adidas EQT SS Top

Philosophy of Pure Purpose Without Compromise, Designed by Industry Insiders - adidas EQT Equipment

Few collections of sports gear emerged as a direct protest against marketing and trends – adidas EQT Equipment did. It was built on the idea that sports gear shouldn't be for "having fun" but for getting things done. This approach was championed by two former Nike employees who joined adidas in the late '80s and decided to design products solely based on athletes' needs, not market research. The result was a range – from shoes to jackets to hoodies – that continues to define "no-nonsense" design in sportswear.

History: "The Best of adidas" Without Compromise

Adidas Equipment was launched in March 1991 under the straightforward slogan "The Best of adidas." The concept was spearheaded by Robert Strasser and Peter Moore, two industry icons who transitioned from Nike to the competition and brought a completely new approach to design. Moore explained the philosophy behind the name: "We called it equipment because equipment is a no-nonsense word. You don’t have equipment to have fun with; you have it to get things done." The fundamental rule was "everything that is necessary. Nothing that isn't." The design consciously went against all market research and contemporary trends – the goal was pure practicality for athletes, not fashion.

The 1991 collection covered a wide range of sports from the start – tennis, basketball, squash, volleyball, soccer, turf, adventure, trekking, and golf, including not just footwear but also clothing designed with the same philosophy. Moore also wanted a unique, unmistakable color for EQT similar to Coca-Cola red – resulting in the iconic Equipment Green, which you can still find on nearly all models of shoes and accessories in the line, including track jackets and hoodies. In 2021, EQT celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of collaborations and has seen a revival in recent years with archive-inspired models.

Technology: Torsion System, Boost, and Functional Clothing Materials

What makes the EQT line technically exceptional across both footwear and apparel are these elements:

• Torsion System (footwear): A stabilizing element that allows the forefoot and heel to move independently – three flexible bands wrapping the foot provide unmatched support.
• Boost Midsole (footwear): Full-length foam added to the older EQT construction delivers significantly higher energy return and comfort compared to the original '90s versions.
• Asymmetrical Construction and Wrap Tongue (footwear): An unusual, one-sided upper and wrap tongue provide better support and protection for the foot than the symmetrical designs of competitors.
• Track Top with Contrast Stripes (apparel): Distinctive three-stripe graphic overlay referencing the original EQT performance tracksuit from 1991.

Who the Collection is For

EQT is a fashion collection for you if you're looking for archive design with a real philosophy behind it, not just retro aesthetics – perfect for heritage design lovers who appreciate the blend of '90s history with modern comfort, whether it’s shoes, a jacket, or a hoodie.