The CLOT x adidas Qi Flow continues Edison Chen’s long-running habit of steering collaborations away from the obvious. Rather than leaning on archive nostalgia or quick colour flips, this project feels like another deliberate step in CLOT’s wider exploration of footwear as cultural object rather than performance tool.
The foundation immediately sets the mood. A slim, espadrille-style sole mirrors recent CLOT-led experiments on the Stan Smith and Gazelle, reinforcing the label’s interest in lighter, more lifestyle-driven constructions. It sits low to the ground, understated and elegant, aligning neatly with the wider shift towards refined silhouettes that prioritise wearability over bulk.
Up top, the Qi Flow moves even further away from traditional sneaker language. The black fabric upper feels closer to a wrap, slipper, or martial arts shoe than anything built for sport. The shape looks relaxed, almost deconstructed, designed to move naturally with the foot rather than contain it. There’s a subtle football reference running through the structure, particularly in how the forefoot opens and flexes, while a diagonal lateral panel introduces just enough tension to keep the shoe from collapsing into softness.
Three elastic straps link that panel to a larger medial section, offering support without stiffness. Knotted detailing adds texture and tactility, while a small faux pearl sits quietly as a signature CLOT flourish. It’s the kind of detail that rewards a second look, understated rather than performative.
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