Beginner's Guide to adidas NMD

History of the NMD Silhouette

Talk about how they are a great running shoe and how they’ve risen in popularity since launch

On December 9, 2015, adidas introduced its latest footwear innovation, the NMD, at an event in New York City. Presented as a modern-day hybrid of three archival silhouettes—the  Boston Super, Micropacer and Rising Star—the shoe broke new ground for the Three Stripes’ lifestyle footwear category thanks to its unprecedented technical prowess. 

The upper features a sock-like Primeknit construction for ease of access and on-the-go wear, while patented Boost tooling underneath ensures a soft ride when walking long distances. Whereas Primeknit had previously been deployed on sport and performance models such as the Ultraboost, the NMD’s altogether more casual aesthetic is inspired by the peripatetic urbanites, or nomads, that inform its abbreviated name.

Different NMD Iterations 

R1 vs S1 NMDs

Launched as the adidas Originals NMD, the inaugural silhouette was later recategorized as the NMD_R1. The NMD lineage continues to expand today, evolving the foundational design language established by the original model while remaining true to its heritage. 

Below, a guide to NMD categorizations, from R1 through S1, in chronological order of release. 

R1 (2015)

The first ever NMD, officially designated the OG, was unveiled in a black colorway in 2015, followed by a contrasting white version shortly thereafter. The street-inspired silhouette affixes a Primeknit upper to a Boost midsole with color-blocked EVA plug inserts for enhanced stability.

C1 (2016)

adidas followed up the original NMD release with a Chukka version in March 2016. Essentially a sneaker/desert-boot hybrid, the mid-top shoe opts for suede in place of Primeknit. A trail version, titled the C1_TR1, arrived later that year, possessing a serrated outsole and leather heel counter.

CS1 (2016)

A laceless version of the R1 arrived the same month as the C1. Short for “City Sock,” the silhouette features a higher mid-top cut while maximizing the accessibility factor of the original even further. Later that year, adidas wrapped the C1 in a GORE-TEX membrane, followed by an ecologically minded release with Parley for the Oceans that employed recycled rubbers.

XR1 (2016)

The XR1 signified another major design modification of the R1, adding a midfoot cage that bears similarities to adidas’ influential Ultraboost.

Hu & Hu Trail (2016)

Pharrell officially joined adidas’ stable of collaborators in 2014, debuting a monochromatic pack of Stan Smiths that fall. In 2016, the artist released the first ever Hu, a revamped version of the NMD featuring a rope lacing system hooked around a TPU midfoot cage. Distinguished by inspirational midfoot text—a reflection of the  “Human Race” motif—and vibrant colorways, a limited iteration designed in tandem with Chanel was released in 2017 to mark the closing of Parisian concept store colette.  

R2 (2016)

The R1’s successor came in the form of the R2, a streamlined silhouette featuring a large EVA block on the medial side and debossed stripe detailing on the midsole’s lateral rear. A suede heel tab and light-reflective collar complete the revamp.

CS2 (2017)

2017 saw adidas unveil the CS2 as the next installment in the City Sock series. Adhering to a similar aesthetic language as its predecessor, the upper incorporates a new stitch pattern with an asymmetrical collar that weaves its way to the lateral rear of the midsole. Like the R2, the CS2 features an isolated EVA plug on the medial side. 

R1 STLT (2018)

adidas brought in 2018 with the R1 STLT, a style that adheres to many of the same design principles as the RT. Updates include a reengineered lacing system and updated pattern detailing.

Racer (2018)

The Racer joined the STLT as part of a refortified NMD lineup in 2018. Once more, adidas uses EVA technology as a tool for expression, placing two shrunken plugs at the forefoot of the Boost midsole. 

TS1 (2018)

The adidas TS1 signaled a major technical modification with the addition of a protective flap on the Primeknit upper. A toggle lacing system provides additional lockdown, secured to the forefoot by velcro.

NMD V2 (2019)

The followup to the V1 came courtesy of the V2. Discerned by its elasticated heel tab, the shoe features a rope lacing system with rubber and taped overlays. “The Brand With The Three Stripes” text is incorporated on the upper in various languages. 

S1 (2022)

The next chapter in the NMD story was revealed when Pharrell teased a never-before-seen sneaker titled the S1. The next-generation silhouette eschews most of its predecessor’s design language, instead adhering to a futuristic sensibility that, most notably, sees the sole unit reimagined entirely. Maintaining the Primeknit upper, Boost tooling has been replaced with a lopsided, semi-translucent midsole that sports the Trefoil logo. The shoe is finished with a razor-like outsole inspired by the archival Marathon TR silhouette.

Best adidas NMD Colorways

Hundreds of NMD colorways have been released since 2016. The black and white renderings of the R1 OG retain a nostalgic appeal and are considered progenitors of the wider line. adidas has used its proprietary Primeknit technology as a platform for color experimentation, weaving subtle tone palettes together on the ‘Tri Color,’ ‘Red Apple,’ ‘Sesame Branch,’ ‘Glitch’ and more. Neon tones such as ‘Glow,’ ‘Solar Yellow’ and ‘Triple Scarlet’ bring a new level of energy to the shoe, contrasted by naturally saturated colors, including ‘Collegiate Green,’ Royal Blue’ and ‘Salmon.’ 

Popular Collaborations of the adidas NMD

In addition to general releases and Pharrell’s HU line, some of the most striking NMD projects have been imagined by external collaborators. A few of the most notable include BAPE’s all-over ‘Camo’ reimagining, Nice Kicks’ ‘Red White’ tie-dye splatter and Toy Story’s cowhide ‘Sheriff Woody.’ Other brands, such as mastermind JAPAN and NEIGHBORHOOD, have utilized monochrome color palettes, realizing their creative visions through signature motifs and tweaked detailing.

Pharrell x NMD Human Race

The most notable adidas NMD collaborator is Pharrell, who has become synonymous with the sneaker since joining adidas as a brand ambassador and creative partner. The artist applied his “Human Race” concept to the Hu, a shoe identifiable by the inspirational messages and cultural moments that run down the silhouette’s throat. Special-edition Hu’s have released sporadically, including a version that references Pharrell’s band N.E.R.D.

adidas NMD As Seen On

An eclectic range of artists, athletes and cultural figures have favored the NMD over the years due to its styling versatility. Pharrell is the shoe’s biggest proponent and is regularly seen in unreleased versions of his own Hu line. The musician also teased the S1 silhouette in June 2021, prior to adidas’ official unveiling.