When the NMD OG hit, it really hit. On launch day back in 2015, an enormous 400,000 pairs were sold. With its sock-like fit, contrasting midsole plugs and combination of Primeknit and Boost technologies, the NMD V1 captured sneakerheads’ attention in a big way.
In the years that followed, adidas retained that attention by releasing new iterations, colorways and collabs faster than anyone could keep up with. Some say adi went a bit too far when, towards the end of 2016, it pushed out the NMD XR1 with its midfoot cage. After a couple years of misses, the NMD has been rising in popularity again. It seems the secret to this success is taking things back to basics, focusing on the design cues that made the NMD OG iconic in the first place.
Six years later, adidas has launched the NMD V3. Lovers of the original will be happy. It continues to use the colored midsole plugs, heel pull, and toe-to-heel Boost. It’s most definitely an NMD shoe but with a fresh update that securely brings it into the present day.
The new design is more layered than previous iterations. Layered with multiple textiles and translucent fabrics, the NMD V3 shows its inner workings with subtle colors, textures and tones. The TPU blocks on the sides which so defined the original NMDs are still present, but rendered in soft gradients rather than solid colors. A TPU shell wraps down to the Boost sole to create a visual link between the two halves of the shoe. The toe is a bit chunkier, giving the shoe more structure than its Primeknit predecessor.
The full Boost cushioning means these kicks will be nice and bouncy for walking around all day. Whilst the shape is running-inspired, the NMD hasn’t really been run-ready since the V1s so best have a look around adidas’s athletic collection if that’s what you’re in for.
In terms of materials, the NMD V3 has an upper made with yarn which contains at least 50 percent Parley Ocean Plastic – reimagined plastic waste, intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines – and 50% recycled polyester.
That recycled polyester is from adidas’s trade in programs which turns end-of-life sneakers and apparel into recycled materials for new products, preventing them from ending up in landfill or ocean waste.
At time of writing, there are 20 colors available including an update of the OG black and white versions with red and blue midsole plus. So, it looks like adidas isn’t slowing down on the number of variations of the NMD it’ll provide fans. The NMD is here to stay.
The adidas NMD V3 launches today, August 16, on adidas.com/NMD and in select retailers.