adidas SL 72: Born from Sport, Forged in Culture

Sporting spurred, lifestyle laced; now a humble ringleader in adidas’ archival bring backs, the SL 72 RS Sneaker is the agile symbol of such storied cultural significance – a kingpin forged in the tracks of Olympic greats. Introduced for the 1972 Munich Olympics, the label’s SL series – two small letters that were soon to be anchored in a decade’s long trail blaze – was born, crafting the first ‘Super Light’ running model under the banner of their Originals subsidiary, a strand that has since set the precedent for subculture over the last 75 years. A first for weightless runners but a continuation of adidas’ performance imbued pairs, the same year, the now ubiquitous Trefoil insignia would stamp footwear for the first time. It’s a history making pairing – an exemplification of their penchant for activity-centred and style shaping design. Now earning the Stripes of the new generation, the refreshed unisex iteration channels its trademark athleticism from the podium to the street, now primed for life for today’s young city dweller. Like all masters, the skin of innovation has shed over time, but the body and spirit remain the same. Today’s SL 72 RS is still a nod to its retro predecessor, bar the welcoming of a modernised EVA injection into the midsole for athlete inspired comfort and cushioning meeting an updated signature t-toe box. Granted, greatness never requires little change. So, although not everyone can be an Olympian, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve Olympian ranking footwear. Sole searching? Look no further. Creative: Cal Stewart Copywriter: Meg Parrott Graphic Design: Henry Spiers Hair and Grooming: Rebecca Sellers-King Photographer: Chelsea Mulcahy Stylist and Production: Olivia Joan Brown