adidas Campus 00s

Campus 00s

In the early 1970s, adidas released a basketball shoe known as the Tournament, and in 1980, this popular trainer evolved into the adidas Campus. Already beloved on the courts, it was soon adopted as streetwear through the hip hop and skateboarding communities. Forty years later, the brand chose to honour the shoe’s cultural heritage by bringing it back in the form of the chunky Campus 00s.

Everything about the adidas Campus 00s has been bulked up, including its well-padded upper, which is usually made from plush suede, but can also be found in other premium materials like leather or even denim. It exhibits minimal layering, with a one-piece panel reaching from the heel to the bottom of the laces overlaid by a long, straight eyestay and a wavy-edged leather heel tab. The extra-wide 3-Stripes logos adorning each flank also come in leather, and their dynamic serrated edges point towards lines of perforations in between, allowing air to flow along the sides of the foot. Meanwhile, the puffy, skater-friendly tongue and thick, pillowy collar and heel provide soft comfort around the top of the foot and the ankle, ensuring that there are no issues with rubbing or lace pressure.

The sole unit of the Campus 00s is generously filled with EVA foam cushioning, its large size delivering enhanced underfoot comfort. This is further improved by the Ortholite sockliner, which not only helps keep the foot dry and free from bacteria, but offers extra padding as well. Its cupsole design features a band of stitching around the top of the midsole for solid durability. Meanwhile, the rubber outsole is lined with a classic herringbone grip pattern for quality traction.

Aesthetically, the adidas Campus 00s is inspired by Y2K-era skate shoes. This is reflected in its chunky construction, ample cushioning and flat sole, which also give it a bold, sturdy look. Adidas Trefoil logos accent the heel tab and tongue in a nod to the model’s sporting heritage, and intricate stitching suggests a highly crafted design. Lastly, Campus text has been stamped just behind the lateral 3-Stripes in characteristic adidas Originals fashion.

The Campus 00s was released in 2022 following the successful return of the original silhouette, with the first colourways featuring classy tones and gentle contrasts between the suede upper and leather overlays alongside elegant neutrals on the sole. Since then, the brand has greatly expanded the range of colourways to include a selection of both muted and vibrant designs. There have also been distinctive collaborations with everyone from artists such as James Jarvis and FEWOCiOUS to Japanese model Hikari Shibata and even American nu metal band Korn. Particularly captivating, though, is the collaboration with Puerto Rican rap star Bad Bunny, whose 2023 take on the Campus incorporates dual tongues and extra padding in the heel for a unique look.

With its compelling, stocky build and comfort-focused design, the adidas Campus 00s is a great everyday sneaker for those who want excellent support and a charismatic retro look.