A Brief History of the adidas ZX 5000
In recent months, adidas has been breathing new life into its beloved ZX range. From exhibitions to ZX Roots of Running books and sneaker releases, the brand has been re-telling the story of the ZX and its different models. We even got the chance to collaborate with adidas Consortium on our own ZX 4000 this year. Other retailers and in-house Consortium also created their own ZX 10,000, a new model adidas has added. But today, we focus on the adidas ZX 5000. 
Originally released in the 1980s, the ZX 5000 came as a direct ancestor of the legendary ZX 8000. This was in the time when the ZX range went from the hundreds (ZX 750 for example), to the thousands. In 1989 adidas introduced the 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000 and 9000 ZXs models to the market, aimed at serious runners and casuals alike. The goal was to satisfy everyone, from all-terrain to road, from joggers to competitive long distance runners, they would all be able to find their footwear solution in the ZX collection.
The ZX 5000 featured a massive external heel counter, a Kevlar torsion system and the '80s-proper shadowed stripes. In terms of comfort, it had ultra-lightweight Polypag foam upper with reinforced synthetic suede panels, Torsion system cushioning, finishing with an embossed rubber heel cage.
As most know, the ZX range was centred around the technology it relied upon, the Torsion System. The ZX 5000 was no different, with the design centred around the plastic arch support system on the sole, essentially creating a bridge from the toes to the heel. This minimised the strain on the mid-foot and gave a better push-off. 
The ZX 5000 was also the chosen model for a four-way collaboration between BAPE, Undefeated, the now-closed but still legendary Colette store, as well as adidas, of course. Released in early 2013, the pair now fetches prices of R5500 and up on StockX. Other noteworthy releases include the maharishi x Undefeated pair, as well as the Offspring ZX 5000 Response.
