ADIDAS ORIGINALS OFFICIALLY ENTERS THE METAVERSE

Following the initial announcement, adidas Originals is officially launching its new project in the metaverse.

The kickoff features the sportswear giant’s first-ever NFT collection titled “Into the Metaverse.” Created in partnership with Bored Ape Yacht Club, Pixel Vault’s PUNKS Comic and cryptoinvestor gmoney, the range includes items customers can wear in both the virtual and physical worlds. The former arrives as part of a larger digital experience, which will take place in adidas’ newly-acquired land within Sandbox. To match the virtual goods, the brand is also launching physical merchandise by Bored Ape Yacht Club, gmoney and PUNKS Comic.

adidas’ Senior Designer Future Andrea Nieto further explained the initiative:

“We’re recreating what we do in the physical world. What I’m really excited about is how we’re going to start to separate and even eliminate gravity when we think of a garment and how it drapes, to also then aesthetics informing back to the physical shape of a product. We are keen to be more explorative in digital and be more mindful about the world with everything we do with physical product because we know the impact to the planet, and we’re committed to minimizing that.”

The “Into the Metaverse” NFT collection launches on December 17. You can head over to adidas’ official website to learn more.

adidas Originals is jumping into the metaverse. The brand’s entry arrives as part of a partnership with Bored Ape Yacht Club, Pixel Vault’s Punks Comic and crypto investor Gmoney.

The company made the announcement on Twitter with a video featuring the three collaborators alongside its iconic Trefoil logo. “Today we leap into the metaverse… It’s time to enter a world of limitless possibilities,” it wrote. In addition to the news, the sportswear giant changed its Twitter profile picture to a Bored Ape cartoon character wearing an adidas track jacket branded with Punks Comic and Gmoney’s logos.

“This autumn, adidas, known for celebrating ideas at the bleeding edge of originality, is settling in at the frontier of creativity: The Metaverse,” the brand shared in a statement. “Our goal there? To see every one of its inhabitants thrive. The Metaverse is where anyone can express their most original ideas and be their most authentic selves, in whatever form they might take. And thanks to the blockchain [and NFTs], those pioneers can own a piece of what they create.”

adidas isn’t the only brand to expand into the metaverse. Balenciaga recently announced that it will be doing the same, while adidas’ competitor Nike is also preparing to launch metaverse-related projects.

adidas Originals‘ Response CL sneaker has received a new moody colorway dubbed “Metal Grey.”

Perfect for any season of the year, the latest iteration is covered in different shades of gray on the mesh and synthetic leather upper, while the midsole provides balance with its clean white hue. Additionally, the silhouette comes with adiPRENE cushioning and a Torsion system that provides all-day comfort and stability. The cream lacing system and black outsoles round off the footwear design.

Priced at £100 GBP (approximately $137 USD), the adidas Originals Response CL “Metal Grey” is now available at select retailers like Wood Wood.