adidas Rider Series: Mike Arnold Copa Nationale
Taking an unexpected soccer-silhouette and layering it with a multitude of Terrex-inspired decals to deliver an unforgettable persona, the adidas Copa Nationale ‘Mike Arnold’ arrives to signify the latest instalment in the adidas Rider Series. Joining the likes of passionate pro-skaters Jason Dill, Diego Najera and Miles Silvas, these skate-savvy sneakers take pride of place in the collection alongside series predecessors such as the Sabalo, Superstar 80’s and the iconic 3ST.004, the series-founding silhouette. Known for his refreshing approach to skateboarding and his no-fuss boundary pushing energy, city slicker Arnold’s creative vision is truly reflective in the profile of these prominent and performance-focused Copa Nationale’s.
Constructed with a multi-layered upper to offer the perfect balance between breathability and durability, these weather-resistant custom Copa Nationale’s supply a playful insight into Arnold’s passion for outdoor activities. Premium suede, synthetic materials and lightweight mesh effortlessly blend together across the upper panels, whilst a sticky rubber all-black outsole delivers unmistakable grip that remains loyal to the OG Copa Nationale royal blue style from earlier this year as well as to it’s Copa Mundial heritage. Neat brushed black twin-track stitching shadows the toe-panel, offering a subtle yet stylish reflection of the shoe’s football-tinted past whilst the addition of fluorescent yellow and blue strip accenting through the tongue and the heel add a touch of Arnold’s eclectic energy to the sneaker. Fitted with round nylon laces secured with neon-stripe lace loops, a high-grade EVA heel insert and a molded adiprene sockliner for comfortable cushioning on impact, these sleek style enhanced lace-ups are both functional and fashionable in their overall aesthetic. Signing off the collaboration, clouded grey-hued layering weaves in between the iconic tri-stripe reflective side decals and tongue tip whilst wrapping around the heel to display signature ‘arnold’ trefoil branding.
Hailing from the slow-paced subcultural hub of Bristol, home to the legendary Lloyd’s amphitheatre and birth place of his first ollie, Arnold now spends most of his time skating London’s big smoke. Inspired by the city’s bustling energy and its endless skate opportunities, the city has opened many doors for Mike, allowing him to present an easy-going and eye-opening skate style that supplies a refreshing shot of revitalisation for the contemporary skate scene. Known for his appearance in skate videos such as the ‘Skateboard Cafe x Grey’ debut, as well as in ‘Taipei: Stuck Inside A Film’ shot by new-age UK filmmaker Jacob ‘Jake’ Harris for Carhartt WIP, alongside skaters Max Palmer, Sylvain Tognelli and Rémy Taveira, Mike has accomplished great things after just only 18 years in the game.
Signed to Bristol-based Skateboard Café in 2014 to join the likes of Korahn Gayle and Shaun Currie, Arnold was then swiftly scooped up by good friend Jacob Harris and his Atlantic Drift Crew in 2016 thanks to his uncontainable energy and his out-the-box skate style. A move to Isle skateboards followed in 2017 and he turned pro the following year. After making an appearance in the 2018 adidas ‘Bomba’ edit from the squad's visit to the French capital, Arnold was officially added to the brand’s skateboarding team in 2019 and his arrival was aptly unveiled through a video, filmed by Harris.
A stand-out collection of favourable footwear styles that has continued to deliver customised silhouettes ever since its launch in 2019, the adidas Rider Series supplies skate-friendly stylings with nostalgic nods towards the brand’s colourful and creative past. With fresh new collabs arriving monthly, the last being the unapologetic loafer-inspired Samba Deacon’s from pro-skater and Fucking Awesome founder Jason Dill, there’s no telling what re-imagined designs are yet to come before 2020 is out.
Shop all adidas Skateboarding at Flatspot.
