NMD_R1 "Japan Pack" PK in high demand.
Adidas continues to release new NMD colorways, which have become of one the most popular designs this year. On June 10th, adidas.com released three NMD Primeknit colors in Black, Grey, and Beige (Nicknamed the "Japan Pack"). With all of the hype around the NMD sneakers, it was very difficult to check out on the website. Adidas Originals dropped the sneaker at a random time. Once you refreshed the adidas NMD website, you were put into splash screen to wait in line to purchase the sneaker. This was a new checkout process by adidas in order to fight the bots, and to make the check out process fair to all customers. (See below). If you were one of the lucky ones, after the splash screen, you were sent to the item screen to add to cart and check out. However, very few people were able to check out.
figure 1. New splash screenshot for those waiting to check out NMD PK "Japan" Pack.
In comparison to the mesh NMDs, there are some differences; Price point and the Upper material. Other than that, the shoes are nearly identical. The mesh NMD version retails at $120, compared to the PrimeKnit version at $170. The current resell price range for the PrimeKnit version is $300+. For example, a size 10 "Japan" Pack is listed at $350.
figure 2. NMD PK "Japan" Pack shown in Grey.
Sizing: The cushioning feels the same as the mesh NMDs. However, important to note if you are purchasing the PrimeKnit NMDs, go a 1/2 size down. These run big compared to the mesh versions. In the NMD mesh versions, my true to size is 10, which is the size I got for my mesh NMDs. I purchased a size 10 in the NMD PrimeKnit "Japan" Solid Grey, and they are a 1/2 size big. So unless you have a really wide foot, I would highly recommend to go a 1/2 size down on all PrimeKnit NMD models.
figure 3. Back review with Grey heel counter with "Brand with Three Stripes" written on back pull tab.
In terms of looks, the PrimeKnit NMDs has a more upscale look and feel to it. The upper of the sneaker is made of high quality PrimeKnit material, and feels like a sock when you put them on. The NMD "Japan" pack has "The Brand with 3 stripes" written in Japan on the lateral side of the shoe, and on the heel counter. The front EVA plug has a vertical white & grey striped pattern instead of the adidas originals logo as seen on the mesh version. One of my favorite aspect of the PrimeKnit version is the unique white striped pattern around the ankle collar of the sneaker, which makes it really stand out. The bottom outsole is all white, and is exactly same as the mesh version.
figure 4. Side Review of "Japan" PK Grey.
Overall, one of the most hight coveted colorway from the NMD line thus far besides the OG colorways. The "Japan Pack" nearly sold out within minutes. However, I was able to check out on adidas.com. In addition, some small sneaker boutiques also dropped this colorway a few days later. So where you able to pick up the NMD PrimeKnit version? Do you like them? Let me know on Follow @jshin130 !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');.
If you want to read a more detailed review on the NMDs. (NMD Mesh Review) .
Released: 6/10/16
Sizing: Go 1/2 size down from your true size.
