Back in 2008, adidas debuted the original A-ZX series. The project pushed the boundaries of what the evolving field of special release product could achieve, with a comprehensive trip through the legendary range of ZX running shoes that paired a collaborative partner with the corresponding letter of the alphabet. (Incidentally, the ‘B’ in the original A-ZX was represented by a fondly remembered Bodega ZX 8000.)

A-ZX makes a triumphant return in 2020, with another deep dive into the ZX archive. This time around, instead of collaborative partners, each letter of the alphabet represents a different, conceptual tribute to the high tech running footwear that represented the era’s pinnacle of athletic performance.

D is for Deadhype. The Berlin based underground music branding agency put a uniquely German spin on the classic ZX 8000 runner, as their entry in the A-ZX range. The familiar shape is outfitted in tones of pale purple with minimized branding, inspired by the simple, sans-branding design of a shoe officially known as the Bundeswehr Sportschuhe; to everyone else it was simply the GAT (German Army Trainer).

The low-cut, all purpose training shoe was standard issue to military personnel in the Federal Republic of Germany, and became a hot fashion item in post-unification Germany, when a reduction in military presence led to easily available surplus quantities of this stylishly simple shoe. Aligned with the technological presence of the ZX 8000, the understated design becomes sleeker than ever before.

If a size is not listed, it is sold out. 

FX8528