The line between high fashion and streetwear continues to blur, but few collaborations push the envelope quite like adidas’ ongoing partnership with Italian fashion disruptor AVAVAV. Coming off the heels of their viral “Superfinger” toed sneakers last winter, the German sportswear giant and avant-garde style label are back with a sophomore effort that might be even more divisive, but definitely less nightmare-inducing. Enter the Moonrubber Megaride, a sneaker that looks like it stepped straight off a ‘60s sci-fi film set.
RETRO FUTURE
The Moonrubber isn’t entirely new ground for adidas, even if it looks otherworldly. The upper borrows heavily from the brand’s Megaride, a retro running silhouette from the early ‘00s that serious sneakerheads might remember for its distinctive Bounce midsole tech.
What makes this new futuristic iteration stand out is how AVAVAV creative director Beate Karlsson has transmogrified an otherwise conventional mesh upper by mounting it atop what can only be described as a bumper for your feet. Revealing the Bounce units inside, the translucent, bulbous rubber base gives the impression that the shoe stepped into a puddle of space goo and never quite recovered.
FUNCTIONAL FASHION?
While most avant-garde fashion pieces sacrifice function for form, the Moonrubber Megaride at least attempts to maintain some performance DNA. Peering through that glossy, bubble-like exterior reveals the original hexagonal Bounce units still intact within the TPU housing for responsive comfort.
The upper combines breathable mesh with TPU 3-Stripes and metal D-ring lacing system, which all have practicality at the forefront. Whether you’d actually want to navigate city streets in what might look more designed for the runway, the Moonrubber still represents an intriguing blend of adidas’ athletic heritage and AVAVAV’s irreverent design approach.
HEAVYWEIGHT INSPIRATION
Available in both black and white colorways, the Megaride’s new lunar-inspired sole bears more than a passing resemblance to other boundary-pushing footwear. The cartoon-like bubble base evokes comparisons to everything from Minnie Mouse’s iconic heels to the oversized proportions of Rick Owens’ more extreme creations. Unlike many high-concept shoes that borrow from multiple sources, however, the Moonrubber feels like a cohesive vision rather than a desperate grab for attention, although it can certainly be both.
SPEC SHEET
Model: adidas Moonrubber Megaride by AVAVAV
Upper: Mesh with TPU 3-Stripes
Midsole: Visible adidas Bounce units
Outsole: Translucent bubble rubber
Lacing: Metal D-ring lacing system
Limited Edition?: Unspecified
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Arriving globally on May 22, the adidas Moonrubber Megaride by AVAVAV wears a steep price tag of $350 from the adidas CONFIRMED platform, adidas.com, flagship stores, and select retailers. For those seeking something slightly less outlandish from the collection, the Modified Superstar will also release simultaneously for $280, featuring a more subdued (yet still distinctly AVAVAV) take on the iconic shell-toe.
Recap
adidas x AVAVAV Moonrubber Megaride Sneaker
Adidas returns with fashion firm AVAVAV for these wild new Moonrubber sneakers based on the ’00s-era Megaride running shoes, but with a bulbous translucent sole.
