Vintage 1995 Adidas BTC Thunderstorm Trekking Boots US 10 Rare 038173 Slovenia

Extremely rare vintage adidas BTC Thunderstorm technical trekking boots, manufactured in Slovenia in 1995.  This model and the production information for this specific pair were identified directly by adidas History Management after reviewing photographs of the boots and their factory labels.  According to adidas History Management, the BTC Thunderstorm was introduced in 1993 as part of the adidas outdoor footwear range and incorporated the experimental BTC (Body Temperature Control) ventilation system.  The BTC system uses an air bladder integrated into the tongue. While walking, the system was designed to draw fresh air through a valve and pump it through a small tube toward the toe area, while warmer air escaped through the upper portion of the boot. The ON/OFF control located on the tongue allowed the ventilation system to be disabled in cold or wet conditions.  Other original features identified by adidas include:  • adi-TEX waterproof/breathable bootie  • Stowable gaiter  • Protective rubber rand  • Abrasion-resistant trekking outsole  • BTC Body Temperature Control ventilation system  adidas History Management described the Thunderstorm as a rare and innovative product demonstrating the company's experimental outdoor technology of the early 1990s.  Factory markings on this pair:  Model: adidas BTC Thunderstorm  Article: 038173  Factory: 700 – Slovenia  Production: 1995  Size: FR 44 / GB 9½ / US 10 / JP 280  Documentation from adidas History Management confirming the