History of the adidas NMD CS1: Blending Past and Present
Shortly after adidas debuted the NMD silhouette — or, Nomad, for those who like to spell out words — in late 2015, the popular lifestyle design spawned spinoffs like the Adidas NMD CS1.
The original adidas NMD launched in December 2015. It used the brand's Boost cushioning midsole and Primeknit upper. Then, instead of reverting to a straight recreation of a classic shoe, designers blended themes from the adidas archives like Boston Super, Rising Star and Micropacer. By adding a dash of nostalgia to new technologies, adidas created a singular take on a beloved silhouette. More models were added by spring 2016, such as a Chukka-style C1 and the laceless, sock-like design of the CS — again, City Sock, for those who don't like abbreviations.
The NMD CS1 Forgoes the Traditional Three Stripes
There sure is a lot going on in the adidas NMD CS1 considering its extremely minimalistic design. The original NMD, taking its cues from past adidas sneakers, brought some singular aesthetics while removing the three-stripe branding. Instead of the classic brand mark being the key distinguisher, the Boost outsole's plugs — which some describe as LEGO-like blocks — provide a distinct aesthetic. These blocks provide support for the Boost midsole and additional structure to the Primeknit upper.
For the CS1 version, to get that City Sock feel, adidas removed the laces on the Primeknit upper and stripped down the lining, giving the design a feel fitting of its name. Using Primeknit throughout the upper, designers could engineer structure — such as around the collar — and support where needed and open the knitted design in other places for additional flexibility. This construction also allows for pinpoint precision in coloring the wraparound look.
Along with the Boost midsole and Primeknit upper, the NMD plugs create a third opportunity on the shoe for color, giving designers the ability to mix and match colors between the three key elements of the NMD CS1. With a range of collaborations and special editions, the original retail prices of the NMD CS1 varied from $140 up to $200.
Collectibility and Value of the adidas NMD CS1
With so much variety in adidas NMD CS1 colorways, the sneaker's value tends to vary but mainly holds steady. One of the most popular is the 2016 collaboration with The Good Will Out, which can be found selling on eBay for over $300. Core Black with a touch of blue from the same year holds a similar value and following.
A handful of other sneakers hover around or above the $200 mark, from the white or black Gum Pack, the United Arrows & Sons collaboration, or any of the winter-specific designs, such as Winter Wool, adidas's Gore-Tex version or the White Mountaineering design. Other options, such as the Koi Fish colorway or Bold Logo design, can be found for under $200.
adidas NMD CS1 Colorways and Collabs
- The Core Black colorway (S79152) is best known for its touch of blue. The rear plug on the Boost midsole comes in blue, while the entire upper is solid black. This early 2016 release has proven to be one of the most popular of the NMD CS1 releases.
- The United Arrows & Sons collaboration (CG3604) features black atop a white Boost midsole and gum outsole. The United Arrows branding comes across on the upper and pull tab.
- One of the first times adidas played with upper texture on the NMD CS1 was in September 2016. Winter Wool (S32184), another primarily black design with a wool Primeknit upper, provides added warmth.
- The Good Will Out (aka TGWO and nicknamed "Ankoku Toshi Jutsu") 2017 collaboration (BB5994) continues the theme of an all-black upper, but this version offers up a rougher outsole designed to take the City Sock on the trails.
- With the success of the Gore-Tex backing from the 2016 White Mountaineering collaboration, adidas created its own Gore-Tex version in November 2017. This version comes in multiple colorways, including a black option and another based in white.
adidas NMD_CS1 'Black White' (S80529)
The first adidas NMD CS1 collaboration came in 2016 with Japan's White Mountaineering (S80529). Gore-Tex® backing is featured on a black upper. The white Boost midsole sits atop a black outsole and black plugs, giving this October 2016 release a truly dark, wintery feel.
adidas NMD_CS1 Primeknit 'Blue Spirit'
The Parley for the Oceans and adidas collaborations have stretched across seemingly countless sports and styles. In 2018, it came to the NMD CS1 in the form of a tonal blue upper called "Blue Spirit" (AC8597).
- In 2018, adidas brought leather to the CS1 on the heel loop and a patch at the midfoot. The July 2018 release combines the leather with either an olive or black upper.
- The 2019 NMD CS1 Bold Branding design, offered in both black and white, brings an oversized NMD wordmark to the side of the Primeknit upper.
- Also, in 2019, adidas created a Timeline version, with historical sneaker releases dating back to the 1930s detailed on the Boost midsole. The Timeline launched in both a white and black version.
- With over 20 different colorways of the NMD CS1, expect plenty of mainline designs, from Clear Lilac to a Purple Pack and plenty of colors in between.
The adidas NMD CS1 in Popular Culture
The NMD craze captivated the adidas lifestyle world in early 2016, and the NMD CS1 joined the fray. Famous faces like Justin Bieber and Sofia Richie have shown their appreciation for the design, pushing the City Sock concept into the mainstream lifestyle design.
