Tag: Adidas

‘The Last Dance’ revealed that Michael Jordan really wanted to sign with Adidas over Nike

OUCH.

Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike — and the Nike subsidiary Jordan Brand — undeniably changed how people look at sneakers. With the help of Jordan’s influence and popularity, sneakers broke into the fashion realm in ways they never previously could. And it all started with the Nike Air Jordan 1 sneakers.

But one thing is for certain: Adidas executives should avoid the fifth episode of ESPN’s The Last Dance.

During the fifth installment of the 10-part series, it was revealed that Jordan really did prefer to sign with Adidas over Nike. He loved Adidas’ shoes, but Adidas told Jordan and his representatives that the company couldn’t make a shoe work at the time … they didn’t even offer Jordan (!!!). So, he signed with Nike.

Ouch. That was honestly a company-changing missed opportunity. Adidas’ inability to make a deal work with Jordan opened the door for Nike to become the giant that they currently are in the shoe space.

That revelation deservedly had NBA fans roasting Adidas.

Yeah, that miss is going to hurt. At least Adidas still has, uh, Derrick Rose and Kanye West.

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The Athletic in Love/Hate Relationship with Notre Dame Alternate Uniform

The Athletic listed several alternate college football uniforms that they both love and hate. Notre Dame had one get both love and hate.

The Athletic has been on a uniform kick lately.  In the NHL they’ve been discussing the best sweaters in the history of each franchise and tackled recent alternate college football uniforms today.

Notre Dame has been wearing an alternate look at least once a season each of the last ten years and a couple times wearing a second alternate look twice in the same year.

Notre Dame didn’t get any love from The Athletic today for any of their alternate uniforms.  At least not none that was categorized under “favorites” on the list.  Notre Dame did get listed under “hated” for one of their alternates, however and I assume you already know which recent alternate it went to.

Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Pete Sampson and Nicole Auerbach said the following about the uniforms from the 2018 Shamrock Series game against Syracuse at Yankee Stadium:

Against:  These were less alternate jerseys than Halloween costumes, a Notre Dame football player trick-or-treating around the Bronx dressed up like a New York Yankee.  Most of Notre Dame’s alternates for the Shamrock Series have been edgy with some homage: military green for the game against Army, or touches of the Golden Dome on fabric for the Purdue game.  Even the Knute Rockne jerseys (faux old-school leather cleats!) from 2017 leaned into something Notre Dame.  Dressing up like a baseball player did none of that.  And replacing Notre Dame’s iconic gold with a dingy batting helmet?  Just thinking about it makes me clutch my pearls. – Pete Sampson

For:  Yes, I am aware that most of you hated these.  But that doesn’t mean you are right.  These jerseys paid homage to the most successful professional sports franchise in the United States on said franchise’s own turf.  They mixed elements of traditional baseball and football designs beautifully, from the pinstripes on the pants that looked classic and clean to the matte helmet that looked like a batting helmet.  I believe the backlash to these uniforms was not about the uniforms themselves but rather the success of the Yankees.  Just because you personally didn’t have the honor of growing up a Yankees fan doesn’t mean you have to disrespect the pinstripes.  They’re iconic, much like Notre Dame’s gold helmets.  You’re all just haters. – Nicole Auerbach

And people wonder why the Yankees get so much hate even if they’re not in the business of winning the World Series anymore.

I looked over all of the semi-recent Notre Dame alternates back in the fall ahead of the Irish wearing the ’88 tribute throwbacks against Boston College.  I agree with Sampson in that it wasn’t overall a good uniform but I did think they looked a ton better when the game actually came around than when they were unveiled during the previous summer.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

That said there is no excuse for the Rockne tribute uniforms to not get some praise in the “love” category.  Those are as perfect of alternate uniform that Notre Dame has ever worn and whenever they wear them again won’t be soon enough in my eyes.

Adidas, Honma, Titleist and FootJoy supporting COVID-19 charities

Some of golf’s biggest brands are pitching in to raise money, letting you do something good while scoring great gear.

