Adidas, a brand that originated in Germany in 1949, continues to captivate and inspire successive generations with its footwear designs. Despite the ever-shifting landscape of sneaker trends, several classic models have maintained their revered status, establishing them as valuable additions to any wardrobe. This compilation highlights some of the most influential Adidas sneakers, tracing their historical impact and contemporary relevance. Included are legacy pieces like the Samba, an iconic soccer shoe from the 1950s that has recently seen a dramatic resurgence in the fashion world, particularly since 2022. Additionally, newer innovations such as the Taekwondo, a recent addition gaining significant traction due to the rise of the ballerina sneaker trend, are also featured. The article further explores designer collaborations with prominent figures such as Wales Bonner, Edison Chen, and Stella McCartney, demonstrating Adidas's continuous evolution in the fashion sphere. Readers will discover which styles receive endorsements from fashion editors, along with their preferred styling recommendations.
The Samba, with its foundational prototypes dating back to 1950, saw its distinct 1972 football iteration — characterized by a sleek profile, natural rubber sole, and the iconic three-stripe emblem — become the enduring design we recognize today. Its astonishing return in 2022 took the fashion world by storm, with numerous celebrities, including Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, sporting the design. This model continues to be a rapid seller, frequently appearing in new color palettes, refreshed collaborations, and highly anticipated releases. Fashion contributor Kristina Rutkowski noted the Samba OG as a personal constant in her wardrobe, praising its adaptability for various outfits, from tailored separates to casual denim and summer dresses. She particularly favors them for travel due to their refined appearance and comfort, distinguishing them from more athletic trainers.
Drawing inspiration from 1970s running aesthetics, the Tokyo sneaker has cemented its place among both sneaker aficionados and fashion enthusiasts. Its ascendance in popularity is closely tied to the recent vogue for low-profile, vintage styles. The Tokyo's elegant, slender silhouette has been frequently observed on style icons like Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lawrence, and Olivia Rodrigo in recent months, demonstrating its widespread appeal in street style. Its minimalist design lends itself to diverse and modern styling applications. Similarly, the Gazelle, first launched in 1966 as a high-performance indoor soccer shoe, evolved into a popular training shoe throughout the 1970s. It experienced numerous revivals, emerging as a fashion statement in the 1980s, a staple for supermodels in the 1990s, and a favored option within the skater community in the 2000s, coinciding with the launch of the Originals collection. The Gazelle remains a best-seller, cherished by a broad spectrum of individuals, from style influencers to dedicated sneaker collectors.
The Japan sneaker, a direct retrieval from Adidas's archives, represents a re-release of a trainer design originally from 1964. This particular reintroduction generated considerable excitement among sneaker enthusiasts, and quickly garnered attention from celebrities and the fashion elite, with early adopters including supermodels Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber. Defined by its classic retro-sport aesthetic, the Japan sneaker is poised to maintain its relevance for decades to come. Another notable classic, the SL 72, initially introduced in 1972 as a groundbreaking lightweight running shoe, has since transitioned into a lifestyle icon. It has been seen on prominent figures such as Emily Ratajkowski and Timothée Chalamet. For those looking to make a statement, vibrant color options are available, though classic black and white variations cater to minimalist preferences. As commented by a fashion editor, the SL 72 became a personal favorite after observing Bella Hadid style them with a white tank top, boot-cut jeans, and a brown leather jacket, praising their unexpected lightness and seamless integration into her sneaker rotation.
The Taekwondo sneaker emerged as an unexpected success in 2024 and continues its momentum into the current year, frequently observed in street style during Fashion Month. This shoe has rapidly become a preferred choice among celebrity sneaker enthusiasts, including Jennifer Lawrence and Ayo Edebiri. Despite its martial arts inspiration, its low-top construction aligns perfectly with the prevailing ballerina sneaker trend, offering a sleek, minimalist, and lightweight footwear option. The Superstar, which debuted in 1969 as a basketball shoe, has evolved into a global phenomenon. Recognized for its distinctive shell toe, this low-top sneaker became emblematic of hip-hop culture and maintained its status as a lifestyle staple throughout the 1990s. Endorsed by musical icons like Run-D.M.C. and even Madonna, today's Superstar II features an enhanced, more comfortable insole tailored for modern-day activities, solidifying its position as one of Adidas's most cherished designs. For Kristina Rutkowski, the Superstar is a reliable choice, especially on rainy days in New York City, appreciating how its leather withstands the elements and how its appearance improves with age, making it an ideal match for diverse outfits, from baggy jeans to slip dresses.
The Handball Spezial, launched in 1979 specifically for elite handball players, has gained considerable popularity as a street-style choice, now available in over two dozen color variations. Crafted from luxurious suede, featuring a natural rubber sole and the brand's iconic three stripes, this shoe offers an effortless way to infuse a pop of color into everyday outfits, complementing staples like denim and knitwear. The Grand Court 2.0 emerges as a timely choice, aligning with the current surge in court-inspired fashion. With renewed interest in sports such as tennis and pickleball, this white leather sneaker serves as an ideal complement to athletic or casual ensembles. It integrates effortlessly into both on-court and off-court wardrobes, pairing perfectly with everything from jeans and dresses to skirts and coordinating sets.
Designer collaborations continue to redefine Adidas's classic silhouettes, bringing fresh perspectives to beloved models. The ongoing partnership with Wales Bonner, initiated in 2020, frequently draws inspiration from the 1970s and 1980s. A notable recent release from this collaboration is a refined runner shape featuring a contrasting gum sole. The rich brown suede exterior evokes a sense of vintage charm, perfectly in tune with current runway and street style aesthetics. This design embodies a contemporary reinterpretation of retro elements, resonating with today's fashion landscape. Another compelling collaboration is with Edison Chen, whose work with Adidas since 2023 has focused on innovative interpretations of the timeless Stan Smith. While preserving the original's pristine white leather and characteristic perforated three stripes, Chen introduces playful embellishments like dangling beads at the heel. This thoughtful detail elevates the classic design, adding an unexpected flair that enhances its unique appeal and positions it as a standout piece in any collection. Furthermore, Chen's partnership has yielded a creative hybrid, blending the Stan Smith with an espadrille, offering a stylish and versatile option for summer ensembles. This innovative design seamlessly combines two distinct footwear styles into a single elegant form, making it an ideal choice for travel due to its adaptability with various vacation wardrobe staples, from dresses to linen sets and denim. Meanwhile, Stella McCartney's long-standing collaboration with Adidas, dating back to 2005, continues to infuse high-performance sportswear with her signature aesthetic. Her take on the Taekwondo sneaker, crafted from a sock-like knitted material, exemplifies this. True to McCartney's commitment to sustainability, this model is entirely vegan, highlighting the brand's dedication to eco-conscious practices without compromising on style.
Adidas's enduring success stems from its ability to reinterpret its foundational designs through strategic collaborations and a keen eye for evolving fashion currents. The brand consistently delivers footwear that marries historical reverence with contemporary appeal, ensuring its relevance across diverse style preferences and generations.