What is "mi adidas"?

Wouldn't anyone who loves sports want a special pair of shoes, perhaps in their lucky color, or cleats engraved with their goals, as a motivational tool? Of course, some might want to customize the design as a fashion item. "mi adidas" is a shoe customization service that fulfills these desires. From running shoes and "adiPower Predator" football boots to classic sneakers like the "Stan Smith," you can choose a shoe from a wide lineup that suits your purpose and then customize the colors of each part.

You can also add accessory parts for design accents or embroider a message. And remarkably, you can even choose different sizes for the left and right shoes. This is how you create a one-of-a-kind shoe, tailored to your design and size. The entire ordering process takes about an hour. Let's take a look at the program Toshio Matsuura experienced.

STEP 1: Select the Base Model

There are several models available for each of the seven sports: golf, tennis, football, basketball, outdoor, training, and running. You select a model that suits your purpose and level in consultation with a specialist. For Matsuura, it was running. Among the wide selection, from lightweight racing models to cushioned training models, he chose the "adiSN Sequence4 M," a highly cushioned model that offers stability and minimizes stress on the feet. Matsuura, who plans to increase his running mileage, needs shoes that provide ample cushioning to protect his feet from injury and stability to hold his feet firmly and support his running form.

STEP 2: Size Selection

First, your foot shape is accurately measured using a special machine. The process is very simple: just place your foot in the machine and wait a moment. Sizes are primarily chosen based on length and width measurements, but it's natural for foot sizes to differ between the left and right. With "mi adidas," you can not only select different lengths for each foot but also choose from three widths: "wide," "medium," and "narrow." Once a general size is determined, the final step is fitting. The required space varies depending on the shoe's last (mold), so you'll work with a specialist to meticulously fit the shoes, moving around and touching them to ensure a perfect fit.




The fitting shoes used at this stage are commonly called "silver shoes." This is because the silver color makes it easiest to see fabric wrinkles and how the shoe fits against the foot as you move. A shoe that is too big will feel unstable and wobbly, while one that is too small will put pressure on your feet. Therefore, selecting the right size is crucial not only for running comfort but also for injury prevention. It's a point where you'll want to be meticulous until you're completely satisfied.

STEP 3: Select Features

There are three features to choose from. First, select the fabric: either summer mesh for breathability or winter mesh for warmth. For those who run daily, summer mesh is recommended to prevent stuffiness, while for walking, winter mesh is advised to keep feet from getting cold. Next, choose whether to include padding that affects heel hold.

Finally, you can choose from three types of insoles: a thin type prioritizing lightness, a thick type with cushioning, or an intermediate thickness. Matsuura was recommended a specification that includes a firm "promoderator" material under the insole, combined with a thick, cushioned insole to reduce impact on the feet. Adding this firm material not only reduces stress on the knees but also helps balance the foot and supports smoother weight transfer. You'll pursue the optimal functionality for yourself in consultation with the specialist.

STEP 4: Design Arrangement

Now, arrange the design online! While changing colors with a single click is easy, it can take over an hour for some customers, making this the part where most people spend the most time. All created designs can be saved, so you can make several patterns before deciding on one. The available colors vary depending on the model and parts, but the range is quite extensive. You can also make detailed adjustments, such as changing the color of just the trim of the iconic adidas three stripes.

The "adiSN Sequence4 M" chosen by Matsuura is a model with many customizable parts within the "mi adidas" series, but he opted for a clean, all-black design, which took him less than 10 minutes. Indeed, an all-black running shoe is rare, and Matsuura had been searching for one. Next, he registered the message to be embroidered on the heel. You can add up to 10 uppercase and lowercase English letters and numbers, such as names, initials, birthdays, event dates, or target times. Matsuura chose to embroider "20120226," based on the date of the "Tokyo Marathon 2012." Until the race, it will serve as a personal motivator, and after the event, it will be a cherished memento. Even with just 10 characters, adding a message instantly makes the item feel special.




Additionally, you can decorate the front shoelaces with accessory parts inspired by national flags. These accessories are removable, allowing you to enjoy different arrangements depending on your mood or the occasion.

STEP 5: mi adidas Arrives!

Three weeks after ordering, the completed "mi adidas" arrived. Matsuura, trying on the shoes that had become a reality, was extremely satisfied: "I arranged the design on screen, so there's a slight nuance difference now that they're three-dimensional, but they're almost exactly as I imagined. Seeing the numbers on the back every time tightens my resolve. And, above all, the fit is overwhelmingly different. Since my left and right feet have different sizes and shapes, this is the first time I've experienced such a perfect fit! I actually need to get used to it (laughs)."




Finally, I asked about the price and was surprised. The "adiSN Sequence4 M" that Matsuura selected is a model normally sold in stores for 12,000 yen. The "mi adidas" order cost 15,520 yen. Considering the design, as well as the advantages of reduced foot stress and improved performance, this is a remarkably good deal. Achieve your best performance with your own original, one-of-a-kind shoe!




Stores Offering Performance Shoes

adidas Performance Center Shibuya
23-5 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours | 11:00 - 21:00
Tel. 03-5456-6810

adidas Performance Center Nagoya
3-14-15 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
Business Hours | 11:00 - 21:00
Tel. 052-238-2230

adidas Performance Center Osaka
3-5-11 Minamisenba 1-2F, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Business Hours | 10:00 - 21:00
Tel. 06-6121-9181


adidas Group Customer Service
Tel. 0120-810-654