Gift ideas adidas, wider budget

Samba, Gazelle, Superstar: three icons and their story

Each of these sneakers adidas was designed for a sport. The Samba, launched in 1950, was meant for playing football on frozen ground with its rubber sole, before becoming the go-to indoor football shoe. The Gazelle, released in 1966, was a suede training shoe, later adapted for handball, and its slim profile made it a fashion classic. The Superstar, introduced in 1969, was one of the first low basketball shoes made entirely of leather, identifiable by its shell-shaped rubber toe. All three feature the trefoil of the Originals line on the tongue or heel.

Other brands

The selection for bigger budgets varies by brand:

• Asics, running shoes and sneakers with GEL cushioning.
• Puma, sneakers, football, and sportswear.
• Under Armour, technical and compression clothing.
• Reebok, retro and fitness sneakers.
• Hummel, teamwear and chevron sneakers.
• Macron, Italian team apparel.

All the selections can be found on the gift ideas for bigger budgets page.

Adizero or cushioned shoes: gifting a pair of running shoes

A running shoe adidas is chosen based on the runner's pace and training volume. The Adizero range, the lightest, focuses on speed: its competition models combine very responsive foam with carbon rods, the EnergyRods, which stiffen the sole to enhance propulsion. For daily runs and long distances, the more cushioned models, successors to the Boost foam launched in 2013 with chemist BASF, prioritise comfort and durability. Before gifting, check the size using a previously worn pair of running shoes and discreetly ask if the runner is training for a half-marathon, a marathon, or just casual runs.

Authentic jersey or supporter version: what's the difference?

The authentic jersey is the version worn by players on the field: tailored fit, lighter and more breathable fabric, badge and logo often heat-sealed to reduce weight. The supporter version, looser, retains the same design with slightly thicker fabric and sometimes embroidered badge: it can be worn at the stadium or day-to-day and suits all body shapes. For an authentic jersey, it’s better to go for a size up from one's usual size if you prefer a looser fit. Adding a name and number customises the gift even more, as long as you know which player the recipient admires.

Bargain deals

Good deals can also be found in the bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a consistent pattern: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school period.

Frequently asked questions

How do adidas Originals sneakers fit?

Originals generally fit true to size. The Samba and the Gazelle, with their narrow fit, might squeeze wider feet, which would benefit from going half a size up.

Which adidas should I choose for running a marathon?

A fast runner opts for a model from the Adizero range, light and dynamic, while a first time marathoner prefers a more cushioned and stable shoe. Over forty-two kilometres, comfort takes precedence over lightness.

How do I care for suede sneakers?

Waterproof the suede with an appropriate spray before the first wear, then reapply regularly. When wet, let it dry naturally, away from a radiator, then brush it to revive the nap.

What does the adidas trefoil symbol mean?

The trefoil logo, created in 1972, now represents the Originals line, dedicated to archive models and urban style. Its three leaves crossed by three stripes signify the brand’s presence on multiple continents.

What is the difference between the Samba and the Spezial?

The Samba was made for football on frozen ground, while the Spezial, introduced in 1979, was designed for handball. The Spezial has a more tapered silhouette and often comes in colourful suede, and both are worn in the city today.