Allan Aspden, a late factory hand engraver from Darwen, Lancashire, is an unlikely muse for an international sportswear brand. Nevertheless, he's now got his own Adidas sneaker.
How that happened? His son, Gary Aspden, the curator of Adidas SPZL (the facet that appeals to the Football Casuals), has worked diligently to honor his late father. Five years after his father's passing, Aspden collaborated with Adidas to create a special edition sneaker that pays tribute to him— the A.Aspden SPZL.
The A.Aspden SPZL is launching as part of the Adidas SPZL spring/summer 2025 collection. This heartwarming tribute is complemented by five other silhouettes, each inspired by the rich archives of Adidas. The highlight of the collection is undoubtedly the TRX Mesh SPZL, which reinterprets a classic Seventies running shoe, arriving in the most iconic blue and yellow colorway.
A notable update also emerges from the Adidas archives, transforming the Handball Spezial from 1983 into the modern Handball Cup SPZL. Similarly, the “very rare” Adidas Squire, initially manufactured in the Philippines, has been renamed the Pampanga SPZL, once again nodding to the brand’s nostalgic roots. The Failsworth SPZL draws its inspiration predominantly from the long overlooked Adidas Barbados model, infused with elements from the T-toe component of the Universal SL and vintage colorways from the Made in France range.
Meanwhile, the Roelee SPZL cleverly combines attributes of the Whalley SPZL with the Gazelle SPZL, proving yet again that history and tradition are evident in modern design.
Allan Aspden's spirit is present alongside other notable figures in the campaign, including British actor James Nelson-Joyce. He shares his excitement about the collaboration and being part of the campaign, saying he has “always loved SPZL.” The northern star exclusively told Esquire that he has “always admired Gary’s retro designs,” noting their connections to British football culture and how Aspden embraces vintage designs and incorporates them into a modern aesthetic.
Naturally, Nelson-Joyce features prominently in the marketing campaign, showcasing not only the sneakers but also new SPZL apparel, including the standout piece: the lightweight nylon Halewood SPZL Parka. The campaign, shot by renowned photographer Kevin Cummins, accentuates the nostalgic aura of the collection while giving it a modern flair.
The launch event for Adidas SPZL's spring/summer 2025 collection will happen on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at an exclusive gathering in London’s Adidas Carnaby store. Limited spaces are available for this exciting event through registration in the Adidas app. The collection will be available online to the broader public starting the very next day, March 27, 2025.
This collection doesn't just serve as a clothing line; it’s a celebration of family legacy intertwined with sportswear culture. By creating pieces that reflect his father’s legacy, Gary Aspden has not only designed a sneaker but has crafted a piece of his history.
As the sneaker culture continues to evolve, the emotional resonance behind the A.Aspden SPZL sneaker adds depth to the collection, bridging personal heritage with popular culture. In the world of fashion and sportswear, these connections make for compelling narratives that consumers can understand and appreciate— elevating a simple sneaker into a story worth telling.
