adidas (Instagram) has unveiled its latest series—the Adizero Desert Runner collection—a tribute to the vast beauty of the desert. Designed exclusively for the region, this collection merges cutting-edge technology with the rugged elegance of the desert. To mark its launch, adidas teamed up with renowned earth artist David Popa to create a breathtaking 100-meter-wide anamorphic art piece in Sharjah’s iconic Al Madam desert, showcasing the spirit of resilience and innovation at the heart of the collection.
The Adizero Desert Runner is a symbol of adaptability and strength, embodying the spirit of runners who conquer new horizons. Inspired by the desert’s golden hues and its tranquil blue oases, the limited edition shoe’s distinct palette reflects the resilience of both the natural landscape and the modern athlete.
To celebrate this fusion of art and performance, adidas collaborated with David Popa, a globally acclaimed artist celebrated for his large-scale, eco-conscious earth murals. Popa’s work transforms natural landscapes into stunning visual masterpieces, and his latest creation—a sprawling 100-meter wide anamorphic art piece—blends seamlessly with the UAE’s desert, mirroring the design ethos of the Adizero Desert Runner.
“My father is one of my biggest inspirations and mentors. His stories of being a graffiti artist in New York City left a profound impact on me, shaping my approach to art. In my early 20s, I found myself drawn to the same urge to break free from traditional confines. I began creating on legal street art walls, but over time, I transitioned to working with natural materials in awe-inspiring landscapes. His rebellious creativity ignited my passion for pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new ways to redefine expression beyond tradition. Growing up in New York City, I often found escape in nature, where my imagination could roam freely. Moving to Finland and falling in love with its Nordic landscapes profoundly shifted my perspective. I wanted to merge art, nature, and adventure into one cohesive expression. Using non-toxic, natural pigments felt like the perfect approach—it connects me to ancient traditions like cave painting while allowing me to create in harmony with the environment. Entering vast, mysterious spaces in nature inspires me like nothing else,” Popa says of his unique approach.
Situated in the heart of Sharjah’s desert in the Al Madam region, Popa’s 100-meter-wide installation is a testament to the boundless beauty of the region’s landscapes. Crafted over eight days using eco-friendly materials, the artwork reflects the collection’s commitment to sustainability and artistry. According to Popa, “Art in the desert is a language of its own. The sand, the light, and the infinite horizon come together to form a canvas unlike any other. With this artwork, we’re celebrating the desert’s beauty and its unique energy. The Adizero Desert Runner mirrors this spirit—resilience, movement, and a deep connection to the land.”
“adidas approached me to bring their regionally exclusive Adizero Desert Runner shoe to life in the UAE’s dunes, as the shoes’ design is inspired by the Arabian desert. Initially, I thought it was impossible, but by embedding a large canvas into the desert, we made it work. The vision was to seamlessly integrate the shoe with the environment, which we achieved through an anamorphic, three-dimensional artwork. This was my first attempt at anamorphic art, and it came with significant challenges. From battling the desert’s intense heat and winds to mastering the precise distortion needed for the perspective, every step was a learning curve. With the help of a small, dedicated team, we turned the vision into reality,” he said.
Designed for athletes of all levels, the Adizero Desert Runner combines top-tier performance technology with style and durability. Senior Vice President of adidas EMC, Bilal Fares, emphasized the collection’s significance: “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 collection launches on November 27th and will be available through adidas both in-store and online.
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