As Adidas basks in the soaring popularity of its iconic three-striped white and black Samba and vibrant Gazelle sneakers, the sportswear giant is taking proactive measures to safeguard against potential pitfalls stemming from the unprecedented success of these beloved classics.

In response to surging demand, Adidas has significantly ramped up production of its “terrace shoes,” inspired by the casual footwear flaunted by soccer aficionados during the 1970s and 80s. According to CEO Bjorn Gulden, sales have surged from a mere couple of hundred thousand pairs per month at the beginning of last year to millions per month presently. With ambitions to further amplify their appeal, Adidas is poised to capitalize on this momentum.

Terrace shoe sales played a pivotal role in driving Adidas’ robust performance in the first quarter, although specific figures for the Samba, Gazelle, and Spezial models were not disclosed by the company. Priced at approximately $90 and above, with limited edition collaborations commanding prices of up to $350, these sneakers have become coveted staples among fashion-conscious consumers.

Nevertheless, investors and analysts remain vigilant, wary of Adidas potentially over-relying on the success of its terrace shoes, particularly in light of the abrupt termination of the highly lucrative Yeezy venture. Following the cessation of its partnership with U.S. rapper and producer Kanye West, Adidas incurred its first annual loss in three decades.

The accolades bestowed upon the Adidas Samba, including Footwear News’ prestigious “Shoe of the Year” award for 2023, underscore its enduring appeal and cultural significance. Bernstein analyst Aneesha Sherman estimates that terrace shoe sales will contribute approximately 1.5 billion euros ($1.61 billion) to Adidas’ revenue this year, representing around 7% of its total earnings and nearing the peak performance achieved by the Yeezy brand.

However, industry observers caution against complacency, recognizing the cyclical nature of fashion trends. Thomas Joekel, portfolio manager at Union Investment, emphasizes the imperative for Adidas to remain agile in response to evolving consumer preferences, citing the brand’s need to adapt swiftly to emergent trends, much like its competitors, such as Nike.

Notably, Adidas is diversifying its product portfolio to mitigate reliance on any single model. Gulden highlights the growing popularity of the chunkier, skater-style Campus shoes, which are outselling the Samba in certain markets. Additionally, Adidas plans to intensify marketing efforts for its classic Superstar shoe, positioning it for a resurgence in popularity next year.

Strategic collaborations with designers, such as the recent $200 iteration of the Superstar with Edison Chen, underscore Adidas’ commitment to innovation and exclusivity. By limiting supply and introducing premium editions, Adidas aims to emulate the luxury playbook, enhancing brand desirability and driving higher margins.

Retailers, including JD Sports and Foot Locker, report robust demand for Adidas terrace styles, underscoring consumer appetite for diverse variations of the brand’s iconic sneakers. However, analysts caution against saturating the market, advocating for a balanced approach to maintain long-term brand vitality.

In essence, Adidas navigates the delicate balance between capitalizing on the current fervor for its terrace shoes while strategizing for sustained relevance and innovation. As the sneaker landscape evolves, Adidas remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering timeless style and performance, ensuring its position at the forefront of global footwear culture.