In the heart of the United Kingdom, a cultural phenomenon emerged in the 1970s that shaped the nation's fashion landscape and brought together diverse elements of music, football, and streetwear. Known as "terrace culture," it was a movement that found its roots in working-class communities gathered in football stadiums and, ultimately, injected itself into the zeitgeist through a unique blend of style and attitude that has continued to captivate generations ever since. At the core of this vibrant subculture were adidas sneakers and an unforgettable era of music and fashion; together, these cultural components spearheaded a moment in time and set the stage for an entire demographic of fans called "the casuals."
The emergence of terrace culture can be traced back to the passion and devotion these fans had for their beloved football teams. As supporters gathered in the terraces — where spectators would stand, not sit — they began to express their allegiance and expressions through chants, camaraderie, aggression, and distinctive fashion choices. adidas sneakers became an integral part of the subculture, sparking a fervent obsession among fans to own the latest releases and rare editions, leading to the evolution of a dedicated community. These fashionable fanatics became world-renowned as the casuals, credited as being Europe's first sneakerheads, and created a trendsetting movement foreign to many outsiders. As a result, adidas' Three Stripes footwear quickly became a symbol of unity and identity for the casuals, marking the birth of the terrace fashion movement in the UK and beyond. Gazelles, Sambas, Trimm Trabs, and more soon adorned the feet of the casuals, serving as both a statement of style and a celebration of imprinting their passionate identity onto sportswear and football.
Terrace culture, however, was not confined to football stadiums alone. It permeated various aspects of British pop culture during the '70s and '80s. Influenced by music and fashion trends of the time, the casuals found inspiration from bands like The Who and Joy Division and brands like Fred Perry and Stone Island, which exuded an effortless and edgy aesthetic that resonated within the movement. The eclectic music of the era also stemmed beyond the punk/rock scene and into the ska, new wave, and reggae arena, seamlessly merging with terrace fashion, forging a subculture that was equal parts rebellious and magnetic.
Though terrace culture may have evolved over time, its impact on the fashion world and the broader cultural landscape remains undeniable. Today, size? Canada celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and self-expression that defined the movement. The terrace legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those who proudly don their adidas Originals to this day, so join us as we showcase and commemorate a culture where football, music, and fashion intertwine to create something truly special.
adidas Originals Yabisah
Taking influence from Ibiza's lustrous party scenery of Pikes and diving into the island's colour palette, the adidas Originals Yabisah pays homage to the deeply rooted history of the iconic Ibizan hotel. Intrinsically designed, this colourway channels the vintage essence of what Pikes was in the '80s and '90s — an integral place iconic stars flocked to for a party destination. The sandstone walls of Pikes housed celebrations like Freddie Mercury's 41st birthday party, while its crisp and luminous pool appeared in Wham!'s "Club Tropicana" music video in 1983. As such, the rich hues of the adidas Originals Yabisah mirror and immortalize the vibrant culture that made Pikes revered in its earlier days, keeping true to its ethos and telling its authentic story every step of the way.
adidas Originals AS 250 “World Cup Moments”
Traveling back to '06, the adidas Originals AS 250 "World Cup Moments" represents a core narrative in the FIFA World Cup, where the infamous "wink" incident created both a controversial moment and a legendary story for the ages. In the blink of an eye, the England vs Portugal match ended with the Portuguese side winning 3-1 on penalties. It was a moment that came after onlookers witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo wink at his bench following the red card dismissal of Wayne Rooney in the 61st minute. Thanks to this altercation, this AS 250 appeals to a broader audience beyond its predecessors — paying homage to both teams with asymmetric Three Stripes that nod to each country's colours along the sidewalls. The interior sock liner also includes an inscription of the match date, adding another element of detail taken from a contentious moment in sports history.
adidas Originals Gazelle “World Cup Moments”
Reaching into the annals of time for another iconic release comes to the adidas Originals Gazelle “World Cup Moments,” a classic silhouette full of rich history commemorating a controversial and iconic moment in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Referencing one of the many times that Argentina got the best of England on the pitch, this shoe paints a picture of impassioned debate and a whole lot of heartbreak. Custom Three Stripes emulate both teams' colours on each side — as the blue is a nod to Argentina and the red stripes represent England — plus the date of the game is inscribed on the inner. Other details include a stick rubber sole that comes equipped with a red patch nodding to David Beckham's infamous red card — seen and remembered around the world when he lashed out against Diego Simeone, which was described as a "moment of madness."
