If you walked into a mall or scrolled through Instagram in 2016, you couldn’t escape them. Those rectangular blocks on the midsole. The stretchy sock-like upper. The three stripes. The adidas NMD R1 was everywhere. It wasn’t just a shoe; it was a legitimate cultural shift that basically redefined what a "lifestyle" sneaker could be. But then, as it happens with everything that burns that bright, the hype cooled off. People moved on to bulky "dad shoes" and vintage basketball retros.
Does that mean the NMD is dead? Honestly, not even close.
While the sneakerheads who used to camp out for a "Pitch Black" colorway might have shifted their focus to rare Sambas or terrace-style kicks, the adidas NMD R1 has transitioned into something much more interesting: a reliable, functional staple that actually holds its own in 2026. It’s the "comfort king" that survived its own trend cycle.
The Technical DNA Most People Forget
Most folks see the "Lego blocks" on the side and think they’re just for show. They aren't. Those EVA plugs are there for structural integrity. When Nic Galway, the design veteran behind the NMD, started sketching this thing, he was looking back at the 1980s archives—specifically the Micropacer, the Rising Star, and the Boston Super.
He wanted to take the soul of those old-school runners and smash them into the future.
The result was a midsole made entirely of Boost. If you haven’t felt Boost, it’s basically like walking on a thousand tiny clouds that have been fused together. It’s expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU). It doesn’t bottom out like traditional foam. You can walk 10 miles in a pair of adidas NMD R1 sneakers and your arches won't feel like they're screaming for mercy at the end of the day.
Not All Uppers are Equal
One thing that trips people up is the material. You’ve got Primeknit and you’ve got standard mesh.
✨ Don't miss: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
Primeknit is the premium stuff. It’s digitally knit in one piece, so there aren't any seams to rub against your pinky toe. It fits like a sock. If you have wider feet, Primeknit is your best friend because it expands. Standard mesh, on the other hand, is a bit stiffer. It’s more durable and usually a lot cheaper, but it doesn't have that "second skin" feel that made the original 2015/2016 pairs legendary.
The Rise, the Fall, and the Permanent Status
Let's be real for a second. There was a point in 2017 where adidas almost killed the NMD by making too many of them. They flooded the market. You could find them at every strip mall in every town. In the world of fashion, that’s usually the kiss of death. Exclusivity is the fuel that runs the hype engine.
But a funny thing happened.
Even when the "cool kids" stopped posting them, regular people—nurses, hospitality workers, commuters, and travelers—kept buying them. Why? Because the adidas NMD R1 solved a problem. It was a shoe that looked modern enough for a casual office but felt better than a performance running shoe. It became the "utility player" of the sneaker world.
Think about the context of 2026. We are in an era of "quiet luxury" and functional techwear. The NMD fits into that perfectly. It isn't screaming for attention like a chunky Balenciaga, yet it doesn't look as dated as a standard gym sneaker. It’s sort of the perfect middle ground.
Real Talk on Sizing and Durability
If you're looking to grab a pair, sizing is the one thing you’ll probably mess up if you aren't careful.
🔗 Read more: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
- Primeknit versions usually run big. You should almost always go a half-size down. If you stay true to size, you’ll have a weird "flipper" effect at the toe.
- Mesh versions are more true to size. They don't stretch, so stay with your usual measurement.
- The "OG" colorway (black with red and blue plugs) is the gold standard, but the triple black versions are the most practical for daily wear.
One gripe I’ve always had? The lack of an insole. In most adidas NMD R1 models, your foot sits directly on the Boost foam. It feels great at first, but some people find it weird that there’s no removable liner. If you’re someone who needs custom orthotics, the NMD can be a bit of a nightmare to fit them into.
Why You Still See Them in 2026
The sneaker market is cyclical. We’ve seen the return of the Samba, the Gazelle, and the Campus. Fashion is moving back toward slimmer silhouettes. We’re moving away from the "clown shoe" oversized aesthetic.
The adidas NMD R1 is naturally slim. It has a sleek profile that works with tapered pants, joggers, or even shorts in the summer. It’s one of the few shoes that doesn't make your feet look like giant boats. Plus, the price has stabilized. You aren't paying $400 on the secondary market anymore. You can walk into a store and get them for a fair price, often on sale.
That’s the "people’s champ" energy.
Comparative Look: NMD vs. Ultraboost
People always ask: "Should I just get an Ultraboost instead?"
It depends on what you're doing. The Ultraboost is a performance runner. It has a plastic "cage" around the midfoot to lock you in so you don't roll your ankle while hitting a 5K. The adidas NMD R1 is a lifestyle shoe. It doesn't have that cage. It’s meant for walking, standing, and looking good. If you try to run a half-marathon in NMDs, you’re going to have a bad time. There’s not enough lateral support. But for an 8-hour shift on your feet? The NMD is often more comfortable because it isn't squeezing your foot as tight.
💡 You might also like: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
How to Spot the Good Ones
Not all NMDs are created equal. These days, adidas releases "NMD_V2" and "NMD_V3" and "NMD_S1." They’re all fine, but they aren't the R1. The R1 is the original silhouette. It’s the one with the cleanest lines.
If you’re hunting for a pair that will actually last and stay in style, look for these specific traits:
- Reflective Details: Some versions have reflective laces or stripes. This is a game changer if you’re walking the dog at night or commuting.
- GORE-TEX Versions: If you live in a city like Seattle or London, find the GORE-TEX adidas NMD R1. It’s waterproof but still has the Boost midsole. It’s basically a cheat code for winter.
- The Pull Tab: Look at the heel tab. Some say "The Brand with the 3 Stripes" in different languages (English, German, French, Japanese). It’s a small detail, but it’s the hallmark of a classic NMD design.
The materials have also evolved. Adidas is pushing their "Primeblue" and "Primegreen" initiatives, which incorporate recycled ocean plastic and sustainable materials. It doesn't change the feel of the shoe much, but it’s a nice bonus if you’re trying to be a bit more conscious about your footprint.
Final Advice for Buying and Styling
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a pair, don't overthink the styling. The adidas NMD R1 was designed to be versatile. It looks best with "pin-rolled" jeans or joggers that hit right at the ankle. You want to show off the silhouette of the shoe, not bury it under baggy pant legs.
Avoid the "mall-core" look by sticking to monochromatic colorways. All-white is a nightmare to keep clean because Boost foam is porous and soaks up dirt like a sponge. If you get white Boost dirty, it’s almost impossible to get it back to that "pure" white without using a special paint marker. Stick to black or grey midsoles if you want them to look fresh for more than a month.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your foot width: If you have narrow feet, go down a full size in Primeknit versions.
- Prioritize the R1: If you want the classic look, ignore the V2 and V3 models; they add unnecessary plastic bits that clutter the design.
- Protection is key: Buy a hydrophobic spray (like Crep Protect or Jason Markk) the same day you buy the shoes. Treat the mesh immediately.
- Maintenance: Never put them in a dryer. If they get gross, take the laces out, put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and wash them on a cold, gentle cycle. Let them air dry.
The adidas NMD R1 isn't a "hype" shoe anymore. It’s better than that. It’s a proven piece of footwear history that actually earns its spot in your closet through pure, unadulterated comfort. It’s a design that stood the test of time, survived the "saturation" phase, and came out the other side as a modern classic.