adidas Originals Debuts adiZero Goukana: Street Silhouette Powered by Championship Marathon Technology

adidas Originals proudly introduces the adiZero Goukana (pronounced "GOH-kah-nah"), a groundbreaking new silhouette that makes a bold statement. This exciting debut represents a fresh chapter, seamlessly blending adidas’ rich performance heritage with the vibrant energy of contemporary street culture.

The adiZero Goukana draws direct inspiration from adidas’ legendary Adios Neftenga, a groundbreaking performance running shoe from 2008. Design elements from this iconic silhouette have been reimagined for today’s style landscape, including the distinctive lenticular striping. While the original Neftenga remained a prototype for years, it was recently reintroduced through a limited Wales Bonner collaboration in 2024, making the Goukana a fresh continuation of this storied performance legacy.

Goukana" meaning "luxurious and plush" in Japanese, was intentionally chosen to pay homage to the adiZero franchise’s Japanese heritage and specifically honors Mr. Toshiaki Omori, the legendary Japanese shoe designer responsible for creating the original adiZero running shoe line at adidas. Today, adiZero Goukana’s premium suede construction and meticulous craftsmanship earn its name.

Though not designed as a running shoe, the Goukana delivers exceptional performance capabilities that hold up to active wear. The key: the innovative Lightstrike cushioning—the exact same responsive technology found in adidas’ championship-winning marathon shoes and elite basketball court models worn by professional athletes - with the Goukana already capturing the attention of adidas athletes who have embraced the shoe while off duty, seen on the NBA’s Jalen Green and the NFL’s Travis Hunter. This technical crossover brings premium comfort and support to a street-ready silhouette without compromising on style.

The shoe’s bold aesthetic includes a bulbous sole unit specifically engineered to complement today’s baggier silhouettes, while the upper showcases a premium blend of suede, mesh, and reflective silver synthetics. The vibrant yellow colorway is a key feature of the adiZero Goukana, drawing direct inspiration from both the original Neftenga and the dynamic energy of car racing culture. This bold color choice reflects both the shoe’s performance heritage and its contemporary street presence.

Designed by adidas’ dynamic creative team based in Los Angeles, the adiZero Goukana draws inspiration directly from the city’s diverse cultural landscape and dynamic energy.

The shoe is released alongside an accompanying campaign, bringing the Los Angeles-inspired design approach to life by partnering with authentic cultural architects who shape the city’s vibrant communities - Motoring While Black, a creative outlet and community platform for motoring enthusiasts of color founded by Rashod Bacon, and Fabrica de Rosas, a welcoming space for Black and brown cyclists created by Jaime Rosas.

The adiZero Goukana will be available on adidas.com, and at adidas flagship stores on August 1st.

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@adidasOriginals

About adidas Originals:

Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas – one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel – adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture. Marked by the iconic Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972 and championed by those that continue to shape and define creative culture, adidas Originals continues to lead the way as the pioneering sportswear brand for the street.