adidas Hamburg

Hamburg

Adidas’ popular City Series has been around for many decades, but one of its most iconic silhouettes is the 1982 Hamburg – a sleek silhouette that became a common sight on the football terraces of the 80s and 90s. Following a brief return in 2014, adidas brought the Hamburg back in 2020, and it has remained a fan-favorite among the brand’s Originals collection ever since.

The upper of the adidas Hamburg usually comes in plush suede, just like the original shoe, though some versions feature nylon or leather. It is elegantly stripped back, with a signature T-toe overlay alongside a slim heel tab and serrated 3-Stripes logos, both in leather. The synthetic lining makes it highly wearable, while golden foil branding on the thin tongue offers heritage charm.

Underfoot, the Hamburg is supported by a lightweight layer of soft EVA foam and a vintage gum rubber outsole which pays homage to the 1980s silhouette. A honeycomb tread pattern spreads across the outsole, providing excellent grip and an intriguing look, while a pivot circle in the medial forefoot facilitates slick movement.

Although shoes in the City Series are generally low-profile and minimalist, each one has its own characteristics. One notable feature on the adidas Hamburg is the eye-catching divots on the sides of its midsole. Throwback Trefoil branding also appears across the shoe, from the lateral midsole to the outsole, insole and heel tab. Two-tone color blocking is the most prevalent look on the Hamburg, with the 3-Stripes and heel tab usually decorated in hues that contrast stylishly with the rest of the upper. Lastly, adidas’ signature golden lettering provides a familiar sheen, both on the lateral flank and the angular Trefoil logo stamped onto the tongue for a look that is both timeless and classic.

The adidas Hamburg is one of the most well-regarded silhouettes in the City Series. As such, it has powerful retro appeal for sneaker enthusiasts, but it is the shoe’s highly crafted design, dependable comfort, understated elegance and compelling colors that make it a standout among its peers.