History of adidas EQT

The adidas EQT range, first introduced in 1990 has been at the forefront of innovation in sneakers & apparel since its inception. Based on the original adidas philosophy of founder Adi Dassler, in creating products that were simple, functional and performance-based. Since then, the brand has gone on to produce world class products in sport & lifestyle. 

After the excess of the 80s, adidas were on the brink of collapse, this is where Robert Strasser & Peter Moore introduced the ‘no bullshit’ adidas EQT Equipment line in 1990. The pair aimed to create a new department of sneakers & apparel that contained everything that was essential and nothing that wasn't. EQT was based upon a no-nonsense line of footwear and apparel that spans across a huge range of sports; running, basketball and of course Football. The EQT launch of the 90s is where adidas decided to stop focusing on what other brands were doing and to focus on what was right for adidas.

The original Adidas EQT sneakers were the iconic equipment green, white and black colours and were asymmetrical in design for improved support and performance. The EQT range introduced to the world the adidas logo as we know it today, the three stripes badge of sport.

From its inception, the EQT range has always been about what's most important from a performance point of view. Strasser and Moore introduced Torsion technology to the world which enabled EQT wearers to move the front and back of their foot separately. From this point the EQT line has introduced a midfoot support system with three flexible lightweight strips that wrap around the foot for the best support in the business. The EQT range and the adidas team behind it continues to strive for innovation and introduce world class technology to the line to this day. The range couldn’t have been better received, especially in East Berlin.

Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the east side of Berlin had struggled financially, leading to people buying expensive clothing to appear above their current socioeconomic standing. The adidas EQT became a must have item in German street culture and has maintained that position to this day. 

The focus for the EQT range is why, why something is done rather than how the product looks, according to current Global Design Vice President Nic Galway. For the current team it’s about understanding why things were done in the past and using that to figure out how and why things should be done today, using the past to create the future. 

EQT has strong roots in football, dating back to 1991 with a number of clubs getting dressed up in the adidas EQT template. The EQT jerseys had a thick v neck collar with the badge of sport logo in the centre along with the three thick stripes on the shoulder of each kit. The template was worn by some of Europe's most famous clubs; Bayern Munich, Marseille, Liverpool, Arsenal and Rangers all getting their versions of the EQT jersey. 

The EQT range has a long and successful history in sport, lifestyle and football and we can’t wait for further innovations from the brand and the EQT range.