The Complete Tech History of Dwight Howard Signature Sneakers

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

1.

adidas adiPower Howard 2

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Playoffs hopes have been dashed by the Spurs, but throughout the season, they have been one of the most buzzed about teams league-wide. One of the main talking points was the arrival of Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, which was reminiscent of

Riley Jones is a journalism student from Charlottesville, VA. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things ’90s, he can be found on Twitter here.

RELATED: The Complete Tech History of Chris Paul Signature Sneakers
RELATED:
SPOTTED: Dwight Howard Dominates the Paint Against the Nets

   adidas Beast Commander

No. 1 – adidas Beast Commander

Year of Release: 2010
Key Tech: One-piece Fluid Motion midsole, adiPRENE forefoot cushioning, Torsion System, PureMotion

Dwight’s first official signature shoe was the adidas Beast Commander, which lived up to its name as a heavy-duty sneaker built for bigger players. Its PureMotion outsole features five individual pods for cushion, flex, and traction. Adidas’ patented Torsion System is utilized in the midfoot for heel-to-forefoot support. Meanwhile, adiPRENE delivers forefoot cushioning in the one-piece Fluid Motion midsole.

Stylistically, the model was adorned with details referencing Howard’s humorous personality. A “Man Child” logo was placed on the tongue, while the heel featured a graphic reading “Hey Woooooooooorld!” These playful hits help to add some lightheartedness to an otherwise serious big man’s high-top.adidas Super Beast

No. 2 – adidas SuperBeast

Year of Release: 2011
Key Tech: Alive cushioning, EVA midsole, SprintSkin upper, Twist Torsion System, Cilia Traction Surface

Picking up where the Beast Commander left off, the adidas SuperBeast replaces the PureMotion outsole setup with a Cilia Traction Surfaces. The Torsion System is upgraded in the form of Twist Torsion, which was designed to offer directional stability for Howard’s powerful transitions. Alive cushioning was added for improved responsiveness and a low to the ground feel. Finally, the upper was constructed of a breathable SprintSkin, which was re-tooled from previous versions used on soccer boots and has now become a staple of adidas Basketball technology.

Much like the adidas Beast Commander, the SuperBeast featured a handful of aesthetic details connected to Howard.adidas adiPower Howard

No. 3 – adidas adiPower Howard 1

Year of Release: 2011
Key Tech:
Alive cushioning, EVA midsole, SprintSkin upper, Twist Torsion System, Cilia Traction Surface

Dwight must have been pleased with the SuperBeast model, because the adidas adiPower Howard 1 featured an almost identical setup. From a tech standpoint, the only major tweak was an updated SprintSkin overlay, which offered improved breathability. The styling is noticeably toned down from previous Howard sigs, with less graphic branding and more of a no-frills look.adidas adiPower Howard 2

No. 4 – adidas adiPower Howard 2

Year of Release: 2012
Key Tech:
SprintSkin upper, Alive cushioning, Z-Torsion System, Cilia Traction Surface, miCoach compatible

For Howard’s fourth signature model, the Three Stripes continued their personal connections by applying a “shattered glass” print to the SprintSkin upper. This symbolized times in the big man’s career when he had broken backboards from monstrous dunks. As usual with Dwight’s sigs, the adiPower Howard 2 was built with support and strength in mind. Alive cushioning makes another appearance in the adiPower Howard 2, as does a Cilia Traction Surface outsole. With the adiPower Howard 2, adidas delivered yet another high-profile model which was catered to big men, yet utilized lightweight properties found in speedier sneakers.adidas adiPower Howard 3

No. 5 – adidas adiPower Howard 3

Year of Release: 2012
Key Tech: Torsion System, Alive cushioning, miCoach compatible

The latest adiPower Howard model forgoes SprintSkin construction for a nubuck and leather combination upper. The Torsion System returns for midfoot integrity, while Alive cushioning is utilized in the midsole and outsole. With a heel counter for a supportive, lockdown fit and a lightweight build, the adiPower Howard 3 is a great choice for centers at $110.adidas D Howard Light

No. 6 – adidas D Howard Light

Year of Release: 2013
Key Tech: SprintWeb, Torsion System

The adidas D Howard Light combines the same big-man support found in Dwight’s previous signature sneakers with lightweight technology like SprintWeb. A supportive Torsion System is once again utilized, helping to maintain stability in an otherwise sleek package. With less branding than many of Howard’s previous models, the D Howard Light puts a heavy emphasis on performance tech. Pick them up today for $125.

RELATED: The Complete Tech History of Chris Paul Signature Sneakers
RELATED:
SPOTTED: Dwight Howard Dominates the Paint Against the Nets

Latest in Sneakers