6 Best Classic Adidas Sneakers in 2024

How we test sneakers

To provide you with 100% no-BS reviews, we vet Adidas classic sneakers for all kinds of events and activities, from casual to a bit more formal. We also include what to look for when browsing for workout shoes online.

Our selection process includes:

• Purchasing Adidas classic sneakers using our own funds. We specifically do this to avoid brand loyalty and bias.
• Writing in-depth reviews about shoes that we’ve thoroughly tested ourselves. We use the shoes for real-world tests doing a variety of tasks to determine the actual performance, fit, and comfort of the shoes. We put in around 20 hours of wear tests indoors and outdoors before giving our final assessments.
• Subjecting the shoes to comprehensive lab tests. We cut the sneakers open and we log every measurement and element that we find about the shoes.

If you look up the word “classic” in the dictionary, it spits out the following generic definition: “judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.”

But if the dictionary was sneaker-specific, the definition would simply say “Adidas”, because nothing else needs to be said.

Putting the ‘class’ into ‘classic’

Since its inception nearly 100 years ago, Adidas has built a reputation that almost precedes itself. Quality products with three easy-to-recognize stripes that follow clean lines make for timeless designs. A loyal fanbase. And competitors that based their entire business around them (oh hey there Nike, looking at you!).

All in all, there’s no question Adidas puts the ‘class’ in ‘classic’ with their sneaker range, and their modern offerings are no different. So strap right in because this article is going down the Adidas rabbit hole, one where we look to find the best Adidas classic sneakers on the market and discover the what, why, and how along the way.

Competitors pick up what Adidas puts down

You’ll notice on RunRepeat that we’ve researched and written literally hundreds of guides based on the thousands of shoes we’ve tested, but we’ve only done one guide with the “classic” sneakers theme - and that’s this one! Because when it comes to classic sneakers, nobody does it quite like Adidas, and their competitors agree… not that they’d ever publicly admit to it.

But if you look closely you’ll often see many of the serious brands that rock styles rather similar to the Adidas offerings. And if imitation is the sincerest sign of flattery, Adidas designers and fans alike should be well and truly delighted.

Cultivating mainstream popular culture

Adidas is the second-biggest global sportswear group behind Nike [1] and with that power and recognition comes some significant expectations in society. But it seems Adidas is repeatedly up to the challenge, as they aim to please not only sports enthusiasts but the greater sneaker market at large, casual sneakers included. 

For this reason Adidas have chosen to not only cooperate with some of the best athletes in the world, but also some of the most popular pop icons. Collaborations with US rapper Kanye West and musician Pharrell Williams are testament to this. Each has exceptional influence on mainstream culture with millions of followers on social media lapping up their style.

A Kanye West collab for the ages

Until recently Kanye West's partnership with Adidas had been considered revolutionary. Beyond his status as a rap icon, Kanye is a renowned fashion icon particularly amongst American youth. His Yeezy line, in collaboration with Adidas, focuses on performance elements with avant-garde design. The result is a range of sneakers that not only perform exceptionally but also command attention on the streets. With millions of social media followers eagerly embracing his style, Kanye West had redefined what it means to wear Adidas sneakers - until Adidas prematurely ended the commercial relationship in 2022 after ‘Ye made some controversial comments online.

Adidas got lucky with Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is another non-sportsman who has left an incredible mark on Adidas. His collaboration has given rise to the popular "Pharrell x Adidas" collections, which prominently displays his distinctive style under the quality Adidas umbrella.

Pharrell's influence extends far beyond music; he's a style icon in his own right, and not just because of his trademark hat - Pharell’s collaboration with Adidas has introduced a new dimension to the brand's sneaker offerings. Whether they become classics of the future or just of the now is yet to be seen.

