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Sometimes you just want a fiery running shoe that's unlike anything else out there – something that looks retro but feels futuristic at the same time. If you're in the market for a sneaker like that, the new adidas Adizero Goukana Better Scarlet should definitely be on your radar.
Though the Adizero Goukana only launched earlier this summer, it’s already become a favorite among sneakerheads old and new. If you're feeling a little déjà vu, it's because this silhouette is actually based on the 2008 Adios Neftenga – yes, the same pair that Wales Bonner brought back last year.
But rather than just copy and pasting the OG design and calling it a day, the German sportswear company has gone ten steps further. The Goukana gets its name from the Japanese term for "luxurious and plush," and it's also a homage to visionary designer Toshiaki Omori, who was the creative mind behind the original Adizero lineup.
The upper is made from a combination of materials, with red-hot technical mesh making up the base. This is then overlaid by smooth suede across the toebox and sidewalls and a dash of Core Black leather that wraps around the heel for added comfort. The Better Scarlet is a shoe that's made to turn heads – not just in the day, but in the night too. That's because it's accented with reflective 3M throughout, so you can flex hard even in the dark. All of this then rests on top of a beefy Lightstrike foam midsole that's as comfortable as it gets.
The adidas Adizero Goukana Better Scarlet will drop sometime in 2025 via adidas and select retailers, both online and in-store. It will be available in men's sizing for $160. If you want a pair, make sure you download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Adam Cheung is a writer and editor who specialises in sneakers and streetwear. Over the past few years, he's curated features and guides for everyone from Burberry to Nike. Often travelling between the UK and Hong Kong, don't be too surprised if you find Adam anywhere else around the world taking street photography or feasting on the local delicacies.
