The partnership between adidas Originals and visionary Chinese designer Dingyun Zhang has returned for a second collection, following their initial success with Samba. This time, the collection introduces the all-new adidas Kouza silhouette, alongside two fresh takes on the Samba, continuing the collaboration’s mission to redefine the boundaries of form, function, and style.
SNEAKERS
The adidas Kouza stands out as a fusion of craftsmanship and storytelling. Inspired by resilience, mobility, and breathability, it challenges conventional sneaker design while offering practicality. Taking its name from an ornamental plant native to East Asia, the Kouza reflects the idea of transformation—a recurring theme in Zhang’s work. The shoe’s design is striking, with an exaggerated heel guard that echoes motifs found in the designer’s broader portfolio. The extended outsole, coupled with taped seams, creates a dynamic contrast between the mesh upper and the rubber casing, offering both aesthetic and functional elements.
One of the standout features of the adidas Kouza is its nod to the adidas Beijing 2008 Boxing Boot, grounding the shoe in a legacy of athletic innovation while subtly paying homage to Zhang’s heritage. The result is a sneaker that harmoniously balances tradition with futuristic design, presenting a new direction for adidas Originals.
Zhang’s fascination with transformation is evident in the shoe’s concept. As the designer himself explains, “the adidas Kouza embodies the oscillation between form and function while retaining elegance and style.” This encapsulates the collection’s ethos, emphasizing the fluid relationship between utility and beauty.
In addition to the adidas Kouza, the capsule collection also includes two reimagined versions of the Dingyun Zhang Samba. These new iterations elevate the Samba’s classic design, using suede for a sleek and modern look. Drawing inspiration from abstract modernist art, the sneakers come in two colorways: a subtle tonal gray version, and a bolder brown version with striking orange accents on the tongue and laces, paired with a white heel tab. The use of color reflects Zhang’s ability to merge art with footwear design, resulting in sneakers that are both visually compelling and wearable.
Pushing the boundaries of sneaker culture, the latest adidas Originals by Dingyun Zhang collection continues to explore the intersection of style, innovation, and storytelling. The collection, including the brand new adidas Kouza silhouette and updated Samba models, will be available from October 18th through select retailers and via adidas’ CONFIRMED app.
For fans of adidas Originals and those who appreciate cutting-edge design, this release offers something truly unique—a sneaker collection that transforms both in form and function.
