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SHOES + NEWS
Robbie Fuller Details The adidas TS Supernatural Line
words & images_Nick DePaula
I’m excited. Excited about the start of a new decade, what that decade will be bringing us, and the possibilities that lie ahead in the footwear world. And yet, one of the things I’m most excited about is actually not at all from this new decade or the past one, but from the 1990s. It was the concept of Feet You Wear that originally put adidas Basketball on the map, and thankfully, finally, we’ll be seeing a return to the podular, motion-friendly way of thinking in their hoops shoes.
It appeared to be a goofy concept at the time, as Feet You Wear didn’t quite connect with people looking for giant air bags and other visible cushioning benefits, but as we’ve now experienced today with Nike’s heralded “Free” campaign, adidas was certainly onto something when they first introduced barefoot-inspired athletic footwear in 1995. Originally developed by Frampton Ellis, Feet You Wear hoped to mimic the natural motion of an athlete’s foot while providing greater court feel and improved control of one’s movement during play. “I noticed that when you’re barefoot and you roll your foot, your ankle is perfectly stable,” Ellis said in a 1996 interview with The New York Times. “But with a shoe, you roll up on the edge of the shoe and teeter-totter. The right angle of the shoe sole torques your foot and puts unnecessary strain on your ankle.” In finding such a fundamental problem with common footwear, Ellis devised the framework for the invention that came to be known as Feet You Wear, and licensed the concept to adidas. Shortly thereafter, a full line of running, basketball, turf football and crosstraining shoes were released under the Equipment umbrella featuring Feet You Wear, full with a cute and playful logo designed after the outsole’s common main pods.
For the spring of 2010, a new and improved adaptation of Feet You Wear will proudly be launched by adidas Basketball, this time around dubbed Pure Motion and featuring a greater balance of cushioning and stability. You’ll find Pure Motion in the new adidas TS Supernatural line, retailing for $100 and available in stores now. Sole Collector caught up with adidas Basketball Footwear Concept Designer Robbie Fuller to detail both the TS Supernatural Creator and TS Supernatural Commander, and also explain when and why it was decided to go back to the podular platform in the first place.
Above: Dwight Howard’s TS Supernatural Commander, available now.
Above: Hedo Turkoglu’s unreleased TS Supernatural Creator player sample.
Nick DePaula: How long ago was it decided that the Feet You Wear system would be returning to adidas Basketball?
Robbie Fuller: Feet You Wear has always been top of mind on our team because athletes have continued to inform us how much they enjoyed the system. It was an inspiration to develop our new technology – Pure Motion – which debuts on the TS Supernatural Commander and Creator. We’re very excited about the technology because we’ve created a benefit that’s not only visible, but simple to understand. The decision to develop Pure Motion as the next generation of Feet You Wear was decided in early 2008.
Pure Motion allows the shoe to adapt to the exact motions of the foot, providing you with superior fit, stability, and cushioning all in the lightest TS products ever.
NDP: What were your initial thoughts in terms of potentially how that upper could look, now a decade later from its last use?
RF: The focus for the Supernatal line as they pertain to Feet Your Wear was directed more toward the tooling than the uppers. However, we did want to implement lessons learned from the past upper designs, and pair them with the latest biomechanical feedback we had in order to bring a lighter more agile solution to the upper. We didn’t set out with a goal to re-create a look of the past, we wanted to learn from it and set a new direction for the future.
NDP: What kind of feedback did you get from players about their earliest memories of Feet You Wear?
RF: T-Mac has always commented that one of his favorite shoes to play in was the Top Ten 2000. College athletes consistently point to the KB8 and other Feet You Wear models as their personal favorites, and that feedback has been consistent for years. They all loved the softer ride, lighter weights, and Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, Beasley and the rest of the adidas lineup all want the same thing. They need products that help them maximize if not exceed their own abilities, and Pure Motion does that.
Above: A look at the tooling of the TS Supernatural Commander (top) and the TS Supernatural Creator (bottom).
NDP: Both the Creator and Commander feature a similar tooling platform. What elements of that tooling provide solutions for both playing styles.
RF: For the Creator, the overall heights have been lowered to increase stability and court feel. The heel lift has been lowered to more mimic the natural state of the foot. This lowered height increases the lever arm which can increase vertical leap. The Torsion Bar wraps to the lateral side only in the midfoot and heel. Through testing we found that this was just the right amount of midfoot support to compensate for all of the sculpting in the arch.
