Noah Lyles: A look at the ‘world's fastest man’ and his game-changing sneaker moments

Noah Lyles: A look at the ‘world's fastest man’ and his game-changing sneaker moments

Festus Chuma 19:31 - 26.11.2024

Olympic champion Noah Lyles turned heads at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix with bold footwear that blended vintage and modern styles.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles added a splash of flair to the already electrifying atmosphere of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix this past weekend.

While fans flocked to the race for the roaring engines and dazzling lights, Lyles had sneaker enthusiasts buzzing over what he had on his feet — the latest Bad Bunny and adidas Originals collaboration, the Adizero SL72.

The sneakers, which merge retro design with modern performance aesthetics, caught the world’s fastest man’s eye for good reason.

Dubbed the “Off White/Chalk/Wonder White” colorway, the pair exudes a sleek yet rugged style that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge detailing.

From its SL72-inspired upper to the Adizero midsole, the shoes are as dynamic as Lyles himself.

The addition of blue branding and a bold black heel embellishment further accentuates the unique design.

“I feel like, for how many medals we get, the notoriety we bring back, the fact that that hasn’t happened, that’s crazy to me,” Lyles shared in a previous interview, voicing his desire for track and field athletes to have their own signature sneakers.

While these Bad Bunny-designed shoes aren’t his signature pair, Lyles’ choice to sport them at such a high-profile event highlights his status as a leader in adidas’ elite roster of endorsers.

The Adizero SL72 is more than just a fashionable statement as its design reflects a thoughtful balance between heritage and innovation.

The upper pays homage to the classic SL72, a shoe celebrated for its minimalistic retro appeal, while the midsole and heel showcase a modern evolution with layered mesh, shaggy suede overlays, and seamless detailing.

The trim midsole provides a clean finish, offering both style and performance for today’s athlete.

IMAGE: Courtesy

Although adidas has not officially confirmed the release of the Adizero SL72, industry whispers suggest a December 15th drop with three distinct colorways.

Lyles' weekend appearance has only fueled excitement, with fans eagerly awaiting further announcements.

As Lyles continues to dominate on and off the track, his advocacy for more recognition of track and field stars in the sneaker world is hard to ignore.

Whether or not a signature shoe is on the horizon for the Olympic gold medalist, his endorsement of Bad Bunny’s creation signals a strong partnership with adidas and a shared vision of pushing boundaries.

For now, the Adizero SL72 serves as a symbolic step forward in the fusion of sport and style, and Lyles’ stamp of approval only amplifies its allure.

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