Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, adidas Spezial teams up with a longtime supporter of the brand, British DJ and music producer Goldie, to present an update to the much-lauded Silverbirch SPZL silhouette. First launched in the second installation of the adidas Spezial SS19 Collection, the Silverbirch was a creation of another longtime Spezial supporter, renowned shoe collector, and graphic designer Robert Brooks.
Using his experience of growing up in London, Brooksy, as he is known to the world, wanted to blend his influences on a vibrant and colorful shoe that harked back to the running shoes of his youth. With the vintage adidas Denver as the inspiration, the aesthetic is peak Spezial, bringing the past and a retro flair to the present with modern wearability, contemporary materials, and an on-trend feel. The shoe was christened Silverbirch, the name of the housing estate that Brooksy grew up on, and was a massive success upon release, with them often regarded as one of the best SPZL pairs ever made. The small, bespoke arm of The Brand With The Three Stripes is into triple figures now, so it's quite the recognition for the design.
When unveiled in 2019, in what is tradition for adidas Spezial with a small film showcasing the products, the soundtrack for that video was compiled by Goldie and Chimpo. With his roots in graffiti, Goldie (real name Clifford Price MBE) is a pioneer in UK music, having been a figurehead in the early 90s of the flourishing D'n'B and Jungle scenes. Co-founder of record label Metalheadz, he has also lent his hand to several acting roles, appearing in Guy Ritchie's 2000 movie Snatch, amongst others. He is regarded as an ever-constant in the UK cultural scene, has been wearing adidas Spezial gear, and has attended and been DJ'ing launch parties since the launch of SPZL in 2014. Now invited to spin his take on the Silverbirch, the first noticeable changes are the colors and materials used.
While the original Silverbirch used sky blue suede, the Goldie x adidas Silverbirch SPZL uses cloud-white tumbled leather, giving a total overhaul to the usual look. With slightly yellowed nylon underlays along the midfoot and tongue, mesh is utilized for the toebox. This look is further highlighted by the midsole encapsulated by the Dellinger Web. Metallic hits of gold are found on the heel counter, and Three Stripes branding is on the sides, with a pink tongue tag that stands out amongst the neutral backdrop.
On the heel panel, a 3M reflective strip runs along the edge, with the panel itself featuring co-branding with the Metalheadz logo seen on one shoe and the Spezial Modtrefoil on the other. At the same time, the lace set is finished with gold dubraes, again featuring dual branding. The insoles are adorned with custom graphics, and as always with a SPZL shoe, there is a swing tag, but this one only features the Metalheadz logo, a massive tip of the cap from Gary Aspden to the support that he has received over the years from his friend. Underfoot, a black rubber outsole is applied, with another hit of pink centered on the bottom. Finishing things off is a special custom adidas Spezial shoebox.
The Goldie x adidas Silverbirch SPZL will release on October 10, 2024, through adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $140. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest from adidas and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Goldie x adidas Silverbirch SPZL
Images via asphaltgold
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.
