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Updated August 16, 2024: This guide on the best Adidas shoes of 2024 was updated with new sneaker releases, Editor’s Choice recommendations, and Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time selections.
Adidas shoes are everywhere, from the gym to the city streets and especially on your social media feed. Whether it’s a pair of Adidas running shoes or the ever-popular Adidas Samba Shoes, there’s no denying the Three Stripes’ impact on contemporary footwear. It’s a household brand with a forward-thinking design approach, boundary-pushing technologies, and sustainably-minded fabrics, all at affordable price points that allow anyone to get in on the action — and the best Adidas shoes of 2024 have dominated the sneaker game on a whole other level.
As Adidas celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s easy to track the brand’s legacy through the most popular Adidas shoes. Heritage Adidas white sneakers like the classic Stan Smith tennis shoe and shell-toe Superstars naturally came back into the spotlight in 2024 amid the tenniscore trend, while Adidas walking shoes like Gazelles, Sambas, and SL 72 shoes are fashion icons for their authentic retro appeal. All of the above come plucked from archives that date back to before 1975, proving Adidas’ mastery of modernizing game-changing designs that both frame and transcend current trend cycles. In fact, Footwear News reported that the entire soccer-inspired shoe market grew five times its size in just the last year, solely driven by the resurgence of the Adidas Samba.
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Adidas’ chronicle catalog allows it to lean into style or sports resurgences with ease; In 2022, the brand re-introduced the Campus 00s right as Adidas skate shoes began to trend again, while a spike in interest in racquet sports in 2023 inspired countless new collections and fresh colorways of new and old tennis shoe models. Plus, staple vintage silhouettes across Adidas basketball shoes, early aughts-inspired platform sneakers, like the Nizza, Gazelle Bold, and Sambae shoes; or streamlined runners, like the newly re-launched Country OG, allow options for any and every aesthetic.
But the key to Adidas’ continued success is that it never stops innovating its greatest hits. Take the new Ultraboost 5X, for example, which took a cult-favorite leaps further with re-engineered Lightboost technology and new Torsion systems, or the Adizero Adios Pro 3 that reimagined the entire concept of cutting-edge super shoes with skeletal Energyrods. The 4DFWD Running Shoe was already ahead of the curve in 2017 with its futuristic 3D-printed lattice midsoles, but Adidas continues to optimize its weight, fit, and overall comfort after several iterations.
Pro tip: To find the best new releases and Adidas sneaker sales before anyone else, sign up to be an adiClub member. You get the most access through the app, where you can level up through the four tiers as you accumulate points. The higher the tier, the better the perks. You can score early access to fresh drops, plus get in on private deals and exclusive sneaker colorways.
There’s no shortage of exceptional Adidas sneakers for 2024, whether you’re looking to refresh your sneaker rotation for fall or stock up on stylish back-to-school shoes. Below, discover the best Adidas shoes to shop now.
Editors Choice: Top 3 Adidas Sneakers of 2024
The top three best Adidas Shoes of 2024 are honorees in the recent Footwear News Greatest Shoes of All Time list. That ranking reflects the opinions of a diverse panel of editors and industry experts, plus data and metrics that measure the Adidas sneakers’ historical significance and undeniable trend appeal. Footwear News’ GOAT shoes are cultural icons that represent turning points in shoe technology. They are instrumental in the evolution of the footwear market and have endured in the competitive landscape through time.
Below, three essential Adidas Sneakers to wear in 2024:
- Adidas Samba Shoes: Adidas Samba shoes are one of the most impactful sneaker trends of the decade so far and have even sparked widespread popularity for soccer-inspired lifestyle shoes. A hot-ticket item today (with designer collaborations selling out as soon as they drop), the shoe dates back to 1949 as a boot-style performance shoe, before it adopted a lower ankle cut and signature “T-toe” overlay in 1972, becoming a breakout star among indoor soccer shoes. The shoe’s vintage detailing, minimalist profile, and a wide assortment of colorway options make it a universal staple for men and women, with a unique chameleon ability to play into various trends and style POVs. Everyone and their mother’s wearing them, including one Footwear News Shop editor who regularly wears them to the office.