Ultimate checklist: 10 reasons why a sneaker becomes a classic

1. Timeless design: Classic sneakers have a design that stands the test of time. Their simplicity and elegance cannot be underrated as it is this that makes them as appealing today as when they were first introduced.
2. Historical significance: Many classic sneakers have historical relevance. They might have been worn by iconic athletes, associated with significant moments, or played a role in subcultures or movements.
3. Iconic branding: The brand behind the sneaker plays a crucial role. The three stripes of Adidas is a globally recognized piece of branding, despite being so simple.
4. Versatility: A classic sneaker is versatile, suitable for a wide range of styles and occasions. From sportswear to streetwear, it’s your loyal footwear that never goes wrong.
5. Long-term popularity: Classic sneakers maintain a consistent level of popularity over the years. They become staples in wardrobes and enjoy a dedicated fan base.
6. Limited iterations: Some classic sneakers gain even more prestige when released in limited editions or collaborations with influential figures or brands.
7. Influence on fashion: Classic sneakers often influence fashion trends and inspire other brands to create similar designs.
8. Quality: Quality materials and workmanship are fundamental to a sneaker's durability. A well-made sneaker can withstand the test of time.
9. Cultural impact: Sneakers that become classics often have a cultural impact beyond the realm of footwear. They become symbols of certain eras or movements.
10. Collectibility: Classic sneakers are often sought after by collectors, driving demand and maintaining their status as must-have items.

The iconic Stan Smith collection

The Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, introduced in 1965, bear the namesake of American tennis player Stan Smith. These tennis shoes feature a minimal design without any prominent three stripe branding, thus setting them apart from the typical Adidas footwear. Instead, they sport three rows of neatly perforated ventilation holes on each side of the leather upper.

Remarkably, the shoe's design and structure have remained largely unchanged since their inception. However, over the years, numerous new versions and color variations have graced the market, ensuring the enduring appeal of the Adidas Stan Smith sneakers.

If classic minimalism was a sport, this pair of shoes would be the undefeated champion.

Adidas Originals for the discerning collector

Nothing screams heritage athletic sportswear like the Adidas Originals line. Adidas Originals specializes in sports fashion that pays respect to the fashion trends of the 1940s through the 1990s. The brand exudes a distinctive, nostalgic aura reminiscent of the old-school era and is easily identified by the famous Trefoil logo, which looks like a plant with three intertwined leaves.

Why every model isn’t a classic

• “If impossible is nothing, then classic is everything. But not everything is a classic.”

By now you realize that this article has drooled over everything Adidas so far, but it's important to acknowledge that not every model that comes off the Adidas sneaker production line is worthy of classic status. Classic sneakers are the result of a unique alchemy of factors, and not all designs stand the test of time.

1. Constant evolution: Some say it’s science, others will say it’s art - either way it’s fair to say that sneaker design is an ever-evolving specialty. For every classic design that remains etched into the annals of sneaker hall of fame, there are countless iterations that fade into obscurity. Nothing wrong with that, of course. It means Adidas is pushing the boundaries.

2. Societal trends: The sneaker market is dynamic, one which is heavily influenced by trends, cultural shifts, and consumer preferences. Models that align with the prevailing tastes of their time have a better chance of becoming classics if their fans wear them for many years, while other designs will go as quickly as they came.

3. Limited releases: Limited-edition release sneakers often generate hype and get people talking about the brand. While this can be a clever marketing ploy only a very successful few will achieve cult status, the rest forced to go by the wayside and never to be seen again.

All day I dream about suave, stylish sneakers

There is a common urban myth perpetuated during chatter about sneakers, and that is that the name ‘Adidas’ is in fact an acronym for ‘All day I dream about sports’. Clever as that may be it is, however, false. Nonetheless, I’m convinced that if Adidas was to dream about something, I imagine it would probably be sports. Or maybe sneakers. Or maybe style. Or maybe suave. Or maybe a combination of any of the above, because they certainly nail each.

3 classic Adidas sporting moments

While our main focus throughout this article has been the classic appeal of Adidas sneakers, we should recognize that these iconic shoes often find their roots in legendary sporting moments.

1. In 1968 American long jumper Bob Beamon set a world record famously wearing white Adidas shoes with the three stripes as prominent as could be. He jumped so far that he nearly landed outside the end of the sand pit, and it was this world-record jump that was named by Sports Illustrated magazine as one of the greatest sports moments in sports [2].
2. For sneakerheads Stan Smith is likely most famous for the Adidas sneakers that bear his name, but for tennis fans he is recognized for being a former world number one player and two-time major singles champion, having won both the 1971 US Open and 1972 Wimbledon Championships). He was known for his cool, calm and collected nature on the court and it is with little surprise that Adidas identified him as being a suitable ambassador for some classic sneaker offerings.
3. The high jump technique known as the "Fosbury Flop" revolutionized the track and field event. American athlete Dick Fosbury played a pivotal role in popularizing and refining this technique, and when he won a gold medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics he brought the Fosbury Flop into the global spotlight, all the while famously sporting a pair of Adidas shoes in classic white and black. In the years that followed, the Fosbury Flop emerged as the most popular high jump technique, which it maintains to this day.

