Adidas has partnered with US artist David Popa to market its latest Adizero Desert Runner collection through an expansive 100-metre-wide anamorphic art piece that looks like a ‘giant shoe’ in Sharjah’s Al Madam area.
As an anamorphic art piece, the work looks like a ‘giant shoe’ when viewed from a specific angle, making it highly ‘Instagrammable’ but normalises into a work of art on the flat sand when viewed from another angle.
Bringing together the local aspect of desert landscapes, which are critical to the messaging of the Adizero Desert Collection, and the growing culture of the desert runners, Adidas collaborated with earth artist, David Popa, known for this large-scale, site-specific creation.
Constructed by a team of three artists and technicians over eight days, the activation — that is crafted from eco-friendly and recyclable materials — captures the raw essence of the desert while symbolising the shoe’s connection to the land and its active pursuit of runners.
Bilal Fares, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Adidas EMC, shared his vision for the activation, saying, “The desert represents boundless potential and discovery. The Adizero Desert Runner is designed to mirror that spirit — durable, adaptable, and encouraging runners. Launching this exclusive design alongside an art piece inspired by the desert’s unique energy highlights the potential for impact that each runner can have in the region.”
“Art in the desert is a language of its own,” Popa said. “The sand, the light, and the infinite horizon come together to form a canvas unlike any other. With this artwork, we’re celebrating the desert’s beauty and its unique energy. The Adizero Desert Runner mirrors this spirit — resilience, movement, and a deep connection to the land.”
Popa’s artwork is known to be not just visually arresting, but also make a statement about environmental appreciation, expressing the intersection of art and nature. Popa transforms natural landscapes with earth murals, blending artistry with the surroundings. His work celebrates the beauty of nature, creating striking visual experiences that highlight the power of place.
The Adizero Desert Runner combines the latest performance technology with a design that aims to honour the beauty and challenges of the region’s landscapes.
Made for runners of all levels, this shoe offers intends to balance comfort, style, and durability — empowering athletes to carve their own paths.
