5 Best Classic Adidas Trainers in 2024

Sheena
Sheena on
5 Best Classic Adidas Trainers in 2024
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When it comes to classics, it is undeniable that Adidas flashes into mind as they offer multiple timeless kicks that are never too ancient to be stylish and functional. With that being said, scouring the internet for the most exceptional Adidas classics is an exhausting task. So, we decided to own up to this task to make your shopping free from trouble.

We scrutinised Adidas classic trainers by wearing them in our daily and casual outings. From long-term to quick wear, we observed them from every possible angle. We even brought them into our lab for more fact-finding. After the long process, we weighed up all their features and determined which were the best. Check them out here in this article!

How we test trainers

To provide you with 100% no-BS reviews, we vet Adidas classic trainers 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 trainers 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 trainers open and we log every measurement and element that we find about the shoes.

Best Adidas classic trainers overall

What makes it the best?

No other sneaker can rival the Adidas Stan Smith. Boasting an era-defining silhouette that debuted in 1965, this sneaker indisputably reigns as the supreme among all Adidas classics. Drawing from the outcomes of our comprehensive lab testing, Stan Smith's reputation is solidified by its enduring durability and unparalleled versatility.

The Stan Smith is a universally recognized name, which greatly contributes to its effortless styling. We discovered that its versatility has cemented its status as a fashion essential, seamlessly transitioning from streetwear to casual wear to sporty attire. Over the course of its six-decade history, this classic Adidas sneaker has amassed a collection of over 400 colorways.

In our lab, we further assessed the sneakers by scratching them with a power drill. We fitted a metallic wire brush to the drill and deliberately scuffed the upper. However, Stan Smith took the beatings like a real pro as only a minimal amount of residue resulted from all the abrasions. 

We also took the sneakers to the court and on the road. After hundreds of hours of playing and walking, the leather showed no signs of wear and tear. We also noticed that the upper is very easy to keep clean. In the lab, we replicated the scenario by applying colored chalk to the toebox. With just water and wet wipes, the chalk was easily removed, keeping the leather looking pristine.

As a word of caution, however, we do not recommend Stan Smith to people who are seeking immediate comfort. During our testing we found them to take some time to break in. 

Pros

  • Classic silhouette
  • Numerous colorways and collaborations
  • Easy to style
  • Durable
  • Weatherproof

Cons

  • Runs large
  • Lack of support
  • Takes some time to wear in
Full review of Adidas Stan Smith

Best football inspired Adidas classic trainers

Adidas Samba
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

No other Adidas classic sneaker even comes close to the Adidas Samba as the best soccer-inspired kick. We found that this sneaker has reached the pinnacle of versatility with its active casual aesthetic. What ultimately set the seal on this sneaker as the greatest is its well-built structure and deluxe support.

We pushed the limits of the Adidas Samba’s endurance through consistent everyday wear and lab-conducted durability tests. Its upper and heel counter resisted the abrasive effects of our Dremel tool, so we rated both parts 4/5 in durability. On the other hand, we appreciated the strong grip performance of Samba that got us out of wet and slippery settings with utmost safety. We measured the hardness of the outsole to be 76.9 HC, which we found to not only be 8.5% softer than other sneakers’ outsole but also have a powerful traction hold onto smooth surfaces.

Although this sneaker is easily bendable at only 13.7N force and is even more flexible than the average by 29%, we faced zero wobbling. This stems from the low-profile stance of the sneaker. The snag we hit is the limited air circulation in the upper. Scoring only 3/5 in breathability, the Adidas Samba is something we don’t suggest wearing in summer. 

Pros

  • Clean and minimalist style
  • Unbelievably affordable
  • Real leather and suede
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Long-lasting construction
  • Lighter than average
  • Highly flexible build
  • Good grip for casual use

Cons

  • Poor breathability
  • Tongue slides to the side
  • Not for all-day wear
Full review of Adidas Samba

Best training inspired Adidas classic trainers

Adidas Gazelle
95
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Due to its retro elegance and indisputable functionality, we designated the Adidas Gazelle as the leading training-inspired sneaker from the Adidas classic selection. It highlights a union of sporty and classy styles that closes the gap between athletic looks and casual ones! Also, this sneaker is as fierce as its name, Gazelle, when it comes to durability!

