The past year has been big for the adidas Samba. But, if you’re someone who prefers Stripes over Checks, then you’d know that adidas’ catalog spans far wider than the King of Terrace shoes, and boasts an array of iconic sneakers. In this piece, we’ll narrow down the list to just 15 of the most iconic adidas silhouettes of all time. Here goes.

15. adidas YEEZY Boost 700

When we say the 700, we really just mean one in particular. The Wave Runner. This collaboration, masterminded by designer Steven Smith, is a testament to the art of sneaker design.

Arriving just before the Dad Sneaker trend, the Wave Runner offers a chunky yet refined silhouette, distinct from the exaggerated aesthetics of other popular models. Its lack of overt branding allows its unique design to shine, making it a true standout.

The initial release and subsequent restocks generated immense hype, and while the fervor has since subsided, the Wave Runner’s allure remains undeniable.

14. adidas YEEZY Foam Runner

A distinctive sneaker design characterized by its unique, one-piece foam construction. The Foam Runner offers a comfortable and lightweight fit, making it a popular choice for casual wear. Its minimalist aesthetic and earthy color palette have contributed to its widespread appeal.

While the shoe initially garnered significant attention upon its release, its popularity has remained consistent over time, solidifying its status as a sought-after item in the sneaker market.

13. adidas Forum

While adidas has a long history, its basketball sneaker offerings haven’t always been as prominent as those of other brands. However, there have been notable exceptions. One example is the Adidas Forum, a chunky, strapped-up model introduced in 1984.

Designed with stability and impact protection in mind, the Forum gained recognition when it was worn by Michael Jordan during the 1984 Olympic team. The shoe’s design was attributed to Jacques Chaissang, a French designer who significantly contributed to adidas during the 1980s.

12. adidas Campus 80s

The adidas Campus is a versatile sneaker that blends elements of suede and basketball design. Although not as celebrated as other suede adidas models, the Campus has gained cultural recognition through its association with skateboarding and various artists and bands.

Originally introduced as a basketball shoe in the 1980s, the Campus has evolved to become a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts. Its recent popularity can be attributed in part to the ongoing Samba trend and its similar silhouette. While the Campus may not have the same historical significance as other adidas models, it has undeniably made its mark on the sneaker world.

11. adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low

A performance basketball shoe designed specifically for NBA player Anthony Edwards. Featuring a lightweight construction and responsive cushioning, the adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low is designed to enhance agility and speed on the court.

The shoe’s bold colorways and signature details reflect Edwards’s dynamic playing style and personal brand. While the Anthony Edwards 1 Low may not have the same widespread popularity as some other signature basketball shoes, it has garnered attention among fans of both Edwards and adidas. Definitely, not a silhouette to be slept on.

10. adidas Tobacco

A classic sneaker model that is known for its understated elegance. The adidas Tobacco features a premium suede upper and a gum sole, creating a timeless and versatile aesthetic. Originally released in the 1970s as a handball shoe, the Tobacco has since become a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts for its clean lines and high-quality materials.

It may not have the same level of hype as some contemporary sneaker models, but the adidas Tobacco’s enduring appeal and timeless design have solidified its status as a classic in the adidas lineup.

9. adidas Handball Spezial

With the recent popularity of the adidas Samba, the Spezial (like its cousins the Gazelle and Campus) has also gained attention as a versatile alternative. Its clean design and comfortable fit have made it a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts, leading to collaborations with various brands and a wider appeal. The Spezial offers numerous colorways and variations, with the original Argentina blue with white stripes and gum sole remaining a timeless and sought-after option.

8. adidas Ultraboost

The Ultraboost, introduced in 2015, was pivotal in adidas’ resurgence. Featuring innovative Boost cushioning, the Ultraboost appealed to both performance runners and fashion-conscious consumers. Its sleek design and comfortable fit challenged the dominance of retro sneakers, encouraging people to embrace new styles.

One notable moment for the UltraBoost was Kanye West’s iconic on-stage performance, where he wore the all-white colorway. This image quickly gained popularity, contributing to the shoe’s demand and multiple restocks. Considering its popularity in the mid to late 2010s, it deserves a place on this list.

7. adidas SL-72

A classic runner model inspired by the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The adidas SL-72 features a sleek and minimalist design, with a distinctive three-stripe pattern and a comfortable suede upper.

Known for its lightweight construction and responsive cushioning, the SL-72 was originally designed for competitive running but has since become a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts for its timeless aesthetic. It may not have the same level of hype as some contemporary models, the adidas SL-72’s enduring appeal and historical significance have solidified its status as a classic in the adidas lineup.