- Adidas Stan Smith Shoes: Whether you’re embracing the tenniscore trend or are in the market for an exceptional pair of white sneakers that pair with dresses and slacks, these iconic leather kicks have stood the test of time. It was the first-ever leather tennis shoe with sewn-in leather soles, rubber outsoles, and revolutionary heel padding for Achilles protection. Named after the American tennis legend, it’s one of the first and most successful athlete-endorsed shoes to date, with over 30 million pairs purchased since its release in 1971. Today, this massively popular retro shoe is beloved for its simple (but anything but basic) construction, padded collars, and signature green accents, as it carries on deep roots in cultural history across sports, fashion, and streetwear.
- Adidas Superstar Shoes: Adidas’ Superstar shoe is emblematic of 2010’s streetwear, but it’s enjoying a new wave of popularity for fall 2024. Defined by contrasting Three Stripes and protective shell toes, the 50-year-old sneakers have been a cult favorite among sneakerheads and fashion editors alike, representing hip-hop and skate subcultures through each decade of its life. It has transcended time, with hyped-up fashion collaborations from Edison Chen, Adidas Y-3, and Wales Bonner in toe. “It’s probably the only sneaker you can rock with a suit and rock with street gear,” Fredro Starr of the rap group Onyx told Footwear News.
Colorways: White, black, brown, green, red, purple, and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
The heritage sneaker first hit the street-style scene in 2022 and continues to skyrocket in popularity with every next season — likely due to Adidas new colorway releases and highly coveted collaborations with the likes of Wales Bonner, Caroline Hu, JJJJound, and soccer icon Lionel Messi. You can’t stroll down a New York City street or scroll through Instagram without spotting a pair of Samba shoes. Sambas are the definition of an “It-sneaker,” with an A-list fan club to back it up, including Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lawrence, Hailey Bieber, Robert Pattinson, Harry Styles, and Austin Butler
Editor testing and review notes: “The Adidas Sambas have a light amount of cushioning that’s just enough for me to wear on everyday walks. The outsole traction is a huge selling point for city slickers, as the rubber sole keeps you steady on slick sidewalks after rain or down steep stairs to subway platforms. And of course, you can’t beat the look of the Adidas walking shoes — they’re bestsellers for a reason.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: White; white and green; white and orange; black; blue; gray; tan; and more
Materials: Vegan leather, rubber
In 2021, Adidas reintroduced the Stan Smith with more sustainable construction than the original leather design. Today, it’s entirely vegan, sporting Primegreen uppers and recycled rubber outsoles. Like the OG kicks, they’re available in a bevy of colors, from signature white and green to a failproof all-white.
Editor testing and review notes: “The Stan Smith shoes are so comfortable right out of the box — they have a soft lining that prevents any rubbing or blisters, even on the first wear. I love the leather upper on these that makes them surprisingly easy to wipe clean, softening into a comfortable, slipper-like feel after months of wear.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
Colorways: White; black; white on black; black on white; black and gold; black and orange; off-white and navy; and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
To date, searches for the shoe on TikTok have amassed over 109 views, with digital sneakerheads rejoicing in its unsurprising comeback. The design is a comforting blend of nostalgic and contemporary design codes, with its low-profile silhouette and shell-toe detail. The streetwear staple is just as good in its foundational all-white and black-and-white iterations, but it continues to retain a loyal following because the brand is constantly dropping new colorways and collaborations to keep things interesting.
What testers say: “Adidas always makes great shoes. I’ve owned many Adidas over the years, and these Superstar shoes are the softest shoes I’ve had. There is more flexibility in the sole, and the top materials seem more pliable than before. I’m very appreciative that Adidas has improved the quality of the materials they use in their shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Blue and red, silver and black, gray and white, yellow and blue, green and gray, and more
Materials: Nylon and suede upper; rubber outsole
The SL 72 is quickly becoming one of the most covetable shoes on the market, where new colorways sell out as soon as they’re released. They stand out for their slim profile, lightweight feel, and breathable nylon uppers, often donning saturated color combinations that bring a fresh edge to street-style ensembles. It’s yet another Adidas throwback shoe that’s been embraced for its retro flair — trust us, these shoes will be flying off the shelves through fall.
