Erik Hernandez
Pencil side-profile sketch of the C-10, a faceted high-top with angular overlapping panels, a strap across the instep and a zigzag midsole.
The black and white C-10, one shoe from the side and one turned over to show the white outsole.
Heels of the black and white pair, with the black strap wrapping the grey heel counter.
Low view of the black heel counters, Trefoil logos and white midsoles.
The black pair from the side, with the strap crossing the suede upper above the white midsole.
Close-up of the black webbing strap over the suede and mesh upper.
Close-up of the black laces, mesh and patent overlays at the forefoot.
Close-up of the grey heel counter with a debossed Trefoil.
A man standing against a dark stone wall wearing the black and white C-10.
The red C-10 in suede with a red strap and black patent toe, three-quarter view from the front.
The red C-10 from the back three-quarter, showing the black heel counter.
The red C-10 on concrete, three-quarter view.
A man in front of a roller shutter wearing a grey sweatshirt, black shorts and the red C-10.
The C-10 in blue and volt with a black strap and white midsole, on pavement in front of a blue fence.

Brief

Design a lifestyle high-top for adidas Originals that looked forward rather than back to the archive. The shoe needed a clear, graphic silhouette that would hold up in bold color blocking and premium materials.

Process

Early concepts pushed hard angles through the collar, tongue, and quarter, drawing on the SL Loop Runner. The defining feature is a wide, functional strap that wraps the heel and anchors the lacing at the midfoot. Branding stays premium and quiet, with mini stripes jacquard-woven into the webbing and a faceted Trefoil molded into the TPU heel counter.