We confirmed through our intense wear and tear evaluation that this training-oriented sneaker is formidable. We didn’t face any issues with the Adidas Gazelle, durability-wise, as it didn’t obtain any impairment. The fantastic thing about this is it only came in at a modest price of £110. It boasts a 31.9% price advantage over the average cost of sneakers.

With respect to the in-shoe experience, we also appreciated the comfort we felt immediately the moment we stepped on this pair. However, we noticed that the Adidas Gazelle is more suitable for moderate casual wear. You may want to consider better-cushioned options for all-day support.

Pros

  • Timeless elegant look
  • Excellent value for money
  • Real suede
  • More than 20 colorways
  • Promising durability
  • Flexible design
  • Supportive foothold

Cons

  • Poor breathability
  • Tongue is rough and squeaks
  • Not for all-day wear
Full review of Adidas Gazelle

Best basketball inspired Adidas basketball trainers

Adidas Superstar
93
Great!

What makes it the best?

The premier basketball-inspired choice from the Adidas classic sneakers is the Adidas Superstar. Fused with this sneaker’s rich basketball heritage is a fantastic style and an unexcelled on-foot feel. And with an affordable price of £100, the Adidas Superstar isn’t only 23.3% more discounted than most sneakers but also a terrific classic choice.

We verified that the incredible pleasure that the Adidas Superstar offered during our intensive wear tests is due to its arch-supportive midsole and spacious toe area. Due to this, we are able to sport the sneaker all day without even a slight hint of twinging and soreness.

We also loved the sturdiness of the Adidas Superstar that didn’t let us down even in the face of constant wear. We found the quality of the leather outstanding, however, we also discovered that it started out rigid. Therefore, if you want something that doesn’t need a break-in period, we recommend exploring other Adidas classic options.

Full review of Adidas Superstar

Best handball inspired Adidas classic trainers

Adidas Spezial
93
Great!

What makes it the best?

Adidas Spezial may only be handball-inspired but its over-the-top comfort, excellent robustness, and firm lockdown made us feel otherwise. This is the main reason why among the Adidas classics, Adidas Spezial is, well, the most special handball-influenced kick.

We tested for the stiffness of the Adidas Spezial using our digital force gauge, and the result revealed a lack thereof. The sneaker exhibited minimal resistance to bending with only 5.8N of force, implying it’s 72.6% more flexible than average. Wearing this kick for extended hours is as comfy as it is from the beginning because of how easy it is to move our feet with the pair. 

Our worries about the extreme flexibility is an insecure fit. All our concerns were put to rest by the heel counter, which we gauged to have a rigidness of 3/5. This provided us with a secure lockdown without any sense of constriction. The sneaker also underwent our durability test where we exposed its toebox and heel padding, to our Dremel. These parts showcased toughness, scoring 4/5 in durability. The outsole only gained a 0.5 mm deep mark, which is 54.5% less than the markings in other kicks. 

When it comes to fit, we found that wide-footers are at a disadvantage. The widest section of the toebox is close to the average at 97.9 mm but on the foot, it felt tight. Check the fit personally first before adding it to your shoe collection.

Pros

  • Premium materials
  • Easy to slip on
  • Great all-rounder
  • Extremely flexible and comfy
  • Pleasantly lightweight
  • Solid lockdown
  • Good for gym days
  • Signature old-school look
  • Easy on the wallet
  • Dozens of colorways

Cons

  • Slim profile
  • Not ideal or wide feet
  • Dirt and dust magnet
Full review of Adidas Spezial

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.

Adidas Stan Smith

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-recognise 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 trainers 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” trainers theme - and that’s this one! Because when it comes to classic trainers, 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.

Adidas is the second-biggest global sportswear group behind Nike


.

  • For sneakerheads Stan Smith is likely most famous for the Adidas trainers that bear his name, but for tennis fans he is recognised 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.
  • The high jump technique known as the "Fosbury Flop" revolutionised the track and field event. American athlete Dick Fosbury played a pivotal role in popularising 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 trainers

    "The future's looking good" – a sentiment echoed by those who have witnessed the enduring legacy of Adidas Classic Trainers. 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 trainers 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 trainers is ever-evolving, and Adidas recognises 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 practises.

    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 trainers 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 trainers 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 trainers 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)
    Author
    Sheena
    Sheena
    Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogues to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinising hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favourite pastime.