Adidas’ Chunky New Goukana Lifestyle Sneaker Will Release This Weekend at One Store Only
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Adidas began a two-day preview of some its biggest initiatives for the year in January, from which Footwear News is able to give you an exclusive preview of a chunky new lifestyle sneaker coming later this year.
The Adidas Adizero Goukana comes as part of a larger OG L.A. collection and, in addition to Los Angeles, counts the Adios Neftenga among its source material. Lightstrike cushioning, a staple of Adidas’ contemporary running shoes, is used in the midsole as part of the bulbous sole unit designed to pair well with baggier pants and provide comfort in everyday wear. The upper then makes use of suede, mesh and reflective silver synthetics — the trio of materials core to the retro runner trend that’s dominated sneakers for several years now.
“Goukana is a directional move for the brand — it’s where 20 years of heritage innovation meets streetwear refinement that is unmistakably Originals,” Frederico Maccapani, Adidas Originals senior footwear designer, told Footwear News in an email in May. “We’re running our own race. It’s not about following trends, but about setting our own direction. This silhouette proves that performance DNA and lifestyle relevance can coexist – without compromise. It signals that Adidas is designing for the informed, not the influenced.”
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Elements of the Adios Neftenga, the record-breaking marathon sneaker from 2008 brought back by Wales Bonner last summer, can be seen in the paneling of the upper, including the lenticular striping. The Adizero Goukana will also launch in a yellow colorway that mirrors the shoe worn by Haile Gebrselassie for his record-performance, and the “Goukana” embroidery on the tongue replicates the marking that appeared on Gebrselassie’s race-day shoe but not on the edition released to the public.
“Goukana” means “luxurious and plush” in Japanese, and choice in name harkens to the Adizero franchise’s roots in Japan. On the inside of the tongue, you’ll also find an “OG L.A.” tag, and “Los Angeles” appears on one of the two lace tips for each sneaker.
The design process spanned four major sample stages, and Maccapani said the original concept was “wilder, even more sculptural, almost caricature-like.”
He added of of the consumer Adidas anticipates: “The Goukana speaks to them not because it’s loud, but because it’s specific – a silhouette that nods to sport heritage while moving with street-level intent. It’s built for those who flip through crates, not just comment sections – curators of their own world, layering references from performance legacy to underground culture.”
The Adidas Adizero Goukana will debut in yellow Saturday, May 10, exclusively through Undefeated before a wider release in August through Adidas’ channels. Additional colorways will then follow in the fall and winter seasons.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