It’s not about the sport

While many of the iconic shoes we see today are thanks to sports such as tennis and track and field, we all know that competitive sports is not for everyone, all the time.  So if setting world records or winning grand slams aren’t quite on your list of things to do in the upcoming months then fear not, because while Adidas is definitely a sports company at heart it is very much a street and urban design brand in the modern era.

Recycling the past prepares us for today

Modern day society demands modern day corporate awareness, and Adidas have responded to the challenge by making many of today's products out of recycled materials. Accomplishing such a manufacturing challenge represents just one of their solutions to help end plastic waste.

Using recycled materials such as ocean plastics does less harm to the environment, and for the eco-conscious consumer who likes to bike to work or walk to the store Adidas’s commitment to reduce their environmental impact will be well received. This means you can enjoy wearing some Adidas icons without worrying too much about your environmental impact. Now you can be proud of what you stand for, and what you stand in.

Did you know? 96% of all the polyester Adidas uses in their products is now recycled [3].

The future of Adidas classic sneakers

"The future's looking good" – a sentiment echoed by those who have witnessed the enduring legacy of Adidas Classic Sneakers. These timeless designs have transcended eras and fashion trends, cementing their place in the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts around the world. But what about the path that lies ahead?

No time to rest

If classic sneakers are truly timeless designs, there may be an argument that Adidas doesn't need to innovate anything; that they could rest on their laurels and continue to offer the same iconic silhouettes. After all, the allure of classics lies in their ability to remain relevant without drastic change. However, the world of fashion and sneakers is ever-evolving, and Adidas recognizes the importance of adaptation.

What the crystal ball says

In the coming years, we can expect to see an interesting mix of tradition and innovation from Adidas. Classic designs will persist but will be complimented by subtle enhancements, modern materials, and sustainable production practices.

Influencing the future

Furthermore, you can expect to see the brand's collaborations with contemporary artists, designers, and athletes continue to push the boundaries of creativity. These partnerships will breathe new life into classic models, giving rise to limited-edition releases that captivate collectors and enthusiasts.

The classic sneaker has to be found by future generations, and Adidas will certainly reach out to the people who have major influence over their target audience. 

Classic style, future tech

As technology advances, we may also see innovations in comfort, performance, and customization options within classic sneaker lines. Adidas has a legacy of pioneering athletic footwear technology, and this legacy will likely intersect with their classic offerings, providing wearers with the best of both worlds. 

Who calls a classic a classic

Finally, a reminder that it’s not the Adidas marketing department who coins a pair of sneakers a “classic”. Such a title comes from the general public, that being the people that buy them, the people that wear them, the people that love them.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and classics are on the feet of the wearer.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are Stan Smith sneakers for tennis or casual wear?

Although the Adidas Stan Smith collaboration started out specifically for tennis shoes, these days they are considered a pair of classic sneakers suitable for street wear. The technology in tennis shoes has moved on. While the Stan Smith’s are simply so nice, the design won’t just “move on”... and nor should it.

Is Adidas making shoes from ocean plastic?

Adidas has announced that, since 2015, it has created more than 30 million pairs of shoes with Parley Ocean Plastic. The company is aiming to help end plastic waste by developing products that either use recycled materials, are made to be remade, or are made with nature. It’s one way Adidas is moving towards being a more sustainable, eco-friendly company.

References

1. Statista: Sales of the biggest athletic apparel, accessories and footwear companies worldwide in 2022 (https://www.statista.com/statistics/900271/leading-sportswear-and-performance-wear-companies-by-sales-worldwide/)
2. Sports Illustrated: 76 Great Moments in Sports - Bob Beamon shatters record (https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/05/02/02-176-great-moments-in-sports#gid=ci0255ca1ff00124a5&pid=bob-beamon-shatters-record)
3. Adidas: Change Materials - Recycles (https://www.adidas.com/us/sustainability/change-materials/recycled)