In the last 18 months, the diversity that adidas has demonstrated with region-specific releases has been more significant than ever. This practice is evident in a three-pack of adidas Tobacco, slated to be released this month in Japan.
The Tobacco has been part of the adidas catalog since 1970. Over 50 years later, the silhouette remains prominent, releasing in many colorways and material mixes. In the early 70s, adidas was by far the biggest sportswear brand on the planet. With such success, exploration into other markets was the next step, and the adidas factory in Dettwiller, Alsace, France, was under the direct control of Adi Dassler's son, Horst.
It cannot be understated just how huge a part Horst played in the success of adidas as a company. While Adi undoubtedly designed some of the greatest pairs of footwear ever made, Horst knew how to branch out, market them, and make adidas into the behemoth it is today. In 1970, he started a range that adidas called Special Leisure, which used specific color palettes and styles to have a training shoe that represented a more formal tone. One of the first shoes of this range was the adidas Tobacco, and it has been a perennial best-seller ever since, much beloved across the globe. The Tobacco name came about because of the original colorway, a muted brown that somebody in the factory likened to dried Tobacco leaves. To this day, the OG 'baccies' palette is sought after whenever reissued.
In Japan especially, the adidas Tobacco resonates with the stylish and trendy, and this upcoming collection, marketed specifically for the region, is sure to be met with high demand. All three pairs are constructed of premium suede, with minimal branding seen via a retro logo on the tongue. The first pair unveiled arrives in a triple Night Indigo finish, with the rubber sole unit carrying the aesthetic. This look is reminiscent of another sought-after adidas Tobacco, a Japanese exclusive collaboration with United Arrows.
The second pair is adorned in wonder orchid and silver green hues, a colorful yet slightly muted look that only enhances the sleek suede and the profile of the low-cut silhouette. This design gives a modern update to a vintage classic. A dark gum-colored rubber sole is underfoot. Last but not least, the third and final adidas Tobacco in the pack features an upper primarily comprising off-white premium suede. This color provides the perfect canvas for contrasting the college green stripes and back heel tab. A cream-white rubber sole is used to finish the clean vibe.
The adidas Tobacco Pack will release on September 20, 2024, exclusively in Japan via adidas and select retailers. Coming in unisex sizing, retail is set at $110. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest from adidas and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
adidas Tobacco Night Indigo
adidas Tobacco Wonder Orchid Silver Green
adidas Tobacco Off-White College Green
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.