The big difference between the Commander and Creator comes from the midsole heights, Torsion System and the use of Poron. On the Commander, we decided it was worth sacrificing the extra weight in order to get the added cushioning that a big man’s style of play requires.
NDP: How are the two toolings tuned differently?
RF: The Creator is lower to the ground in the heel, has a lighter torsion system, a decoupled forefoot and heel rubber, adiprene + in the forefoot for added propulsion and .5mm thinner rubber.
The Commander has a more substantial Torsion System that extends to the forefoot to help control spill over to the lateral side, it has a one piece rubber bottom to protect against midfoot bending, and also incorporates adiprene + in the forefoot for added propulsion.
One other difference is the placement of the heel “fatpad”. We’ve determined that 70 percent of all compression observed in Creator styles of play happens in the front two-thirds of the shoe. When they do use the heel, it’s predominately on cutting movements where the inner heel touches first, so we placed the heel “fat pad” closer to the medial side. For a Command style of play, athletes set up with their backs to the basket, so they need more of a centered placement to aid in stability. As you can tell, although visually similar, they both have been dialed in to support each unique playing style.
NDP: Can you detail the Superntural Creator’s upper and how you landed on using a shroud system?
RF: The direction for the upper was driven in large part by adidas’ 2010 design theme of “diversity in unity”. The theme was inspired by South Africa, the host country of the 2010 World Cup. The goal of the theme when applied to product design was to achieve a superior benefit by unifying two or more concepts that on their own are not able to perform the needed goal .
The Creator is a great example of this theme put into action. In order to cut weight, the upper through the midfoot is only a spacer mesh plus webbings. This by itself cannot control the lateral forces that elite players put on their footwear. However with the addition of the shroud closure you get a solution that provides just enough added support to ensure the lightest Creator product ever.
NDP: The Supernatural Commander features a taller height and three midfoot straps. How did that upper evolve towards it’s current look?
RF: We wanted to be more aggressive with the silhouette to continue from the Commander LT from the start of the NBA season, which is what inspired the height and collar shape. As for the stripes, we wanted them to look like they wrap the foot from the shelf out, not simply placed on the side. Functionally, the three gore pieces on the lateral help to customize the fit for each player and the two separate hook and loop positions allow for a two stage fit system that is similar to our Speed Wrap brace closure. For both the Creator and Commander I wanted to have a clean toe but added the deco stitch and perfs to bring more detail and breathability to the vamp.
One unique feature on both the TS shoes is the reflective horizontal line on the heel. It’s really a functional testing tool hidden in the upper design. The way it works is that players come in and test the shoes performing different types of cutting drills. Then, we take pictures of the heel view to see how aligned the shoes stay with the leg. We use the reflective horizontal line along with the angle of the leg to measure the degree of alignment. Better alignment means better energy use which helps you perform better on the court.
NDP: What kind of feedback were you guys getting from the players once they had played in the new Supernatural shoes?
RF: Immediate satisfaction. The step-in comfort is immediate, and they tell us that they already feel broken in, and ultimately that they feel like an extension of their feet.
NDP: Which colorways will we see elevated as the model launches?
RF: Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard will each have a unique edition at Foot Locker. The Rose edition is predominately white base with black and red accents. The Howard edition plays up his Magic colorways.
NDP: Several players’ pairs feature a unique material or quilted pattern along their upper. Were there any players who requested certain treatments or materials?
RF: At every meeting we go over sketches, inspiration images and their ideas for the shoes, especially when it comes to materials. For instance D-Rose likes to really push the materials and treatments, so we treated the Torsion Bar on his white/black edition with a dark metallic vacuum metalized finish. For KG, he likes the more sophisticated finishes, so his edition has his signature computer stitch inspired by the Boston parquet and a mix of nubucks, leather embosses and chalk accents.
NDP: We happened to notice that the height of KG’s pairs appears a bit lower than the release version. Did you make any modification to the pairs that any NBA players are now wearing?
RF: We’re constantly working with our athletes to meet their specific footwear needs to help them perform their best on the court. For instance KG is somewhat of a guard trapped in a big man’s body and because of that he likes to have a lower cut. The inline Commander pattern had a little more ankle protection than he needed so we lowered the height to ensure he stays agile on the court. With the Creator, Derrick was a big fan of the zipper closure, but Chauncey and T-Mac both preferred to have a lace version.
