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ADIDAS ZX FLUX 2.0 REVIEW
Adidas’s ZX range of runners has always had a special place in both the heart and collections of the Drop Date team, but even we were shocked by just how well the Trefoil has managed to evolve the range over the last year. The original ZX Flux arrived without much fanfare, but quickly shook up the market with it’s blend of simplicity and versatility. Hot on its heels, Adidas now present the sequel – the ADIDAS ZX FLUX 2.0. Has it got the goods to carry the range forward?
We’re big fans of the first ZX Flux. It keeps enough of the familiar ZX DNA in order to make the heritage obvious, but there’s nothing traditional about the way Adidas has used materials, textures and photoprints to take the range boldly forward. Whether recreating a classic like the recent ZX8000 ‘OG’ version or just going all-out wildstyle neck breaker like the photo print prisms, the ZX flux has proven it’s much more than one-trick pony, and is a brilliant canvas for creative design. What sets it apart though, is that it usually results in superb footwear – it’s not one of those innovations where the idea is better than the execution, or the concept is interesting but the (usually expensive) end result is flawed. The ZX Flux is massively wearable, supremely comfy, and at a very decent pricepoint. So 2.0 best be good!
Thankfully it is. Built on the same familiar Torsion ZX sole/midsole unit, the 2.0 retains the superb shape of the original, but changes the upper totally. Rather than the all-over weave or fine mesh of the first Flux, This lead in model of the 2.0 features a two-layer irregular mesh over the toe, a ballistic mesh style heel panel, and a synthetic midfoot overlay with the classic 3 stripes cut out, all in classic black on white. The result is a real treat of different textures and panelling that works brilliantly on this model, and is clearly going to be a superb base for the massive range of different colourways and materials Adidas has got waiting in the wings. Whilst we’re sad to see the classic ZX heel support cage go (our favourite part of the original flux) it makes sense, as the detail here is in that overlaid side support, and the shoe would look too busy with both. Whereas the essential 3 stripes looked a little basic on the original flux, the new panelling on the 2.0 deals with them much more successfully , so we can see why Adidas went this way. Hopefully they’ll keep both the original and 2.0 in the range for even more choice!
This intro to the 2.0 ticks all the boxes for us: it’s a simple colourway that lets the clever design do the talking, while retaining the wearability, shape and comfort (true to size!) of the original Flux – so it’s a welcome addition to the range and we can’t wait to see what Adidas do with it next!
The ADIDAS ZX FLUX 2.0 range is available now, via the link-through below.
By @Slangwerks
