The END. x adidas Ultra Boost "Ceramic Craze" Is a Masterpiece In the Making

Every now and then, a certain silhouette will manage to define an entire era of sneakers. Right now, retro basketball silhouettes are en vogue, while chunky dad-style sneakers dominated 2017 and 2018. Go back a couple more years, however, and you’ll remember just how much sneakerheads were loving the adidas Ultra Boost – a shoe that ushered in the sleek runner movement that paved the way for the Yeezy Boost 350, and adidas’ NMDs.

Though designed as a performance running shoe first and foremost, the Ultra Boost enjoyed its overnight foray into mainstream success after the model was spotted on Kanye West, just five months after its initial debut. Worn on stage at the Billboard Music Awards, the shoe went on to sell out pretty much worldwide, as most things do when they’ve received that key Kanye endorsement. The secondary market saw pairs going for four-figure price tags, which at the time was relatively unheard of, especially for a general release sneaker.

Over the next few years, the Ultra Boost would go on to cement itself in sneaker history through a number of collaborations and iterations, appealing to both Ye fans and skeptics alike. And, though sneaker trends moved on (as trends always do) the Ultra Boost will always have a loyal fanbase that’ll look forward to welcoming it back again. While its most recent models haven’t quite hit the same sweet spot with its loyal audience, that’s likely to change again, as the model has gone back to its roots for its latest appearance, which just happens to be a collaborative effort with END. Clothing.

Guaranteed to win over both UB loyalists and wider sneaker fans, the END. x adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 “Ceramic Craze” brings the fan-favourite silhouette into the modern day, giving it a minimalist makeover that brings it in line with one of the top sneaker trends of today. The result is a super-clean timeless classic, that’ll offer the wear the same amount of comfort and support as the original Ultra Boost – so, what’s not to love?

Inspired by the calming, serene atmosphere and Wabi-sabi vibes of a pottery studio, END.'s “Ceramic Craze” Ultra Boost 1.0 combines soft neutral hues with subtle white and black accents, while a premium leather heel counter and ceramic-style sidewall caging add subtle yet stunning themed details. Of course, comfortable Primeknit uppers hug the foot while keeping the pair breathable, and a thick Boost midsole rests underfoot to ensure a comfortable ride. The pair is then finished with subtle co-branded details which arrive in a tonal grey shade to not interrupt the colour palette.

The “Ceramic Craze” END. x adidas Ultra Boost OG 1.0 is set to drop at END. on the 20th August, so be sure to get your raffle entry in soon, as this pair is truly a work of art.

Up next, find out more about how the Ultra Boost went from the running track to the runway.