One of the most cult silhouettes in the game is back, as adidas officially officially unveils the 20-year anniversary edition of the iconic F50 Spider – reintroducing the original launch colourway from 2004 on a modern outsole with an updated, performance-driven fit.
adidas has been teasing it on the pitch a little while – most notably on the feet of Florian Wirtz – but today the Three Stripes pull the curtain all the way back, officially unveiling the 20-year anniversary edition of the F50 Spider. A cult classic reborn, the rerelease brings the OG 2004 colourway back into the fold, rebuilt on a modern performance chassis and crafted through adidas’ prestigious Made in Germany process. Heritage with horsepower.
Two decades on, the F50 Spider still hits like lightning. It was a boot that helped define a generation, sitting at the crossroads of old-school craftsmanship and the brave new world of lightweight speed. Its originals were laced up by names etched into football’s collective memory – Arjen Robben slicing inside, Damien Duff drifting past full-backs, Ashley Cole shutting down a flank, Riquelme pulling strings, Jermain Defoe and David Trezeguet punishing any half chance. Now it resurfaces on Wirtz, a fitting bridge between eras, and you get the feeling he won’t be the last.
For the anniversary drop, adidas keeps the DNA intact but turns the performance dial forward. The black upper, cut from a blend of smooth leather and advanced synthetics, delivers that unmistakable F50 feel while meeting the demands of today’s game. The electric blue graphic lines streaking across the sides remain as striking as ever, sharpening the boot’s aerodynamic profile and paying tribute to its reputation as a pure speed weapon.
Then there’s the detail that made the Spider instantly recognisable: that iconic lace-over tongue. Still sleek. Still clean. Still one of the best pieces of boot design the industry has ever produced. Underfoot, a shimmering blue soleplate updates the legacy with modern traction and responsiveness – a proper fusion of past and present.
Twenty years on, the F50 Spider returns not just as a throwback, but as a statement. A reminder of how innovation looked in 2004 – and how it can evolve without losing its edge. For collectors, it’s a must. For players, it’s a weapon reborn. For football culture, it’s a welcome home.
Pick up the adidas F50 Spider from Thursday 11 December at prodirectsport.com/soccer