6. adidas NMD_R1

The adidas NMD, once a highly sought-after sneaker, experienced a surge in popularity in the mid-2010s. Its distinctive design and comfortable fit captivated sneaker enthusiasts, leading to long lines and limited availability. The adidas NMD’s popularity has since declined, but remains a significant part of adidas’ sneaker history.

The shoe’s appeal was not solely based on its design heritage or the meaning behind its name. Instead, the NMD’s popularity was driven by various factors, including its trendy appearance and perceived exclusivity.

As the shoe became more widely available, however, the initial hype began to fade, and the adidas NMD’s resale value plummeted. Despite its decline in popularity, the adidas NMD continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many who experienced its peak popularity firsthand.

5. adidas Superstar

Introduced in 1970, the Superstar quickly became a staple in the basketball world, worn by countless professional athletes. Its iconic rubber toe cap, or “shell”, provided durability and became a distinctive feature that set the silhouette apart.

Beyond the court, the adidas Superstar has transcended its original purpose, becoming a fashion icon. Thanks to pioneers like Run-DMC, it was associated with hip-hop culture in the 1980s, solidifying its status as a streetwear essential. The shoe’s ability to adapt to evolving trends and remain relevant has ensured its enduring appeal.

Today, the adidas Superstar is a universally recognized symbol of style and comfort. Its clean lines, classic silhouette, and iconic shell make it a versatile choice for people of all ages and backgrounds.

4. adidas Gazelle

The adidas Gazelle, introduced in the 1960s, is a timeless sneaker. Originally designed for training, its sleek design and comfort made it a popular choice. After a period of popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, the Gazelle experienced a resurgence in the 2000s. Its retro appeal and versatility continue to make it a sought-after item.

With its clean lines, suede upper, and signature three stripes, the adidas Gazelle is a versatile and stylish option that can be dressed up or down.

3. adidas Stan Smith

The adidas Stan Smith is a legendary sneaker that has been a staple in the footwear world for decades. Introduced in the 1970s as a tennis shoe, the Stan Smith quickly gained popularity for its clean, minimalist design and comfortable fit.

With its signature perforated three stripes, smooth leather upper, and iconic green heel tab, the adidas Stan Smith has become a timeless classic that transcends trends. Its versatility and timeless appeal have made it a must-have for any footwear collection.

2. adidas Samba

The adidas Samba is a legendary soccer shoe that has been a staple in the footwear world for decades. Introduced in the 1950s, the Samba was originally designed for indoor soccer and futsal. Its durable rubber sole and grippy texture provided excellent traction on indoor surfaces.

The adidas Samba initially gained popularity as a soccer shoe, but has quickly become a fashion icon. Its timeless design, featuring a low-top silhouette, suede upper, and signature three stripes, makes it a versatile and stylish option for casual wear.

It continues to reign supreme as one of the most popular silhouettes in the world right now, although some worthy contenders are coming for its throne. We’ll see in 2025.

1. adidas YEEZY Boost 350V2

The adidas YEEZY Boost 350V2, a collaboration between adidas and Ye, has undeniably left an indelible mark on sneaker culture. Despite the controversies surrounding the artist, the shoe’s iconic design and cultural resonance have solidified its status as a timeless classic.

The journey began in 2015 with the debut of the adidas YEEZY 350 “Turtle Dove” and “Pirate Black”. These early iterations, showcased during West’s YEEZY Season 1 show, quickly captured the attention of sneaker enthusiasts and celebrities alike. The “Turtle Dove” in particular, frequently worn by Ye and his then-wife Kim Kardashian, symbolized luxury and aspiration.

The adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2, introduced in late 2016, further expanded the model’s popularity. The “Beluga”, “Black Friday”, and “Oreo” colorways were met with overwhelming demand. However, it was the 2017 release of the “Zebra” that truly defined the V2 era. The shoe’s distinctive pattern and limited availability fueled a frenzy among collectors, leading to unprecedented hype and resale value.

Even today, the adidas YEEZY 350V2 remains a sought-after item. Its influence can be seen in countless imitations and knockoffs, a testament to its enduring appeal. While the initial fervor may have subsided, the shoe’s cultural legacy is undeniable.

The adidas YEEZY 350V2 has not only shaped the sneaker landscape but has also become a symbol of a particular era, a time when fashion and music collided to create something truly iconic, putting this adidas silhouette right at the top of our list.

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