adidas Originals during the French Days
The adidas Originals selection for the French Days brings together the classics from the adidas heritage line, recognizable by its trefoil: Samba, Gazelle, Superstar, Stan Smith, Campus and Handball Spezial sneakers, Firebird tracksuits, and Adicolor sweats and t-shirts. Models born on football, tennis, handball, or basketball courts have become everyday pieces, available at reduced prices during the event.
Classics with the trefoil, at reduced prices.
The trefoil and the birth of the Originals line
The trefoil, a three-leaf logo crossed by three bands, appeared in 1972 on adidas products. It now identifies the line dedicated to style, while performance articles carry a different logo. In 2001, adidas brought together its heritage reissues under the name adidas Originals, a line dedicated to fashion and culture rather than competition. It features archive silhouettes, like the Handball Spezial, designed in the late seventies for handball courts, with its suede upper and rubber sole. These models return in new colours and materials, while keeping their original design.
Other brands
The French Days brands are also available:
All brands are brought together on the brands page.
Samba, Gazelle, Superstar: from the court to the street
The Samba was born in 1950 as a football training shoe, designed to grip on hard and frozen pitches thanks to its rubber sole; its T-shaped suede panel reinforces the front of the foot. The Gazelle, launched in 1966, is a versatile training shoe made of suede, with a slim and flexible profile, becoming an icon of British culture. The Superstar, released in 1969 for basketball, is characterised by its rubber shell toe at the front; the hip-hop group Run-DMC made it their emblem in the eighties. The Campus, originally a suede basketball shoe sold under the name of Tournament, adopted its current name in the eighties.
Stan Smith and Firebird: two other classics
The Stan Smith began its career under the name of French player Robert Haillet in the sixties: it's one of the first leather tennis shoes. In 1971, it took on the name of American champion Stan Smith, whose portrait is still on the tongue, and three rows of perforations replaced the sewn bands. On the clothing side, the Firebird jacket, which appeared in the eighties for athletes, takes cues from the Beckenbauer tracksuit jacket with a smaller collar and three stripes along the sleeves. The Adicolor line offers jackets, sweatshirts, and tracksuit trousers in bright colours, to be worn as a set or separately.
Choosing your size in Originals sneakers
Originals sneakers take archive shapes, often narrower than recently designed sneakers. The Samba and Gazelle, with a slim fit, are better suited for medium-width feet: a wide foot often needs to go up half a size. The Superstar and Stan Smith, made of leather, provide a more regular volume and should be chosen in your usual size; the leather stretches slightly after a few days. The Campus, with a wider sole, offers more room for the toes. The length of the foot in centimetres, compared to the size guide on the product sheet, remains the safest measurement, especially for a gift.
Frequently asked questions
How do the adidas Handball Spezial fit?
The Handball Spezial fits quite snugly to the foot, in the spirit of indoor shoes of origins. Most people keep their usual size; someone with a wide foot may want to go up half a size for more comfort.
How to clean suede sneakers?
Let the mud dry, then remove it with a special suede brush, always in the same direction. A suede eraser can remove light stains; avoid water and the machine, which harden the material and dull the colour of the upper.
What is the difference between adidas and adidas Originals?
adidas refers to the brand as a whole and its performance products designed for sports use. Originals brings together archive models and fashion inspired by sports, identifiable by the trefoil rather than the performance logo.
Can the Samba still be used for playing football?
The Samba is mainly worn in the city today, but its flat rubber sole and precise ball touch still make it usable for futsal or on an indoor pitch. Lacking studs, it is not made for grass.
How to care for a white leather Superstar?
Wipe the leather after each outing with a damp cloth, then occasionally apply a colourless cream to prevent it from cracking. The rubber shell can be cleaned with a soft brush and a bit of soap.