NDP: Lastly, do you have a favorite element of each shoe or a favorite colorway? I personally love the Beasley black/ white/ red/ yellow version!
RF: My favorite element would have to be the tooling. They are iconic, easy to understand, and most importantly they’re functional on the court. The reaction from our product testers was immediate and very positive. They told us the traction was excellent, they felt very lightweight and the cushioning was spot on.
For the Creator, I like the “pinstripe” Derrick Rose edition and for the Commander it would be the “Blue Moon” Dwight Howard edition. Looking at the line as a whole it’s really easy to have more than one favorite because the colors, materials, and executions aren’t limited to just one player. You get to see the Supernatural Creator and Commander in multiple team colors and specific PE’s to meet each of our players needs.
Tags: adidas basketball, adidas ts, dwight howard, interviews, pure motion, robbie fuller, supernatural, team signature, ts supernatural
22 Responses to “Robbie Fuller Details The adidas TS Supernatural Line”
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Beautiful shoes.
BUT – I want the lows. They’re the cream of the crop. Two straps across the front, simple and striking.
I know there’s an blackout colorway on Zappos that is clearly Gilbert Arenas’ player markup (there’s a stitched #0), but I cannot find another low top colorway out. And the Gilby one clearly won’t be restocked.
So, Nick, two questions: is Adidas gonna drop some different LOW cut version of the Supernatural Creator anytime? Or should I scoop up the pair on Zappos? And secondly, I’m a 12 in Nike and Reebok, but Adidas is usually a little tight for me because my feet are wide-ish. So should I size up to the 13 like I do for Stan Smiths and the like, or should I try a 12 first?
I think that you should try a 12 first , even when you size up , 12.5 is enough
I’ll have to look into the plans for the Lows. As far as I know just the Gilbert (yes….the *dropped* Gilbert Arenas…haha) colorway is out for now. I haven’t seen any other Lows, but I’ll check into it.
In terms of sizing, a size 12 should suit you just fine. I wear a 13 in all brands and have had no issues.
Really two of my favorite shoes to release in years. I’m really excited about these and the future of the brand. Great interview, BTW.
I usually take a 12 in Nike’s and a 13 in adidas.
The 13 in adidas are slightly longer but feel good.
After playing in my supernatural commanders, I have to say that I love them. Great interview. Looking forward to more things from Robbie and adidas!
Think I’ll go with a 13, then. Thanks dude!
Just as a note, I can usually NEVER find a 12.5 in either brand. So maybe going that .5 size instead might be enough for you.
I WANT THE LOWS IN WHITE or other colorways PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the interview! Appreciate it very much! Very nice info on the shoes’ features. I must say, the Creators I bought a coupl’a weeks back, I absolutely love them! Certainly the best basketball shoe I’ve ever used. I know this isn’t the forum, though, but does anyone know if the Home D-Roses are also going to be sold in Adidas outlets internationally?
Great interview, I love these shoes, the natural feel, and the very precise support, my feet haven’t felt this good in years.
Again a great interview, Nick!
But you forgot to ask if they will release just-lace version of the Creators!
Also I’m missing the information if they will go on with this line again in a big way.
I want it all: Basketball, Running, Training ;-D
these are really nice! but the lows are just the bomb!
i don’t know which one i should get… commander or creators
im a guard but i like the commanders but i feel like i would get more out of the creators… cant decide
great article though!
adidas must take strides forward to compete with Nike and Jordan. Go adidas basketball. I’ve never worn Nike since 2001. Adidas has done it for me. honestly, nike-obsessed people should try something new
dos11 i am a guard and i chose the commanders because of the cushoning it feels really nice on my feet and i got the awesome garnett colorway it is silky smooth my friend
I’m hoping they release the Commanders in “lows” like KG’s
does this come in size 16′z ????
this is the best shoes ever xD
Yep, the Supernatural Commander go up to size 18, the Supernatural Creator up to size 17.
Lol, I guess NENE doesn’t have THAT big of feet after all.
Not compared to a size 17, or 18
i am absolutely in love with the TS Creators… amazing, lightweight, cushiony, responsive and more.
Great competitor of the ZK5.
NICE JOB adidas.
Great interview son. I just can’t believe that you know so much about shoes, but then you’ve been studying and drawing them since you could hold a pencil …