Adidas’ thin-soled sneaker releases keep on coming. From heritage looks such as the premium Italian-made version of the Italia ’60 to new low-profile updates to classic silhouettes such as the Stan Smith, the trend is fully in motion within the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based brand. Now, another one of the brand’s archive models, the Gazelle, has received a slimmed-sole makeover.
Launched in June via the brand’s e-commerce store is the Adidas Gazelle Lo Pro in Core Black/Cloud White/Gum (style code JR8886) and Sand Strata/Cloud White/Gum (style code JR8889). While the original Gazelle already featured a relatively slim sole, the Gazelle Lo Pro dials it down even further with a gum rubber bottom that’s roughly half the size of the standard version.
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And Adidas didn’t stop there; the Gazelle Lo Pro’s entire upper has been redesigned with a deconstructed build featuring a lower ankle opening and a stitched T-toe shape in place of the traditional overlay. All in all, the Lo Pro variation maintains the general look of the Gazelle, but in an even thinner (and trendier) form.
The flat athletic footwear trend has been inescapable within the industry in recent years. Adidas has found continued success with the Samba and more recently, its Taekwondo model has been stealing the spotlight. Other brands are also making the most of the movement, with Puma’s Speedcat and Mostro, Nike’s Total 90 and Miu Miu’s New Balance 530 SL collaboration also performing well at both retail and on the resale market.
And while the trend is certainly fashionable, it’s not necessarily the best for longterm foot health. Due to the lack of cushioning and support found in other athletic footwear, the thin-soled shoes can potentially promote problems.
“If you want to wear a Samba, if you want to wear a Speedcat or god knows what else, go for it,” Dr. Zach Thomas, a podiatrist who moonlights as Foot Doctor Zach on YouTube, told FN in May. “It’s not going to kill you, but throw an orthotic in there, and it’s going to help you so much more.”
Both Adidas Gazelle Lo Pro styles are available now exclusively in women’s sizing for a retail price of $110 and a full look is featured below. More colorways are expected to be released soon.