adidas and Zalando Caught Up with Berlin's Fastest Runners
How fast can a shoe be, really?
This was the question posed by adidas and Zalando as they brought an all-out celebration of running to Berlin’s Charlottenburg district. Titled ALL FOR FAST_LAB, the collaborative event lived by one motto and one motto alone: “Faster. Fastest. Adizero.”
Fashion kids and sports nerds alike flocked to Kant-Garagen-Palast, a vast industrial event space in the west of Berlin’s capital. Inside, two illuminated tunnels dominated the area, and guests got kitted out to race sporting the adidas Adizero. The race in question was a sprint for the best times around a futuristic circuit, egged on by host Shamiro van der Geld and a suite of forensic speed-tracking tech.
adidas’ Adizero family is made for serious performance. Since 2020, the Adizero has helped adidas athletes secure 111 victories at major running competitions, as well as achieving 10 world records. Positioned around the Adizero event were various installations spotlighting the shoe's design features. A floating, hourglass-like sand sculpture represented its weightlessness, while a ring of microphones physically rendered its active responsiveness. Complete with dystopian, industrial aesthetics and a pulsing DJ set from JADA, this was a holistic exploration of speed.
But a shoe can’t be fast without the person wearing it. adidas and Zalando invited 5 of Berlin’s leading creatives and running to attend the event, test out the shoe, and, of course, race. We spoke to the stars of the show to get their takes on what running means to them.
Olive – creative and runner
How does running fit into your life as a creative?
I’ve been very much into running for the last three years. It was a major health change in my life. As somebody who works in the creative industry and travels a lot, you don’t always give yourself the time for your own health. And that was just something I decided to prioritize. So, just like with my therapy, running is a must.
How would you style the Adizero?
I like to see contrast. I think it’s fun if you can take something that is very obviously a new running performance shoe and then mix that up with your own, less performance-based style. Basically, put yourself out of your comfort zone. That’s something I always try to do with styling, whether it’s with my clients or with myself. Just trying to push boundaries.
Zaidane – athlete and model
What motivates you to run?
I think what’s important for me is to be healthy and in movement—to know what’s good for my body and always move forward.
Can you tell me about where your philosophy of movement comes from?
I think it comes from football. I used to play football, and while I was at an academy, I was like “okay, I’m going to be a football player.” But then I had knee surgery, and I wasn’t so sure anymore. Following that, I found a lot of fun in fitness and also running, and I took it from there.
Oumou – triathlete and artist
What’s your advice to someone who wants to get into sport but doesn’t think it’s for them?
My advice would be to start by shifting the mindset, because sport isn't just about competition or being the best, it’s just about being yourself. It’s about joy, it’s about resilience. It’s about self-discovery and self-empowerment. I’d also say take it slowly. Find a sport that excites you and allow yourself to enjoy the process without focusing on comparisons.
You’re an artist, a creative, and also an activist. How do those things intersect for you?
I think all these intersect because it’s about me and it’s about what I do. I try to find myself in everything I do, to stand by things that affect me and that are relevant to my life and where I am. I’m always trying to motivate that little kid that I was into believing that there is a space for you in the world.
Sarah – creative director and athlete
What’s your first sporting memory?
My first sporting memory is with my Dad, when I was four. He was teaching me how to ride a bike competitively. And it didn’t work out well… because I have brothers. And he was just like, “You know what? We’re gonna try baseball instead.” And he just picked up a bat, threw me a mitt, and was like “you’re going to learn how to do this.” I think it was my father’s way to bond with me. It was cute.
How did you go about finding your sporting community? Why is it so important?
I think because it’s a group of people who understand this relentless sense of discipline, but also understand taking it easy and being able to make fun of yourself.
Christian – designer and runner
What do you think has driven the increasing closeness of running and fashion?
I think it's the same with the outdoors in general. People just want to show their identity and if they're into running, they want to show that. Plus, when you go running, you want to look good!
What’s the first thing you look for in a running shoe?
Personally, what attracts me about a shoe is the looks. But then you have to see how they feel. If they feel fast, then you’re set.
Winter might be upon us, but don’t let the cold slow you down. Whether you’re training or racing, you can shop the womens and mens Adizero collection now on Zalando.
