The sneakers adidas of yesterday and today
The adidas sneakers bring together archive silhouettes from the three-stripe brand, Samba, Gazelle, Superstar, Stan Smith, Campus, or Spezial, almost all designed for a specific sport before becoming city classics. Suede, smooth leather, rubber sole or rubber toe cap: each model retains the construction that earned its reputation, along with a unique fit.
Almost all were born on a sports field before taking over the street.
From the Samba to the Spezial: models born for sport
Every classic adidas started its journey on a specific pitch. The Samba appeared in 1950 to allow footballers to train on frozen ground, then established itself indoors thanks to its rubber sole. The Superstar, launched in 1969 as a low-top version of a basketball shoe, protected players' toes with its shell-shaped rubber cap. The Spezial, released in 1979, was designed for handball, featuring a completely suede upper and a sole that grips the wood floor.
Then adopted in the stands and later on the streets, these shoes maintained their original design, hence their low profile and thin sole.
Suede, smooth leather, or a mix of both: the upper of each model
The material of the upper changes the look and use of the pair. The Gazelle, launched in 1966, was the first adidas model in suede, a soft-touch skin that takes bright colours well. The Spezial and the Campus share this material, warm on the foot and soft from the first wear. The smooth leather of the Stan Smith and the Superstar is better at resisting moisture and retains a clean appearance, even with frequent wear. The Samba willingly combines the two, featuring a leather upper and a T-shaped suede panel on the forefoot. The rubber sole, caramel-coloured on several of these models, grips well to the ground and reveals their history as indoor shoes.
How the Samba, Gazelle, and Superstar fit
The archive models of adidas do not all fit the same way. The Samba and Gazelle have a narrow, low shape, originally designed for a snug fit: someone with a wide foot or a high instep often benefits from going up half a size. The Superstar and Campus offer a more generous volume at the front and generally fit true to size. The most reliable method is to measure the length of your foot in centimetres, standing on a piece of paper, and then refer to the brand’s size guide. A thick sock also noticeably changes the feel in a snug model like the Samba.
Maintaining the suede and leather of your adidas
Suede is cleaned dry: a crepe brush raises the fibres and removes dust, and a special eraser can remove light marks on a Gazelle or Spezial. For greasy stains, a little Sommières earth left overnight absorbs the grease before brushing. The smooth leather of a Stan Smith or a Superstar is wiped with a damp cloth, and from time to time, a clear cream is applied to prevent cracking. The rubber cap and the rubber sole are scrubbed with an old toothbrush and soapy water. Drying is always done in the open air, stuffed with paper, away from a radiator that could detach the sole.
New arrivals and good deals
The new arrivals showcase the latest releases, the promotions feature discounted items, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, and sales complete the offer.
Frequently asked questions
Samba or Spezial: what are the differences?
The Samba, made for football, most often combines leather and suede on a very slim shape. The Spezial, designed for handball, is entirely made of suede, with a slightly bulkier silhouette and a more pronounced rubber sole on the sides.
Why does the Stan Smith carry the name of a tennis player?
Launched in 1965, it was originally called Robert Haillet, after the French player who wore it. It adopted the name of American Stan Smith in the early 1970s, whose portrait has been on the tongue ever since.
Why is the Superstar associated with hip-hop?
The New York group Run-DMC wore it laced-less, with the tongue out, and dedicated the song My Adidas to it in 1986. This track turned this basketball shoe into an emblem for an entire generation of hip-hop culture.
Are adidas sneakers unisex?
Archive models like the Samba, Gazelle, or Spezial are available for both women and men, generally on the same shape. Only the size grid and some colours change: you just need to choose your foot length.
What does OG mean in the name of an adidas?
OG, short for original, indicates a reissue faithful to the first version of the model, in its dimensions, materials, and colours, like the Samba OG. Versions without this mention may have a modernised shape or sole.
