Best Adidas trainers: Must have Adidas sneakers for style and sport

You can't talk about sneaker royalty without tipping your hat to the Adidas Samba. Born on the indoor football pitch, raised on the streets, and now living rent-free in every fashion editor’s wardrobe, the Samba is a certified icon. With its low profile, gum sole, and buttery leather upper, this trainer is what you find under versatile in the dictionary.

The Sunak debacle feels long enough in the past now that we can confidently say, you should be fine wearing these on the tube, just make sure you remember how much a pint of milk costs.

Sleek, stripped-back, and criminally underrated, the Adidas Japan is a hidden gem in the Three Stripes archive. Originally launched for the Japanese market in the ‘60s, it’s a masterclass in minimalism, think low-slung silhouette, clean lines, and that razor-sharp toe box, and it's having a bit of a renaissance now.

The gold foil branding and slim profile give it a refined, almost dress-shoe energy, while still keeping things strictly street. If you’re after something a little off the radar but heavy on cool points, the Japan is a quiet flex worth making.

The Adidas Campus 00s takes the OG skate-inspired silhouette and bulks it up with chunkier proportions, oversized suede panels, and fat laces straight out of your MySpace era. It’s retro, with attitude built for baggy jeans, big energy, and not taking itself too seriously.

Think less clean-cut, more effortlessly chaotic. If you're riding the wave of 2000s revival, the Campus 00s is your go-to.

The Gazelle may have started life as a football trainer, but it is now more likely to be worn into town. The colourful leather upper provides a contrasting base to the three stripes that run across the side of the shoe. There are plenty of colours available, including collegiate burgundy above.

Available in plenty of colour combinations, the Stan Smith is one of the most versatile adidas styles. Its classic silhouette has been the same for over four decades, and the clean white design makes it easy to pair with any outfit.

The pops of colour on the heel and tongue add some character but don’t take away from the shoe’s simplicity, and few sneakers have been iterated on quite as much as these.

A slice of retro gold from the Adidas vault, the Italia 70s is all smooth curves, sleek leather, and vintage football charm. Originally released to celebrate the 1970 World Cup, it’s got that old-school elegance that screams limited edition energy without actually needing to shout.

The slim profile, metallic accents, and clean design make it a low-key stunner ideal for anyone who appreciates heritage style with a modern twist, and it effortlessly fits in with the slim trainers that are all the rage nowadays.

Big, bold, and unapologetically early 2000s but classy, the Adidas Aspyre is bringing baller energy back to the streets. With chunky midsoles, padded uppers, and just the right amount of retro juice. It’s built like a performance shoe but styled for statement-making. If you’re into loud silhouettes with attitude to match, the Aspyre will serve you well.

The Adidas Ozweego is what happens when retro-futurism and dad-shoes collide in the best possible way. Originally a ‘90s runner, it’s been retooled for today with chunky soles, aggressive lines, and just enough techy flair to feel ahead of the curve.

It’s bold without trying too hard, comfy enough to wear all day, and weirdly works with everything from cargos to tailoring. In short: it’s the kind of ugly-pretty that turns heads, then wins them over. It feels like one of the few chunky silhouettes that can stand the test of time and not fade into obscurity.

Lightweight, low-profile, and effortlessly retro, the SL 72 RS is Adidas at its vintage best. First made for the 1972 Munich Olympics, it’s been reimagined with updated materials and a sleeker fit, but the DNA stays classic.

Nylon uppers, suede overlays, and that iconic ripple sole all scream old-school runner, while the slim silhouette gives it serious everyday wearability.

Clean, simple, and quietly confident, the VL Court 3.0 is Adidas doing everyday style without the fuss. With a suede upper, rubber cupsole, and classic T-toe design, it nods to skate heritage without going full throwback.

It’s the kind of trainer you can wear with anything, jeans, joggers, even that risky smart-casual look, which nobody really understands, and still come off effortlessly put together. These are also the most affordable option we have on the list, which for 60 quid are a bargain.

Having originally been released in 1970 for the basketball court, the Superstar has since become a streetwear staple. These often weave in and out of fashion, but right now, they're very much back in.

The hard shell toe - designed to protect the toes on the court - has remained a constant in the design even 50 years on. It’s also been worn by hip-hop and rap icons Missy Elliot, Jay-Z and Run DMC.

This is a cousin to the super-popular Adidas Gazelle. It was introduced in 1979 as a show for handball players, but now it's all about casual fashion (as seen by the recent Oasis collab).

If you’re looking at this one, wondering how it’s at all different to the Gazelle, the Spezial has a somewhat wider mid-foot, which some may find more comfortable. It also alters the top-down silhouette of the shoe a bit.

Still the king of comfy-cool, the Ultraboost 5 is all about that buttery BOOST cushioning that feels like running on clouds. With a sleek Primeknit upper that hugs your foot and flexes on every step, it’s perfect for everything from long runs to casual city strolls.

The rubber outsole keeps you steady on all surfaces, while the updated midsole geometry gives a smoother, more responsive ride. It’s the kind of sneaker that blends serious tech with street-ready style — this is the only trainer on this list you could have in either section.

If speed had a sneaker, this would be it. The Adizero EVO SL is lightweight, springy, and built for pushing your pace without feeling like a rocket strapped to your foot. It’s got that snappy LIGHTSTRIKE foam midsole we love from Adidas and a breathable mesh upper that keeps things cool when you’re on the move.

The rubber sole grips tightly, so no slipping on fast corners, adding some extra security on your park runs. These are also one of the nicer-looking pairs from a style perspective, so you get the best of both worlds.

Bridging road and trail, the Ultraboost 5 TR is Adidas’ flex on versatility, whether you're pounding pavement or creeping through damp paths, it’s built to deliver. It merges the signature LIGHTBOOST cushioning for that plush, responsive ride with a CLIMAWARM upper that traps heat without turning you into a sauna.

This is the perfect trainer for people who like to take their exercise into the great outdoors.

This one’s built for the no-nonsense, sweat-dripping, lung-burning kind of workout. The Rapidmove ADV 2 is Adidas' all-rounder for when your gym sessions lean more beast mode than beginner.

It’s loaded with a full-length LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole for a springy, responsive feel, plus a Torsion System to keep you stable when things get explosive. The mesh upper keeps airflow flowing, while the Continental rubber outsole grips like it means it.

Think of the Duramo SL 2 as Adidas’ answer to that middle‑distance runner’s dream: lightweight, reliable, and not overhyped. Perfect if you’re building up those first few 5Ks or just need something comfy for everyday.

It packs an engineered mesh upper for breathability, a padded heel for extra comfort, and Adidas’ LIGHTMOTION midsole that cushions each step without turning into a squishy mess. Grip comes courtesy of the Adiwear outsole, tough enough for pavement or paths. At £55, it hits that sweet spot: a performance shoe without breaking the bank.