ethiopian runner was handed a new pair of shoes that Adidas thought he should try.

Gebrselassie allegedly ran up and down the hallways of where he was staying, deciding right then and there that he would wear them to race the Berlin Marathon the following morning.

yellow adidas running shoes — Haile Gebrselassie wore a prototype of the Adizero Adios to break the marathon world record in 2008.

Nearly 20 years later, the Adizero lineup continues to dominate professional running, racking up more than 150 wins at variety of distances.

As for the specific shoe Gebrselassie raced in, it’s still around. Only it’s much more stylish than he probably remembers.

Pair of brown Adidas sneakers with mesh and suede upper, white laces, and dark brown stripes. — The Adizero Adios once again returns as part of a Grace Wales Bonner collaboration.

Better with age

First reissued in 2024 with the help of Adidas collaborator Grace Wales Bonner, the Y2K-era Adizero Adios differs from other retro shoes in the Adidas catalog.

Well, at least it usually does.

Pair of brown Adidas sneakers with white laces and mesh fabric uppers viewed from above. — The English designer traded synthetic overlays and bright colors for tooling that makes the Adizero Adios feel more like a Samba sibling than a successor.

Brown mesh and suede Adidas sneaker with white stitching and cream sole viewed from the side. — Gold-colored eyelets give the shoe a premium build.

Grace Wales Bonner has once again decided to make it part of a seasonal showcase, with the latest rendition sending the 2008 runner back a few decades.

The breathable mesh upper remains, as does the period-correct Adiprene foam midsole and Torsion System support shank.

Close-up of brown suede and mesh sneaker heel with white stitching and beige sole, branded "Wales Bonner. — Adiprene foam maintains its status as the primary material for the midsole.

However, the English designer traded the synthetic overlays (a hallmark of performance runners in the aughts) for ones fashioned our of textured leather.

The effect ages the Adizero Adios shoe in line with the Samba or Gazelle, as do the gold-colored eyelets and”Auburn” brown colorway.

Close-up of brown Adidas Wales Bonner sneaker tongue with woven texture and white-brown patterned laces. — Woven leather makes up the tongue.

Meanwhile, the woven tongue, cobranded stamp and patchwork on the heel elevate the shoe into everyday stunner on par with its historical prestige.

Pair of brown suede and leather sneakers with white stitching and cream soles, viewed from the back. — Patchwork detailing is a Wales Bonner signature.

Availability and pricing

The Adidas x Wales Bonner Adizero Adios Mesh Shoes are available from April 17, 2026.

Like the rest of the new Wales Bonner collection, which also includes new riffs on the Gazelle and Karintha, pairs are limited and likely to move fast.

Gebrselassie wouldn’t have it any other way.

Brown Adidas sneaker with mesh upper, white laces, and beige sole on a plain background.

Adidas x Wales Bonner Adizero Adios Mesh Shoes

$250 at Adidas

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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