You can rarely go wrong with a reintroduction of a classic. adidas has showcased the strength of their archives time and time again, with the brand seeing plenty of Originals releases in 2025 and continuing into 2026. This includes running classics like the EQT, as well as the everyday street essential, Gazelle. This past week, adidas has once again reached into its archives to reintroduce the ADISTAR CONTROL 5, fronted by rugby standout Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and adidas’ latest signed partner, Ciza.
First released in the 1970s, the ADISTAR was the pinnacle of tech, designed for runners of the day. Introduced as a lightweight track spike, the shoe had all the hallmarks of the best athletes at the time. In the early 2000s, the shoe was revived for the first time in decades and evolved into a high-cushioned, long-distance running shoe of the era. And, lastly, 2008 saw the introduction of the ADISTAR CONTROL 5, where the brand turned the retro-styled runner and Y2K performance icon into an everyday shoe for the next generation.
In 2026, the ADISTAR CONTROL 5 silhouette receives a modern refresh, bringing it to life once more in the era of streetwear. Built upon the rich legacy and extending its evolutionary status, the ADISTAR CONTROL 5 brings adidas’ performance heritage into a durable silhouette.
Keeping its legacy of the 2000s runner, the ADISTAR CONTROL 5 features a rubber outsole for exceptional comfort and control for all-day support. Its upper is crafted from metallic overlays atop the mesh base, a staple of the 90s and 2000s, to provide breathability. It keeps its retro aesthetics to bring that sense of nostalgia for the fans of yesteryear. Modern elements to refresh today include the FORMOTION heel to deliver an elevated stability, as well as the ADIPRENE+ midsole and a torsion bar in the midfoot, which provides high-level cushioning.
The return of the adidas ADISTAR CONTROL 5 was designed to inspire all to run their own race, in sport and in life. The sneaker is available on adidas.co.za, adidas stores, as well as selected retailers. It retails at R2,499 and is available in five different colourways.
