Adidas is releasing 500 pairs of limited edition trainers that look like Berlin train tickets and act like them too.
Featuring a pattern found on the Berlin Metro, they come with a year-long pass for BVG transport, worth €720. The trainers cost just €180. A significant saving to say the least.
They will be available from 16th January in Mitte and Kreuzberg. They will probably sell out in a day and be found on eBay for twice the price on the 17th.
The trainers mark the celebration of BVG’s 90th birthday and are an obvious choice for students studying abroad in Berlin.
Adidas’ sudden support of public transport is arguably a PR stunt. But if so, it is the latest in a long line of PR stunts that better the world.
In 2017, as part of its partnership with Parley For The Oceans, Adidas committed to creating 1 million pairs of shoes made from 100% recycled material.
Back in 2012, Adidas Brazil launched “Sustainable Footprint”, a take-back-and-recycle program – the first of its kind in Brazil.
Good On You, an app that rates the ethics of businesses wrote, “Adidas is miles ahead in terms of sustainability and labor conditions. Reebok (also owned by the Adidas Group) is the only mainstream active-wear brand that is doing as well as Adidas on all counts.”
While they still have a way to go with human rights and combating climate change, Adidas is taking significant steps that other big sports brands are not.
Adidas’ latest Berlin shoes might make them a shoe-in for breaking rival Nike’s grip in Germany. May London Oyster trainers soon follow.
It seems Adidas are suckers for nostalgia as well. Check out their re-branding of their old 1980’s campus sneaker.