adidas Originals London
Taking a chance on a familiar "boardwalk" classic, the adidas Originals London intersects a timeless story between its 1970s silhouette and an iconic board game to match. Arriving as part of the London Pack, this shoe nods to the streets that helped shape the famous game, while emulating the property trading cards used within. Hidden details continue the narrative of this release, with referential labels that can be seen on the back of the tongues, extending the personality and embodiment of this pack. Gold foil branding with "London" typography also graces the lateral sidewalls, plus postal code-adorned heel tabs honour the capital of the UK.
adidas Originals Archive Mexicana
A triumphant release that evokes a story, the adidas Originals Archive Mexicana "Cinco de Mayo" sneakers come drenched full of festive history. Known globally, Cinco de Mayo is a noteworthy tribute to one of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar, which translates to the "Fifth of May" — commemorating the day of Mexico's victory over the French Empire in 1862. Not only is this style submerged in radiant and jovial hues, but the colours of these sneakers also emulate the bright and traditional dresses worn by dancers during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Another token homage graces the footbed, showcasing an outline of Mexico that continues to tell the immersive story of the Archive Mexicana "Cinco de Mayo."
adidas Originals Athen
Drawing inspiration from the original Japanese-exclusive version, the adidas Originals Athen "Made in Japan" offers a deep dive into its immersive history and restructured silhouette. Initially released under the name "Jaguar" in 1967, it was only two years later when these sneakers took upon a rebranded namesake, and the Athen was born. The new moniker was created in 1968 as part of the "City Series," named after the city of Athens, which held the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. At the time of its creation, these shoes bridged a gap between more premium stylings like the Gazelle and more budget-friendly iterations like the Rekord. Thanks to its popularity and countless reissues, the Athen has now become a household name in the sneaker world — proving that it's a model suitable for an active lifestyle as much as casual wear.
adidas Originals Trimm Trab
One of the most beloved and recognizable silhouettes of the '80s, the adidas Originals Trimm Trab "The Lost Ones" dives deep into the past to revive a favourite for modern times. This particular shoe represents the journey from Manchester to Jakarta and how "The Lost Ones" project came to be. Conceptualized during a unique moment in lockdown, size? received an email from the DIEHARDADIDASFAN community in South Jakarta, Indonesia. As fellow adidas lovers, they wanted to shed light on their collection of around 450 pairs of deadstock adidas shoes from the '70s to the '90s, found hidden and tucked away for years in an abandoned sports shop in Jakarta. These modern-day Trimm Trabs are inspired by the grails discovered that day, dusted off and revamped, honouring the timeless silhouettes that lay deep beneath the surface collecting dust, just waiting to be unearthed.
adidas Originals Archive Joggen
The story goes back to 1983 when the adidas Joggen first made its popular debut at the London Marathon. Unknowingly present for what was to come, London photographer Steve Rapport received a call from Rolling Stone magazine stating that Joe Strummer, frontman of The Clash, would be running the marathon that Sunday morning. Rapport, not knowing the impact of what he was about to shoot, captured photos of Strummer that day which became an integral moment in fashion, music, and sport, and continued to live in the cultural landscape for years to come. Since then, the adidas Originals Archive Joggen has been revived and revamped with all the familiar details from its OG counterpart. A notable addition in the form of a "D918" label on the tongue has also been included — a historical final touch nodding to Strummer's marathon racing bib he wore on the day.
adidas Originals Archive Bern
Expanding on the "City Series" from adidas Originals, the Archive Bern encapsulates the "City of Fountains," and hones in on inspiration taken from Switzerland's federal capital. The design of this silhouette is inspired by the patina nature of the marble fountains and the surrounding Aare River in Bern, resulting in immersive hues that paint a unique and historical picture of the Swiss city. By blending the aged heritage and medieval architecture of Bern with the city's 16th-century fountains, this Archive silhouette achieves an in-depth and authentic terrace look. The result is a design that not only encapsulates the city's rich history but also embodies the enduring legacy of adidas within this culturally significant piece.