Charity events and fundraisers are taking place around the world to help doctors, nurses and first responders who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are also working hard to help people who have been laid off or furloughed get food and other necessities. Several golf brands are stepping up and helping too. Here’s how you can get involved, help maybe score some cool gear.

Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas (Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports)

Acushnet (FootJoy, Titleist)
On Thursday morning, Acushnet announced that it is auctioning 12 “experiences” to the highest bidder, with all the proceeds raised being donated to CDP COVID-19 Response Fund; the United Way chapters of Greater New Bedford and San Diego County ( most Titleist and FootJoy employees live and work) and the Golf Emergency Relief Fund.

Among the items up for bid are rounds of golf with Webb Simpson and Ian Poulter, as well as a round of golf with Justin Thomas and with a lesson from his father, PGA of America pro Mike Thomas. Golfers can also try to win lessons from Butch Harmon, Peter Kostis, Michael Breed, James Sieckmann, Brad Faxon and Jordan’s Spieth coach, Cameron McCormick. Bob Vokey has donated a wedge fitting and Scotty Cameron has also donated a putter fitting, while Jim Nantz is offering a Pebble Beach experience to the highest bidder.

The week-long online auction is open now at chipin.ralleyup.com/charitygolfauction and closes April 30 at 9 p.m. EDT.

 

Adidas Codechaos golf shoes
Adidas Codechaos golf shoes. (Adidas)

Adidas
The maker of golf apparel and footwefar for stars like Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Paula Creamer and Xander Schaufelle is donating $2 to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for every purchase of $20 or more on the Adidas smartphone app and at adidas.com.

Honma T//World-X irons
Honma T//World-X irons (Honma)

Honma
The Japanese club maker known for high-end woods and irons has started two fundraisers.

The Pick Up Your Pro charity promotion encourages golfers to donate either $10, $25, $50 or $100 for a chance to win one of eight different prizes. The items available include a Honma gear package ($10), a pre-release set of custom TW4 wedges ($25), a Honma mobile fitting experience ($50) and a TR20 package that includes new drivers, irons and wedges ($100).

Honma’s goal is to raise $50,000 for the PGA of America’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund and all of the promotions are running now through May 15. The drawings will be held May 20 and youy can learn more at https://honmagolf.rallyup.com.

In addition, Honma is donating 10 percent of all the proceeds from sales at honma.com to Golf Emergency Relief Fund until May 30.

As John Kawaja, Honma’s president said in a release, “Even simple gestures can have a significant impact during this crisis, so we appreciate every bit of support golfers can lend to the folks who make this industry special.”

Golfweek’s guide to golf shoes: Fit, form and function

Find shoes that fit perfectly, get the story on spiked versus spikeless, and find out whether you need waterproof or water-resistant.

Even when they ride, golfers do a lot of walking on the course. And while strolling around town in running shoes can be comfortable, by swinging a golf club you create significant torque in your feet and ankles. And golf courses, being outside, put you out in the elements, so a shoe’s ability to handle hills, water, sand and dirt is also essential.

For all these reasons, golf shoes are among the most complicated pieces of footwear made. Here are some tips to help find the perfect pair.

Fit is critical
Under normal circumstances, the best way to find a good-fitting pair of golf shoes would be to go to your local pro shop or golf specialty store and try on a few pairs. However, we’re not living in normal times right now, and many stores and golf courses are closed. Shoe companies are selling products online, but trying on shoes before you buy them may not be possible.

It may seem obvious, but to find good-fitting shoes, start with what you know and what has fit well for you in the past.

“Over the last three years, we have not changed our sizing at all,” said Masun Denison, Adidas’ global footwear director. “If you have worn an Adidas shoe in the last three years, there is an excellent chance that the size you were comfortable with then is the size you would be today in any model we offer.”

