Adidas’s Flagship Running Shoe Has Never Looked Better Than This

Inspired by Mexico’s Monte Alto Natural Reserve, this stunning, earthy collaboration is much more than just a palette swap.

Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK Running Shoes closeup of laces

By Sean Tirman

Published 5 hours ago

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Since its release, Adidas’s flagship running sneaker, the Ultraboost, has seen five generations and countless special editions, limited releases and collaborations. And throughout it all, it’s remained one of the best all-around running shoes on the road.

So, when I tell you that the Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK might be the best it has ever looked, I want you to understand the gravitas of such a statement. Inspired by nature and given some subtle-yet-significant upgrades, this is one very special interpretation.

Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK Running Shoe — The material upgrades are subtle but effective, helping elevate the Ultraboost 5 to new heights.

Blink and you’ll miss it

As running shoes are meant for movement, it’s easy to miss their looks, especially when they’re subtle. However, I implore you to take a closer look at these Ultraboosts, as they’re absolutely fantastic.

The H.Koumori collab comes in two distinct colorways. The first is white and off-white — a colorway the brand calls Alumina. The other is olive green and carbon (or, you know, black). Both of them are as distinct as they are stunning.

Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK Running Shoe toe closeup — The closer you get, the more you realize just how gorgeously detailed these sneakers are.

While they maintain the existing shoe’s silhouette, there are some notable stylistic changes. For instance, the upper is separated into two color hemispheres by a reflective strip that wraps around from toe to heel. Furthermore, the brand’s signature Three Stripes are standalone elements, rather than being built into a unit with the eyestays.

On the individual shoes, the color combinations are both unique and subtle. They manage to enhance the overall look of the shoes without bogging the styling down with too many details. It’s a tightrope job — easily toppled, but a stunning sight to behold when done right.

Even the Continental outsole has been given a touch-up; there’s an orange X — a reference to H.Koumori’s logo lettering — visible through the outer layer.

Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK Running Shoe sole — Even the sole gets a stylistic upgrade — an orange X that references H.Koumori’s signature logo lettering.

Harder, better, faster, stronger

If the only swaps on these Ultraboosts were stylistic, they’d still be among the most spectacular Adidas has ever offered. However, that’s not the case; there are some material upgrades that help elevate them further.

Typically, these running shoes have a textile upper. But these swap that for ripstop fabric, which lightens them up and adds additional durability. But that’s not all.

The traditional lacing system is improved with an Adidas-branded lace lock and the addition of an elastic band to keep the additional length tidy and tethered down. That makes putting them on and taking them off a simple prospect and makes for easier on-the-road adjustments.

In all honesty, I wish Adidas would incorporate all the changes into the standard version of the Ultraboost 5s. They make for better overall sneakers, and it’s a shame they’re relegated to a limited-release special edition.

Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK Running Shoes on concrete in sunlight — H.Koumori’s take on the Ultraboost 5 comes in two stunning color combinations for both men’s and women’s versions.

Pricing and availability

The Adidas x Hermanos Koumori Ultraboost 5 HK running sneakers are now available on H.Koumori’s site for $221 apiece in both colorways. However, many of the sizes have already sold out, and it’s unclear if they’ll be restocked anytime soon (if at all).