The Adizero Desert Runner collection is the latest from adidas. It’s a stunning tribute to the harsh yet breathtaking beauty of the Arabian desert. The brand teamed up with the famous American artist David Popa to create a stunning 100-meter-wide anamorphic art piece in Sharjah’s Al Madam area. It’s a tribute to the desert’s endless possibilities and the spirit of the modern runner.
“The Adizero Desert Runner mirrors the spirit of the desert – resilience, movement, and a deep connection to the land,” says David Popa, whose artwork celebrates the beauty of nature and the intersection of art and the environment. The limited-edition running shoes, inspired by the shimmering blue oases that dot the desert’s seemingly endless sands, symbolizes more than just a running shoe. It captures the resilience, adaptability, and tenacity of runners who push beyond limits, embracing new frontiers.
To make this exclusive collection a reality, adidas joined forces with Popa, renowned for his large-scale, site-specific creations that transform natural landscapes with awe-inspiring earth murals. His work blends artistry with the surroundings in a way that creates striking visual experiences that highlight the power of place. For this activation, Popa came up with a huge anamorphic art piece that perfectly captures the charm and versatility of the Adizero Desert Runner shoe – bold, dynamic, and rooted in the natural world.
Made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials, the artwork captures the essence of the desert while symbolizing the shoe’s connection to the land and its active pursuit by runners. The structure was put together by a team of three artists and technicians over eight days, and it’s a real work of art, with its intricate design and attention to detail.
Bilal Fares, Senior Vice President and General Manager of adidas EMC, gives us the lowdown on the activation: “The desert represents boundless potential and discovery. The Adizero Desert Runner is designed to mirror that spirit – durable, adaptable, and encouraging runners. Launching this exclusive design alongside an art piece inspired by the desert’s unique energy highlights the potential for impact that each runner can have in the region.“
The Adizero Desert Runner brings together the latest in performance technology with a design that celebrates the beauty and challenges of the region’s landscapes. This shoe is great for runners of all levels. It offers the perfect balance of comfort, style, and durability, empowering athletes to carve their own paths. The Adizero Desert Runner is great for experienced marathon runners and those just starting out. It’s the perfect companion for your next adventure.
The Adizero Desert Runner collection is known for its bold design and commitment to sustainability. The shoe’s distinctive color palette is inspired by the desert’s vast expanse, with shades of blue and orange that evoke the shimmering oases and endless dunes.
You can buy the Adizero Desert Runner collection starting November 27th, both in-store and online at adidas.com.