Adidas is a well-known and respected name in the world of sports and athletics. With a history that dates back over 100 years, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and design.

One way that Adidas is honoring its rich history is through the release of "The Adidas Archive: The Footwear Collection" book. This comprehensive pictorial archive showcases more than 357 different shoes, including rare prototypes and one-of-a-kind originals. The book pays tribute to the company's decades of innovation and its partnerships with high-profile figures like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Raf Simons.

The Adidas archive, which serves as the source material for the book, is one of the world's largest sports footwear collections. It was started by Adidas co-founder Adolf "Adi" Dassler, who asked athletes to return their worn shoes to him so he could study and analyze them in order to improve his products. This collection has been visually documented in great detail by photographers Christian Habermeier and Sebastian Jäger, and the resulting images are featured in the book.

The high-resolution photos in the book offer an intimate look at the shoes, revealing every detail, including stains, tears, repair tape, grass smudges, and faded autographs. Each pair of shoes tells a personal story, whether it was worn by a member of West Germany's World Cup-winning team in 1954 or by Kathrine Switzer during the Boston Marathon in 1967. The book also features custom models for celebrities like Madonna and Lionel Messi, as well as collaborations with designers like Pharrell Williams, Raf Simons, Stella McCartney, and Yohji Yamamoto.

In addition to showcasing its impressive range of footwear, the book also highlights Adidas' pioneering techniques and materials, such as its use of plastic waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities to create new products. This commitment to sustainability is just one example of the company's dedication to innovation and progress.

Overall, "The adidas Archive: The Footwear Collection" is a must-have for fans of the brand and anyone interested in the history of sports footwear. Its in-depth look at the company's past and present is a testament to Adidas' enduring influence and impact on the world of athletics.