recycled cables transform this pair of adidas sneakers into a one-of-one design
CORY INFINITE REWORKS THE ADISTAR XLG 2.0
American artist Cory Infinite has transformed a pair of Adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 sneakers into a one-of-one design for singer Teezo Touchdown. Created in collaboration with Adidas Originals, the custom pair was developed by hand in Kansas City for the rapper to bring to the World Cup.
The original silhouette is almost entirely covered by recycled Ethernet cables, with roughly 170 pieces attached to each shoe using zip ties. Their transparent RJ45 connectors build a dense, pixel-like texture across the upper, while blue cables recreate Adidas’ three-stripe motif along the sides.
recycled ethernet cables cover the adidas silhouette | all images by Evan Reese Johnson
RECYCLED CONNECTORS TURN THE SHOE INTO A DATA OBJECT
Repeated from the toe to the heel, the cable ends transform familiar pieces of digital infrastructure into decorative modules. The resulting surface feels both mechanical and handmade, disrupting the smooth lines of the original sneaker with rows of projecting connectors.
Keyboard keys attached to the laces spell out the names of Cory Infinite and Teezo Touchdown, adding another reference to computer hardware while personalizing the one-off design. A process film released by Adidas Originals follows the project from its initial concept through construction and delivery.
the custom pair has been created for Teezo Touchdown
FOOTBALL, MUSIC, AND DIGITAL CULTURE CONNECT
Cory Infinite describes the project as being inspired by the global connections created through football. Ethernet cables make that idea physical, wrapping the sneakers in components normally used to link computers and transmit information across networks.
By combining recycled electronic parts with a contemporary sportswear silhouette, the project places the sneaker somewhere between customized footwear and wearable sculpture. The one-of-one pair brings together football, music, fashion, and digital culture through a material usually hidden behind screens and devices.
RJ45 connectors create a dense textured surface
blue cables recreate adidas’ three stripes
the one-off sneakers connect fashion and technology
project info:
designer: Cory Infinite | @coryinfinite
collaboration: adidas Originals
created for: Teezo Touchdown | @@teezotouchdown
base model: adidas Adistar XLG 2.0
location: Kansas City, USA
materials: recycled Ethernet cables, RJ45 connectors, zip ties, and keyboard keys
quantity: approximately 170 Ethernet cables per shoe
photographs: Evan Reese Johnson | @evanreesejohnson