Over the past 10 years, Primeknit has become an essential part of adidas’ sneakers. But what exactly is Primeknit? And how has it become a staple of some of adi’s most iconic silhouettes?
Well, we’re gonna tell you everything you need to know about adi’s Primeknit tech…
What is Primeknit?
Classic sneakers usually have uppers that’re made from a bunch of materials, which have been stitched together, while a Primeknit upper is knitted as one whole piece! Because Primeknit is a knitted fabric, it brings a sock-like fit to support your feet while keepin’ them ventilated and cool. Using fused yarn that lets adidas adjust the flexibility, stability and support that Primeknit brings to different silhouettes, it’s a fresh and versatile way of crafting uppers for your creps.
Where did Primeknit come from?
In 2010, Astrid Lang and Stefan Tamm from adidas’ footwear development team went to the annual “techtextil” fair in Germany. While there, they found a knitted glove on display, which was made from thermoplastic fuse yarns – meaning it was both flexible and stable! Naturally, they both thought this technology would be perfect for sneakers and decided to see if it could work as an upper.
Around the same time, adidas had begun working with furniture designers who they thought could provide unique and innovative sneaker designs. Lang and Tamm took this opportunity to start working with one of them – Alexander Taylor – and created some initial designs for how this knitted tech could be used.
After researching the tech by talking to flat knit experts and constructing a prototype model, Lang and Tamm took their idea to adi’s Chief Marketing Officer, Hermann Deininger to see if they could make Primeknit sneakers a reality. Seeing the potential in the tech, Deininger made Primeknit a special project and gave them 12 months to create the first ever line of adidas creps with Primeknit uppers.
When did Primeknit drop?
Managing to create the first official series of Primeknit sneakers in just 12 months, it was decided that the running silhouette would be the first to launch to coincide with the London 2012 Olympics.
On July 27th 2012, the adiZero Primeknit sneakers were released.
These sneakers were only available from July 27th to August 12th (the length of the Olympics), and were limited to 2,012 pairs (I’m sensing a Olympic theme here).
(Image: blog.adidas.com)
Primeknit Silhouettes
Since the initial 2012 drop, Primeknit tech has become an essential part of some of adi’s most popular silhouettes.
The standout trainer that uses Primeknit tech has to be the Ultra Boost. First droppin’ in 2015, the Ultra Boost combined all the iconic adi technologies: Primeknit, Boost cushioning and the Torsion System. The upper brings essential support and a fresh fit in both the caged and uncaged silhouettes, making them must-haves for running and for stylin’ up the streets.
Another essential sneaker that made use of ground-breaking Primeknit tech is the Yeezy Boost 350 V2. The collab between adidas and Kanye West is one of the biggest in the world, so it makes sense that the in-demand trainers would get the best of everything. The Primeknit upper gives the 350 upper its unique and unmistakable shape, and combining that with Boost tech makes them next level sneaks.
Check out all the Ultra Boost sneakers right here and keep an eye out for the next Yeezy drops.
Primeknit tech changed the game for adidas. Giving them the freedom to create lightweight silhouettes that were still supportive, Primeknit started a revolution on the streets and the track. Able to be crafted in a variety of ways for different silhouettes, Primeknit gives adi’s sneakers a seamless look and standout style.
