The clearout of adidas Originals

The Trefoil, from the Munich Games to the Originals line

The Trefoil logo appeared in the early 1970s: the SL, a running shoe presented for the Munich Olympic Games in 1972, was the first to feature it. It then adorned the competition shoes and tracksuits of the brand. In the 1990s, the performance range adopted a new emblem, and the Trefoil became the symbol of adidas' heritage. The adidas Originals line was born in 2001 to reissue these archive models, almost all designed for a specific sport before being adopted by the streets.

Samba, Gazelle, Superstar, Handball Spezial: models born on the field

Each clearance classic tells a sport story. The Samba, first launched around 1950, was intended for playing football on frozen pitches thanks to its rubber sole. The Gazelle, launched in 1966 as a training shoe, later saw an indoor version for handball. The 1969 Superstar, with its shells-like rubber toe, was born on the basketball courts, and the Handball Spezial from 1979 on the handball courts. Finally, the Stan Smith has carried the name of the American tennis champion since the late 1970s, after being designed for the Frenchman Robert Haillet.

Size of archive models: small or large

Most adidas Originals sneakers fit true to size, but the low and slim profiles, like the Samba or Handball Spezial, hug the foot closely: a wider foot may gain half a size. The Superstar, with its more generous shape, is often considered slightly large. The safest method is to measure your foot length in centimetres while standing, and then refer to the brand's size guide, which divides its French sizes into thirds for a more precise fit. The fabric, on the other hand, follows the usual sizes, from XS to XXL.

Other brands on clearance

The end-of-line items from other manufacturers, Nike, adidas, Asics, Puma, Hummel, Peak Mountain, are gathered on the brands clearance page. The page adidas brings together the brand's performance items.

Suede, leather and rubber: maintaining the classics

The suede of the Gazelle or Handball Spezial should be brushed dry, cleaned with a special rubber and treated with a waterproof spray before the first rain. The smooth leather of the Stan Smith and Superstar can be wiped with a damp cloth and nourished with a colourless cream to prevent cracking. The rubber sole of the Samba takes on a honey hue over time and light, a patina that many enthusiasts seek. The Trefoil textile can be washed inside out at thirty degrees, to preserve the printed or embroidered logos and the shine of the three stripes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a size adidas in thirds?

adidas sizes its French sizes in thirds: between sizes 42 and 43 are sizes 42 2/3 and 43 1/3. This finer division allows for a more precise length adjustment; in case of doubt, compare the length of your foot in centimetres to the brand's guide.

What’s the difference between the Samba and the Gazelle?

The Samba, with its rubber sole and long tongue, keeps the low profile of an indoor football shoe, with a T reinforcement at the front of the foot. The Gazelle, more flexible, is distinguished by its suede upper and training silhouette, with a more open front.

How do you keep a Superstar or Stan Smith white?

Clean the leather after every dirty outing with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap, and scrub the sole with an old toothbrush. A protector applied to the new pair limits stain penetration; avoid the washing machine, which dulls the leather.

How can you tell an end-of-line model from a current one?

The difference mainly lies in the colour or a finishing detail: the shape, materials, and manufacturing are the same as the current range. The end-of-line model is simply no longer produced in that colour, hence the sometimes incomplete sizes.

How does a adidas Originals tracksuit bottom fit?

The three-striped trousers follow the brand's usual sizes, with a cut that varies by model: straight, tapered towards the ankle, or looser. Rely on the waist and inseam measurements indicated in the guide rather than on what you're used to from another brand.