Adidas Roundhouse Mid

Talk about a diamond in the rough!  Probably not going to gain the respect and attention they deserve, but these are sick! The Adidas designers have utilized some old school traditional design elements and blended them with their own Originals' style.  The heel counter of these obviously reflects the Nike 6.0 Encore Highs/ the Jordan 6's / or the Huraches(take your pick).  Another Nike influenced element is the black part of the midsole.  If you ask me, it reflects the Jordan 6's a little too much, especially with the 6.0 / Jordan 6 heel.  But, Adidas really made these reflect their style through the oversized "Jeremy Scott" style tongue.  I know, I know,.....the tongue is not nearly as big and gaudy as the Jeremy Scott editions, but you know what I mean.  Another element that really reflects the old school Adidas style is the diamond pattern on the back heel midsole that is seen on tons of the ZX series.  Lastly, the toe box is constructed of a simple suede structured design that reeks Puma's traditionally simplistic approach.  My one suggestion is to widen the instep strap a bit. A mix of suede, leathers and faux carbon fiber really create a contrastingly complex shoe despite the fact that only two colors are used.

Adidas Originals Transform Pack

Adidas has taken a different approach to updating their classic styles than Nike has with their's.  Rather than simply placing an old upper on a classic sole (Nike's AJF1 series), Adidas has actually made their designers work harder.  The new additions of 2-in1s are the black Samba TF, the Nizza hightops, the Forum Mids, Stan Smiths and the Superstar 2s.  The Sambas removable lace coverings are obviously influenced from the Micropacers and are a nice touch if you'd like to tone down the bright lava laces.  The Nizza hightops takes the way some people rollover their Chucks to a new level.  The use of  a yellow lining that really pops when rolled over and a snap to hold the flap down are nice touches.  Pretty simple design for a 2-in-1 but sick shoe nonetheless.   The Stan Smiths have a removable zippered upper that really transforms the style to two completely different shoes, a black high and a bright blue low.  The Forum Mids simply have a wide removable strap on the instep.  An obvious attempt to capitalize on the trend of wide straps seen on the ever popular Yeezys and Creative Rec. Cesarios, but done well.  The last pair of the pack is the Superstar 2s with removable tongues.  Good idea on their part that allows you to tone up or down the pop you're in the mood for.  Overall, most will be impressed with this pack and the color palate is not too wild for most.  All shoes utilize a combination of white, black and gray with a pop color.  I'm sure some may say that I'm hypocritical because Adidas simply pasted a Micropacer part on a Samba similar to placing a Jordan upper on an Air Force 1 sole.  But, they couldn't honestly admit that this is not a great looking and innovative pack.