Wales Bonner Revives adidas' Record-Breaking Neftanga Sneaker

Wales Bonner has reached into the adidas archives to bring back a sneaker with a legendary past, the Neftanga. Although it might not be widely known, this slim, yellow running shoe holds a significant place in marathon history. It was worn by Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie in 2008 when he set a world record by completing the Berlin Marathon in just under 2:04 hours, clocking in at 2:03:59.

Originally the first in the adidas Adizero line, which has since been associated with 12 more world records, the Neftanga is being reintroduced as a casual sneaker in collaboration with Wales Bonner. The British-Jamaican designer has a knack for predicting adidas’ next big hits, as seen with her influence in popularizing the Samba sneaker, which even caught the attention of high-profile figures like a former UK Prime Minister.

Bonner first showcased the Neftanga in her Marathon-themed Spring/Summer 2024 collection, sparking interest long before its official release. Now, with detailed images circulating and a rumored release date of September 10, the anticipation is building.

This revamped version of the Neftanga features Wales Bonner's branding and textured suede overlays, marking its entry into the highly competitive world of sneaker collaborations. Given adidas’ current push of vintage-style runners, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Neftanga becomes a familiar sight in the near future.