The Complete History of the adidas Barricade

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Complex Original

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Image via TennisWarehouse
Image via TennisWarehouse

adidas Barricade

Key Feature: Toe Bumper
Year Released: 2000
Weight: 14.8 oz

With a rather large toe guard placed high on the shoe, the original Barricade shows off where it got it's name from. The shoe offers up the durability due to enlarged toe area, and the adiWEAR 6 outsoles greatly decreased slipping or sliding during gameplay. The Barricade's high performance and comfortable step-in made it a go-to shoe for numerous pros including Marat Safin, who won his first Grand Slam title when the shoe released back in 2000. It's easy to see why the Barricade line is so successful and longlasting, just go back to it's roots.

Image via DoitTennis
Image via DoitTennis

adidas Barricade 2.0

Key Feature: Shock Absorption Heel
Year Released: 2002
Weight: 15.8 oz

adidas took a slightly different approach with the Barricade 2 and most of it was on the cosmetic end. Following up a classic is never easy, so adidas kept many of the same technical features that contributed to the original Barricade's success, but bolstered it up in some areas. The heel was given more cushioning and was designed add greater shock absorption, while the Three Stripes used a more rugged leather for the upper to increase durability in high wear areas, but this lead to an increase in weight. Overall, the Barricade 2 was an incredible follow-up shoe and truly successed in improving on it's predecessor, which is never an easy task.

Image via Kickscn
Image via Kickscn

adidas Barricade 3.0

Key Feature: adiPRENE Outsole
Year Released: 2003
Weight: 13.8 oz

When the Barricade 3 came along, it has a completely different look then people were used to. With a revised upper, toe, heel, and outsole design, adidas created a shoe that fits more naturally, while standing up to the stringent performance requirements from the top players in the world. The addition of the adiPRENE outsole allowed the traction on a multitude of surfaces, as well as increasing the durability so players aren't burning through a new pair ever few weeks. The Barricade 3.0 became a staple for ATP Tour players including the Bryan brothers,  possibly the greatest men's Doubles team of all time with 15 titles, as well as the gold medal back in 2012.

Image via Tennisshoes
Image via Tennisshoes

adidas Barricade 4.0

Key Feature: Low arch support
Year Released: 2006
Weight: 17.8 oz

The Barricade 4 once again changed the landscape of the series, but not in the aesthic category as the overall design maintained the same for the most part. Where this shoe differentiates itself from previous models is through the contoured fitting system which gave a personalized feel to each player to laced them up. The low arch support was also an added difference as previous models failed to deliver on that front and left players feeling the sliding and slippage within the shoe. Back in 2006, the Barricade 4 became the premier on court sneaker for Novak Djokovic, who ended up defeating three big tennis names you may have heard of in Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Novak even brought home the 2007 Rogers Cup in a special white/blue pair to give off the Toronto vibe.

Image via Tennis Warehouse
Image via Tennis Warehouse

adidas Barricade 5.0

Key Feature: adiWEAR 6 outsole compound
Year Released: 2008
Weight: 17.1oz

adidas really flipped the script with the Barricade 5, as it's possibly the most dishtinguishable model in the series due to the updated design. The shoe used a greater amount of mesh through the uppers then previous models, making them extremely comfortable and snug fitting. The Three Stripes kept the durability at a maxiumum with its adiWEAR 6 outsole compound which can stand up to any surface, and the addition of the tight lines throughout not only made it a performance marvel but true head tuner on the court. Djokovic laced up these up as he defeated Federer and Tsonga at the 2008 Australian Open, capturing his first ever Grand Slam title, and the rest is history.

Image via DoitTennis
Image via DoitTennis

adidas Barricade 6.0

Key Feature: Torsion System
Year Released: 2010
Weight: 16.7oz

For the adidas Barricade 6, the Three Stipes wanted to provide upgrades that the player could feel. They integrated a lighter support system to the fore foot and rear foot with the Torsion system that allowed for better surface adaptation and stability. Many of the design cues remained including the support claws and adiWEAR 6 outsole material, so the players can feel the traction and cushioning on any court type. Novak once again brought out the latest rendition of the Barricade series as he laced them up during Wimbledon in 2010, but failed to bring home the title as he was upset by Tomas Berdych.

Image via Tennis-Warehouse
Image via Tennis-Warehouse

adidas Barricade 7.0

Key Feature: Lateral Support
Year Released: 2012
Weight: 17.3oz

The Barricade 7's impact on the tennis world put it right up there with the greatest shoe in the historic Barricade line. The lightest and most stable of them all, the Barricade 7 is just straight up impressive. While it maintains the traditional look, adidas amped up the lateral support within the shoe so players have a full fange of motion and can make quick cuts without an issue. Another major point here is the break in time for the Barricade 7 is almost non-existent, which means you can hit the court the minute you pull them out of the box. The shoe's performance has made it the staple shoe for both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murry, who still lace up the Barricade 7 in 2014, despite two newer models being available. While this is no knock on the Barricade 8, we think it's more of a nod to the true performance monster that the Barricade 7 is.

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Adidas-barricade_8

adidas adiPower Barricade 8.0

Key Feature: D-Core 6 upper technology
Year Released: 2013
Weight: 15.8oz

Maintaining the same signature support and stability users of the Barricade line have experienced, the Barricade 8 delivers on this front and then some by incorporating the all new D-Core 6 upper. The upgrades added the ventilation previous models were lacking and not to mention eliminates the break-in time so you could hit the court fresh out the box. Although Andy Murry loves his Barricade 7's, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Image via adidas
Image via adidas

Stella McCartney adidas Barricade 8

Key Feature: Layered synthetic mesh upper
Year Released: 2013
Weight: 11.4oz

The go-to shoe choice for Caroline Wozniacki, fashion icon Stella McCartney's rendition of the Barricade 8 is a true standout. The layered synthetic mesh upper not only gives the shoe a aestetic makeover, but it also cuts a considerable amount of weight, which is key for any avid tennis player.  For added comfort, adidas used a shaped EVA core which free forms to fit the contours of each individual foot. Performance wise the shoe stays course with the original with the use of the high traction AdiWEAR 6, and the ADIPRENE inserts to aid in efficiency and shock absorption. Long story short, Stella killed it on this one.

Image via Tennis Warehouse
Image via Tennis Warehouse

adidas Barricade 8+

Key Feature: Kurim upper
Year Released: 2014
Weight: 16.4oz

If your looking for a highly flexible and lightweight shoe, while retaining the support, stability and durability you've come to expect, consider the Barricade 8+. The shoe builds off the success of the original model by keeping many of the same design cues and technologies, but reinvents it with the all-new ventilated Kurim upper. Although it adds on a slight amount of weight compared to it's predecessor, those who lace it up won't feel the effects as the Barricade 8+ delivers on all fronts.

Image via Tennis-Point
Image via Tennis-Point

Novak Djokovic's adidas adipower Barricade 7

Key Feature: AdiPrene+ midsole
Year Released: 2014
Weight: 17.3oz

As part of a special edition model earlier this year, adidas brought back the Barricade 7 in a exclusive colorway for Novak Djokovic could wear at the Australian Open. The shoe maintains the lightweight design as the original model, but bolstered up the stability by adding in specialized claws to aid Djokovic's quick cuts and fast footwork. The shoe's didn't bring home the title for the three-time defending champion as he ended up losing to eventual winner Stanislas Wawrinka. Coming in two colorways for a home and away feel, adidas brought their A game for Novak.

Image via TennisExpress
Image via TennisExpress

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