However, things are not always as simple as buying the same size, because the most crucial factor in how a shoe fits is the last. The last is the mold or form that the shoe is designed around, and it determines things such as how wide or narrow the shoe will be, how much room is in the toe, the curvature and the shoe’s height. Companies often use a different last for different types of shoes, so if you are changing styles or opting to buy a shoe from a different brand, the last in the new shoes likely will be different, and that could make them fit differently.

Adidas Codechaos golf shoes
Adidas Codechaos golf shoes (Adidas)

For example, Adidas’s Tour 360 XT will feel different on your feet than the new Adidas Codechaos Boa because different materials are used in their construction. The shoes also have different lacing systems, and one is a spiked shoe while the other is spikeless. You would likely need the same size in both shoes, but they would feel different on your feet.

“If you look at the shoe from the toe-down view, as if it was on your foot, you can see that some are more rounded and some are pointy,” said Andrew Lawson, Puma Golf’s product line manager for footwear. “You can then look at your foot’s shape and tell if you have a wider foot or a narrow foot. Comfort is king, so if a shoe doesn’t fit your foot’s shape, it’s never going to be comfortable.”

FootJoy Tour X golf shoes
The FootJoy Tour X golf shoes (FootJoy)

Richard Fryer, FootJoy’s director of product management, said it’s worth noting that if you have a favorite pair of shoes, updated versions and new editions of that shoe will almost always fit the same way.

“As you look through our different categories, if you look at DryJoy Tour, Tour X, Pro S/L, the FJ Fury, they’re all based on the Laser Plus last,” Fryer said. “So if you were a 9 last year, you’ll be a 9 this year and be very happy.”

If you chose to buy a pair of golf shoes online, check the return policy before completing your purchase. It might be smart to buy two pairs, try them both on at home and keep the best-fitting pair if you are offered free returns.

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Discounts: Save money on great golf equipment and gear

New equipment and gear can be pricy, but Golfweek found great bargains on things that golfers will love.

With the stock market gyrating and economies around the world sputtering because of the coronavirus pandemic, it might not seem like the time to break out your wallet and buy golf gear. However, several companies are running sales and promotions that can save you big bucks. Here’s a list of some bargains we found.

Adidas Codechaos golf shoes
Adidas CodeChaos golf shoes (Courtesy of Adidas)

Adidas
Take 30 percent off everything on adidas.com when you use the promo code MARCH30. That includes the new CodeChoas golf shoes. They retail for $150 a pair ($130 for women’s shoes), but with that code you can get them for $105 with free shipping.

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Adidas Primeblue Code Chaos shoes debut at the Players

Using plastic pulled from the oceans and off beaches, Adidas strives to provide great performance while cleaning the environment.

Plastic bottles washed up on beaches and images of sea life tangled up in spools of fishing line or plastic beverage holders are depressing. Many items that find their way into the world’s oceans can be recycled, which not only cuts down on the amount of new plastic that needs to be used but also cleans up the environment.

Adidas has a goal of converting 100 percent of its virgin polyester to recycled in every application where a solution exists. To that end, at the 2019 U.S. Open, Adidas released the Tour 360 XT Parley golf shoes, footwear manufactured using upcycled plastic waste that has been intercepted from beaches and coastal communities in California. This week at the Players, several of the company’s staff players, including Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele, will be wearing apparel and footwear that is made using Adidas’ Primeblue material which is also manufactured using recycled ocean plastics.

Adidas Primeblue Code Chaos shoes
Primeblue Code Chaos shoes are made using plastic pulled from the oceans and off beaches. (Adidas)

The Primeblue Code Chaos golf shoes ($150) feature the same spikeless sole found in the standard Code Chaos shoes that were released in January. Made from rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the rigid traction elements cover the sole, but a scattering of oddly shaped traction elements have been added to the forefoot area. Called Twistgrip, these pieces create extra forefoot traction in every direction as a golfer swings.

The waterproof mesh upper, made using the upcycled plastic, is breathable while the Boost midsole provides extra cushioning.

