Long-time collaborators END and adidas team up once again to present a collection based around one of the staples in any community: the laundromat. The collection blends familiarity with a historic first by using the Gazelle Indoor, SL 72, and Prototype TRX as the vessels to bring the design concept to life.
While the Gazelle Indoor and SL 72 are staples of the adidas roster, the Prototype TRX has never been re-released before by adidas inline or as part of any collaborative projects. Stashed deep in the Archive at adidas HQ in Herzogenuarach, Germany, the team at END dug it out to create their take and finally let the design see the light of day. adidas had changed the original design of the Prototype TRX before the final product was brought to market nearly a half-century ago in the mid-70s. The name TRX was an attempt to capture consumers' attention, as brands like Nike and New Balance introduced running shoes with cool names like Tailwind and Interval.
Having gone on to be a perennial best-seller over the years, manufactured in various countries in multiple forms such as TRX Competition and TRX Variant, the TRX has experienced a modern boom. The silhouette launched in numerous iterations in the current market, such as TRX Vintage and TRX SPZL. The shoe has cult status amongst fans of McVicar, a 1980 British movie starring the legendary frontman of rock band The Who, Roger Daltrey, in the titular role. The opening scene depicts Daltrey/McVicar fighting with prison guards over his training shoes, which happened to be a pair of TRX, a sneaker that was highly sought after at the time, especially in the UK. With such heritage, it makes perfect sense for UK-based retailer END to delve deep into the adidas archives and find a gem from the TRX line to include in their collection, and the fact it is a gem never seen before is quite the bonus.
With the inspiration behind the collection coming from the oft-made mistake of throwing colors in with your whites, three color palettes showing the various stages of the dyeing process are utilized.
First up, the SL 72 arrives at the pre-dye stage with a pearly white nylon base upper overlaid with off white suedes and leathers. Three Stripes branding runs along the midfoot, with the heel tabs and insoles carrying dual-branded logos. The insoles are stitched for extra attention to detail, with the lace set finished off with silver metal aglets with END branding. To complete the look, a classic white midsole sits atop a gum-colored rubber outsole.
For the Prototype TRX, the lightly dyed stage is represented with hues of green, crystal white, and ecru tint adorning the nylon and suede upper. A white mesh tongue is in place, finished with a care label-style tag. The white EVA cushioned foam midsole has a gum-colored rubber outsole underfoot. Again, dual-branding is seen throughout.
Last but not least, the Gazelle Indoor. The fully dyed stage is when you've done a full cycle, and that red sock has caused havoc. The suede upper contrasts are red and pink, highlighted by white leather Three Stripes branding, and finished with a white mesh tongue inspired by net-style laundry bags. The extra attention to detail is on view across the collection with visible double stitching around the toe box. A gum-colored rubber sole completes the aesthetic.
The END x adidas Laundromat Collection is set to release on October 24, 2024, exclusively at END in-store and online. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $125 for each style. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via END
END x adidas SL 72 Laundromat
END x adidas Gazelle Indoor Laundromat
END x adidas Prototype TRX Laundromat
In this article
Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
