Our verdict
The Adidas LA Trainer brings a sense of nostalgia from the ‘80s—the golden era of sneakers—and it still proves to be an ultimate classic. It flaunts an aesthetic that appeals to old-school Adidas fans and a new generation of sneaker wearers. Engineered with a combination of mesh and suede leather uppers, rubber outsole, and the iconic peg cushioning system, this sneaker melds style and substance quite well.
Pros
- Plush everywhere
- Classic style
- Aesthetically versatile
- Looker
- Ace craftsmanship
- Accurate sizing
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Tight toe box
- No wide variant
Who should buy the Adidas LA Trainer
This low-top sneaker for men and women is among Adidas' more athletic offerings. The La Trainer is for you if:
- You're looking for a comfy running-inspired sneaker.
- Your Adidas collection is missing something easy to work with style-wise.
- Budget-friendly kicks are what you're after, especially those that provide a snug hug.
Who should not buy it
Extra width might not be something the LA Trainer has by default. If you are looking for something roomier, particularly around the midfoot, consider the Adidas Yeezy350 Boost v2.
The LA Trainer's customizable cushioning
The Adidas LA Trainer’s most notable feature is the iconic plugs. These three adjustable and removable pegs allow wearers to dial in cushioning underfoot, particularly around the heel.
Comfy to the nines
The superb comfort level of this shoe is quite impressive to many reviewers.
Mix and match with the Adidas LA Trainer
Tons of purchasers love the design and style of the LA Trainer, regardless of the colorway. Some of them received flattering compliments while wearing this sneaker.
Astonishing IRL (in real life)
Reviewers say that these Adidas low-tops look better in person than in the photos.
The LA Trainer's exceptional finish
Its remarkable build quality makes the shoe in question highly recommendable, according to a majority of wear-testers.
Sneakerheads with burly feet beware
Some purchasers find the fit of this shoe a bit too restrictive around the forefoot. Compounding this issue is the LA Trainer's lack of a wider option.
The colorful history of the LA Trainer
It was in 1984 when Adidas introduced a revolutionary shoe to commemorate the Summer Olympics held in the City of Los Angeles. The LA Trainer was the first Adidas shoe to feature the Vario Shock Absorption System or more commonly known as the removable tricolor heel pegs (or plugs). Represented by different colors of white, red, and blue, these pegs offer varying levels of cushioning, which can be customized according to the user’s weight, running style, or the kind of running surface they use.
The Vario Shock Absorption System was a technological experiment by Adidas. It turned out to be so successful that it has also been used in other Three Stripes models such as the Kegler, the Columbia, and the Grand Slam. With this innovation and a function-over-style design approach, the Adidas LA Trainer eventually found its way to being one of the Three Stripes’ highly recognizable and most iconic shoes. Even today, more than 30 years since its inception, the Adidas LA Trainer remains as relevant as ever and a top favorite among sneaker collectors and users of all ages.
Similar to other popular Three Stripes shoes, this low-top kick has been released throughout the years in a variety of colorways and iterations (e.g., Adidas' LA Trainer Weave and LA Trainer Iridescent). It has, from its inception, garnered stellar remarks from the market—only proving its significance as a Three Stripes icon.
