Culture of Hoops

adidas Unveils Special Edition Baseball Cleats for Jackie Robinson Day

Posted on April 8, 2016

Brought to you by our friends at adidas.

Taking inspiration from Robinson’s accomplishments on and off the field, adidas designers took the adizero Afterburner 2, the lightest cleat in the game at 8.7oz., and the new Energy Boost Icon 2, featuring the revolutionary Boost technology, and created special edition cleats that pay homage to Jackie Robinson.

Influenced by the way Robinson changed with game with his speed, the initial concept for the cleats started with a hand-drawn sketch of Robinson stealing and sliding into second base. That sketch became the centerpiece of the design and evolved into a complete retrospective of his career.

To highlight the second baseman’s accolades, newspaper style headlines showcasing Robinson’s impact on the game are featured throughout the upper of the cleats. Further honoring his legacy, Robinson’s universally retired uniform number, 42, is embroidered into the center of a baseball diamond and the prominently displayed on the inside panels of the cleats.

Encapsulating the heritage and craftsmanship of the times, these special edition cleats incorporate heather wool materials that pay homage to the wool uniforms and caps that players wore during the 1940’s. Combining nostalgia with innovation, the retro wool panels are joined with a digitally printed SPRINTSKIN panels on the adizero Afterburner 2 and premium nubuck on the Energy Boost Icon 2, and both are highlighted with throwback baseball stitch detailing.

The tip the cap to Robinson’s talent and character continues with inspirational sports and equality quotes which are featured on the sockliners of each cleat:

· “Above anything else, I hate to lose.”

· “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

The new Energy Boost Icon 2 features a redesigned upper with a street-inspired TECHFIT bootie and clear molded heel clip to provide the ultimate fit, along with a full-length Energy Boost midsole for game changing comfort for the cleathead. The adizero Afterburner 2 design sits atop a full-length LITESTRIKE EVA midsole for increased cushioning and comfort and both cleats feature a silver electroplated plates with PROTRAX cleat configuration to provide dynamic acceleration and traction.

For more information and images of the Jackie Robinson inspired Energy Boost Icon 2 and adizero Afterburner 2, please visit adidas.com and follow the conversation on Twitter and Instagram via @adidasBaseball #JackieRobinsonDay #cleathead #teamadidas.