What testers say: “Great shoes! So comfortable and very versatile. The fit is perfect and all the colors are very cool and easy to style. I will definitely buy more of these.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Black
Materials: Mesh, rubber
What testers say: “This model uses high-level cushioning and you can feel it in your feet. They can do everything; tempo runs, long-distance runs, they have even proven themselves on the treadmill.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Colorways: White; white and black; white and blue; off-white; burgundy; and more
Materials: Leather upper; rubber outsole
What testers say: “It’s the perfect shoe that blends in with everything you wear. They are great quality and so comfy. Overall such a great purchase. I really recommended it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: Silver, white, blue, burgundy, green, and more
Materials: Leather upper; rubber outsole
Editor testing and review notes: “The Country OG shoe held a firmer grip to the ground compared to other Adidas sneakers I’ve worn, making for incredibly stable footing on slick surfaces, like New York City pavement during a rain shower. I love that its streamlined look can pull an outfit together without looking like an overly technical, sporty silhouette, whether for a quick dog walk or a night on the town. However, my neutral-width feet did feel slightly constricted in the slim silhouette, so I do not recommend this style for those with wide feet or bunions.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $96
Colorways: Orange, green, blue, gray, black, navy, purple, and more
Materials: Suede, rubber
What testers say: These are great! They’re so stylish and comfortable. They were sturdy enough for five days of walking around NYC. I can’t wait to order my next pair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Colorways: Burgundy; black; white; navy; blue; green; gray; pink; brown
Materials: Suede upper; rubber outsole
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve owned my Adidas Gazelles for over a year, wearing them at least once a week. I’m surprised at how well they’ve held up to wear and tear on city streets despite the price point — the sole is starting to wear, but otherwise, the shoes are as good as new. The sole features a little bit of arch support, which is helpful for those like me with high arches.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: White and black, red and white, pink and silver, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Editor testing and review notes: “The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a great option for middle- to long-distance runners looking for a lightweight performance shoe but not quite ready to jump up in price bracket to a true carbon fiber racer. It’s exceptionally comfortable. I appreciated the excellent security in the forefoot which really ramped up my energy transfer and the surprisingly roomy toe box that kept my foot feeling great across even my longest runs. The Boston 12 is a shoe that, once again, lives up to its heritage.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Colorways: White, black and white
Materials: Textile, vulcanized rubber
What testers say: “This is the best shoe! So cute with the rounded toe. Very soft, cushiony, and comfy. Love!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $56
Colorways: Cloud white and shadow red; cloud white and chalk white; black; and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
The shoe includes the Cloudfoam midsole cushioning and an extended tongue and heel tab, ensuring each step feels effortless and supportive. However, the shoe doesn’t have to be reserved solely for workouts. Take the green, navy, and white colorways, which play into the varsity trend as a natural progression of preppy fashion. This color palette and many others are just as appropriate for casual wear, so style them with everything from baggy jeans to flowy frocks.
What testers say: “I bought these for running but ended up wearing them all day every day. So comfortable!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Colorways: White, black, purple, yellow, white and green, off-white, and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
Editor testing and review notes: “This more refined Samba style is truly ideal for those days when your day transitions from office hours to cocktail hour with no time for a shoe change. The first thing you’ll notice about the adidas Sambae shoe is the platform gum rubber outsole. The height-boosting bottom is sturdy, durable, and will provide great traction on any surface. If you think about it, these premium Sambas are steal with the extended lifespan the outsole provides.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Colorways: Pink, blue, green, white, and black
Materials: Mesh, 3D-printed 4DFWD midsole
What testers say: “I cannot recommend them more for your everyday shoe! My pair has lasted me six months and is impossible to get off my feet! They feel amazing after walking and being on my feet all day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Colorways: Silver, white, pink, red, black, blue, and more
Materials: Mesh, rubber
What testers say: “This is my first Supernova shoe and I’m loving it. It’s comfortable and great to run and walk with. It’s also stylish for everyday wear.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Colorways: Pink and green, navy and white, black and yellow, red and pink, purple and white, and more
Materials: Suede, rubber
What testers say: I love them! I have them in two colors. They’re very comfortable to walk in and never give me blisters. They run big — I usually wear a 7 or 7.5 but I wear a 6 in the Gazelle Bold. I need more colors but they’re always sold out!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
History of Adidas Shoes
Adidas has been doing footwear work and innovation for nearly 100 years, and it’s been making waves that whole time. In 1949, Adidas launched its first three-stripe style, a design so minimal and elegant that it graced several sneakers over the years, from the Superstar to the Samba, and is still worn today.
