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.
Compared to brighter colorways like the Better Scarlet and Core Navy that were both announced a few weeks ago, the upcoming adidas Adizero Goukana Black Metallic Silver takes the lifestyle runner down a darker, moodier route. That makes it an instant winter essential, perfect for pairing with just about anything in your cold-weather rotation.
Feeling a little déjà vu? You’re not imagining things. That’s because the Goukana is directly inspired by the 2008 Adios Neftenga prototype – a silhouette recently resurrected through a high-profile Wales Bonner collab. This retro-futuristic update basically takes everything that made the OG so iconic and retools it for today. The result is a tightly knit core black mesh base, carbon suede overlays, and silver metallic Three Stripes that actually catch and reflect light in the dark.
adidas Adizero Goukana Black Metallic Silver
The midsole has also been taken to the next level. Bigger and beefier than before, it’s infused with adidas’ legendary Lightstrike cushioning. This is the same cutting-edge tech used across its marathon-winning racers and pro-level basketball shoes, delivering lightweight responsiveness, durability, and all-day comfort no matter where you wear it.
As for its name, “Goukana” actually comes from a Japanese word that translates to “luxurious and plush” – a fitting title for a model that merges speed and style. It’s also a quiet nod to Toshiaki Omori, the visionary designer behind the original Adizero line back in the early 2000s, whose design language still resonates almost two decades later.
Slated to drop in Holiday 2025, the adidas Adizero Goukana Black Metallic Silver will be available via adidas and select retailers both online and in-store for $160. For your best shot at grabbing a pair, make sure you download the Sole Retriever mobile.