Roland Lazenby: What happened was Kobe …

Roland Lazenby: What happened was Kobe wasn’t even thinking about – I mean he liked Michael Jordan but he did think to be exactly like Jordan with shaving his head and all that stuff, that was because Adidas discovered him and thought that he could be the next Jordan and told his AAU coach that. They began pushing that agenda and suddenly what do you do when you have a 16 year old kid and you tell him he’s going to be the next Jordan? Well next thing you know he’s shaving his head, he’s studying the tapes, you know if that’s going to be his job he’d better know what it is. And so then everybody was saying that Kobe was some kind of – I don’t know what the problem was with Kobe, but it was negative. If you recall even in Philly it was negative. Like he was trying to jump line.

Roland Lazenby: I think that’s probably …

Roland Lazenby: I think that’s probably sort of the attitude; Kobe and his family was trying to jump line at the cafeteria or something you know? They thought that he was trying to jump in front of people. I know Rick Fox told me that. When Kobe came to the Lakers as a teenager, you know there’s all these veterans working hard for their money and here’s this kid being shoved in front of us and so it created – and he never once bothered to say, ‘Man I wasn’t planning any of this, this stuff just happened to me’… he was granted by working as hard as he did, smart as he was, but he wasn’t out there schemin’…

James Conner Details His Autobiography ‘Fear Is A Choice’

“There’s a way to bounce back from adversity and get through it and be better because of it. Adversity is to be expected.” Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner shares the details on his first autobiography ‘Fear is a Choice,’ coming out on June 16, 2020.

“There’s a way to bounce back from adversity and get through it and be better because of it. Adversity is to be expected.” Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner shares the details on his first autobiography ‘Fear is a Choice,’ coming out on June 16, 2020.

NBA and WNBA stars participate in ‘world’s best career day’

Talk about a cool career day.

Career day. Ah, yes, career day. That takes you back.

You know, to those days in high school where you’d sit and your classmate’s dad would come through from whatever job he worked. He’d share a few cool stories with the class and pass around some item that you’d never touched before. Easy money. Easy day at school. Now you can go home and chill.

But could you imagine a career day where James Harden showed up? Or Candace Parker? I don’t know about you, but my classroom would go nuts.

That’s happening for some kids in Chicago this weekend ahead of the All-Star game. Except for instead of a classmate’s dad, they’re kicking it with legends from the NBA and WNBA.

Adidas is hosting what they’re calling “the world’s best career day” with 240 student athletes from eight high schools in Chicago.

They’re getting tips and advice from professionals across different industries — including the NBA and WNBA — about what they did to make it in their profession. Adidas is bringing their athletes and professionals to help these kids shape their futures.

Among those professionals is Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker. The future Hall of Famer said the weekend is an opportunity for her to help someone else build their legacy the way she’s built hers.

“I’ve had countless role models and idols in my life both on and off the court that have played a huge part in who I am, so I’ve always strived to pass it on to the future generations,” Los Angeles Sparks All-Star Candace Parker told For The Win.

Other athletes participating include Derrick Rose, Zach LaVine, James Harden and Chiney Ogwumike among others. Some entertainers under the Adidas umbrella will also participate.

The program is part of Adidas basketball’s “Legacy” program that they say was created to empower youth in underserved communities across the country. The program started in 2017 and is currently in Los Angeles and New York. Chicago’s launch is coinciding with All-Star weekend.

The goal of the program is to “change lives through the power of sport,” Brandon Walker, Adidas Basketball’s program manager, told For The Win. Part of that is getting them in front of professionals who have already done the things they’re trying to do.

And it’s not just basketball they’re focused on. The company is also bringing in business professionals, artists, photographers, fashion designers and professionals from other industries to showcase their skills and drive interest.

“In LA, we were having a session and one of the young lady’s from our program spoke to one of our sneaker designers and she asked ‘You helped design James Harden’s shoe?’,” Walker said.  “And just to see the look on her face to see that she could impact sport without actually needing to play the game was super powerful. And that’s what we try to hammer home.”

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