The adidas Adistar Control 5 is Heading Back to Rotations in 2026

The adidas Adistar Control 5 is one of adidas’ most exciting pairs to be pulled from the archive in years, and in 2026, the light is shining back again on this 00s classic. Pulling from early-2000s performance running while sitting comfortably in today’s lifestyle rotation, this one’s full of Y2K flex that feels at home amongst the likes of the Nike P-6000 or the ASICS 1130. It doesn’t chase softness or strip things back, instead it holds onto its OG structure while adapting for lifestyle use.

Let’s get into the design and comfort. Underfoot, the setup reflects that split identity. A firm EVA base works alongside Adiprene+ in the forefoot, tuned more for control and repeat impact than softness. The Formotion heel introduces movement into the rear, absorbing load through a mechanical shift rather than foam compression. It carries the feel of an older racing platform, but one that holds up as a lifestyle shoe

The upper leans fully into layering. If we’re talking running, open mesh keeps airflow high, while metallic overlays form a cage that locks the foot in place. the Torsion bridge stabilises the midfoot.

Looking at the design, the expiremental 00s feel shines strong, right for the time. Even the colour choices, from silver-heavy builds to darker petrol tones, reinforce that crossover between lifestyle and running.

The Control 5 sits slightly apart from the usual retro runners. Where models like the ASICS Gel-Kayano or Nike Zoom Vomero 5 soften their approach, this keeps a sharper edge. Its less like a throwback and more like a hybrid.