The athletic footwear and apparel giant was created by the brothers Adolf “Adi” Dassler and Rudolf Dassler in 1924 under the name Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. They eventually split, and Adi went on to create Adidas, where he maintained an eye for studying and working with athletes. This attention to how athletes actually use sneakers — and what they need to perform their best — is still a vital pillar of the brand.
For decades, Adidas’ most popular sneakers were tied to sports; the Samba was invented as a soccer shoe in the 1950s, the Stan Smith was inspired by tennis, and the Superstar became a beloved Adidas basketball sneaker in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Adidas found itself at the forefront of streetwear sneaker mania when hip-hop group Run D.M.C. released the track “My Adidas.” This crossover between subsets of culture is Adidas’ sweet spot. Today it collaborates with fashion designers, musicians, athletes, and artists to make sneakers for tastes of every kind.
Adidas Sneaker Trends
Adidas has some of the most in-demand designs this season, but the consensus is seemingly all over the place when it comes to Adidas sneaker trends. We’re seeing everything from dad shoes, utilitarian gorp-core shoes, and retro designs that call to every decade, along with clean, minimal variations. Even colorways vary — Adidas sneakers in tonal hues like classic Samba OGs and Superstars, or splashy colors seen on Gazelle and SL 72 shoes all sell out as soon as they are re-stocked. Plus, Adidas’ popularity is largely fueled by popular collaborations — particularly when they add a unique spin on heritage silhouettes. In 2024 alone, the Three Stripes teamed up with Kith, Pharrell’s Humanrace, Wales Bonner, and Sporty & Rich to update archival Samba, Gazelle, Handball Spezial, and SL 76 shoe models, receiving nothing short of blockbusting success.
While Samba OGs continue to dominate every avenue of street style, two Adidas breakout stars emerged in 2024 — and they have something in common. Both the Country OG and SL 72 are revered as some of Adidas’ most game-changing heritage runners, and they launched right on time to satisfy a hungry fanbase of sneakerheads amid minimalist and vintage-inspired sneaker trends. Similar to the naked eye but completely different in the larger details, both shoes come recontextualized for modern dress, whether with colorful nylon uppers on the Sl 72, or a smooth leather silhouette on the Country OG. Top models like Emily Ratajkoski and Gigi Hadid have already sported the new kicks, but, considering how many colorways are already sold out, it’s a safe bet both shoes will be everywhere come fall.
What’s interesting is that the Adidas sneaker trends we’re seeing are the same on social media and the streets. Do a quick search through Adidas’ new arrivals page, and you’ll notice lifestyle and performance sneakers that span from minimal, ‘quiet luxury’ options to bolder styles like platform Gazelles and Forum shoes. There’s an Adidas shoe for anyone’s style and needs.
Adidas Shoe Outfit Ideas
Retro Renaissance
Adidas SL 72 Shoes
Shown with: Adidas Women’s Premium Essentials Denim Track Top ($100), Adidas Women’s ’80s Oversized Stripe Polo Shirt ($54), Adidas Women’s Ultimate363 Tour Pleated Skort ($90), Adidas Originals Mini Bowling Bag Metallic ($56),
Crisp Classics
Adidas Samba Shoes
Shown with: Adidas Men’s Go-To Chore Coat ($52), Adidas Men’s Adicolor Neuclassics Tee ($35), Adidas Men’s Ultimate Hat ($26), Adidas Trefoil Chenille Crossbody Bag ($45)
How We Selected The Best Adidas Shoes of 2024
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To curate this guide to the best Adidas shoes of 2024, Footwear News Shop editors assessed the brand’s heritage icons, new releases, and hidden gems. We featured Adidas’ most impactful footwear across every category from performance to fashion, whether for their innovative technology, trendy design, or timeless appeal. We personally tested several Adidas shoe styles that we honestly recommend, while also comparing hundreds of customer reviews to determine the most universally satisfactory shoes worthy of an investment, making sure to include options that support various foot types and conditions, occasions, and activity levels. This guide to the best Adidas shoes also includes several shoes featured in Footwear News’ list of the Greatest Shoes of All Time. This list was created with expert input from our editorial team and a diverse panel of footwear industry insiders, as well as key metrics and data related to the popularity and historical significance of the included shoes. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide for the best Adidas shoes in August 2024 with Editor’s Choice recommendations, new sneaker releases, Footwear News Greatest Shoes of All Time selections, and new Adidas trends to expect this fall.
