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The 10 Best Adidas Sneakers for Every Occasion, According to PureWow Editors, Celebrities and Real Customers
By Stephanie Meraz,
3 days ago
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .
Maybe it’s just me, but everywhere I turn, I’m met with Adidas sneakers of all sorts and styles. I mean, I can’t be the only one who thinks that it’s nearly impossible to escape the Samba craze happening right now. In fact, one of my colleagues put the trendy soccer shoe—which I deemed the best overall due to its popularity and performance—to the test (read her in-depth review of the Adidas Sambas sneakers ), but more on that in a second. It doesn’t stop there, either. Adidas, known for their iconic three stripes and retro-inspired athletic sneakers, have some of the most comfortable sneakers and supportive shoes with arch support for all kinds of activities, from lifestyle options that you can wear with dresses to performance footwear geared for running, lifting, cross-training and everything in between. I compiled ten of the best Adidas sneakers to shop for every occasion and activity, including PureWow editor-recommended picks as well as celeb-favorite styles popping off on social media.
The Best Adidas Sneakers at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Adidas Sneakers
When compiling my list of the best Adidas sneakers, I first sought out recommendations from PureWow editors who can attest to the longevity, quality and comfort of their picks. Many of the editors listed below have owned their shoes for a number of years and worn them every day on walk-heavy vacations, while training at the gym or as everyday shoes. I also assessed and included Adidas shoes that are trending on social media, including TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest, as well as those popular amongst “It” girls and celebrities. I made sure to include a variety of styles for every occasion and a range of price points as well as access their comfort level, fit and performance. I spent hours poring over hundreds of customer reviews from real buyers to get a sense of their quality, durability and fit.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock this past year, then you already know that the Adidas Sambas are hands-down one of the most popular shoes at the moment that almost everyone owns, from Bella Hadid to my colleague and PureWow’s Wellness Director, Sarah Stiefvater . In fact, she made the decision to revisit and review the shoe, despite her hesitations, when she was gearing up for a European vacation. “If we’re talking about how great these were for travel,” she writes, “I have to start by talking about how freaking comfortable they are… [I] had nary a blister in 11 days (11 days of a lot of walking).” Stiefvater also appreciates that they are fairly versatile when it comes to styling, reasonably affordable and have no break-in period whatsoever. Not to mention, that leather upper and suede trim is simply iconic.
About a year ago, I was on the hunt for some new workout shoes when I stumbled across the Running Alphaboost V1 sneakers from Adidas. Their chunky design and sleek lace-up closure were enough to catch my eye, and I couldn’t help but think that I finally found a pair of workout shoes that were unique and different from anything I’d seen before. Fast forward to today, and I’m still wearing them to the gym for strength training four days a week. Despite their bulky nature, they’re surprisingly lightweight on my feet. In fact, I find that despite the rounded toe and spacious width (perfect for my wide, flat feet), they’re actually quite slimming and make my size nines look anything but gargantuan. I’m no runner, but their durable design keeps the overpronation in my ankles and feet stable on my walks and while I’m lifting.
“I love the classic Superstars,” gushes Olivia Dubyak , commerce editor at PureWow, who tells me that she wore her shoes into the ground. “I had them for about four years and wore them with everything because they were so comfy. I was able to easily slip them on without tying them, and even though they didn’t have much arch support, the insoles were very squishy and felt like they molded to my feet.” As a classic through and through, this timeless silhouette features that notable black and white design with the three-stripe logo in a sleek leather with its branding on the tongue and heel. As for styling the comfortable sneakers , you’ll find that they’re incredibly versatile, whether you’re wearing a work trouser, sundress or cutoff denim shorts .
When I asked Nikki Holcombe , associate director of account management at Gallery Media Group, about her favorite pair of Adidas, her answer was simple: Ultraboosts. Holcombe is one of those people I admire because she is always training, so I trust all of her recommendations, especially when it comes to finding a supportive and protective shoe. She tells me that Ultraboosts are known to be incredibly comfy because they’re made with the brands PRIMEKNIT material, which is a foot-hugging upper that enwraps the foot with a translucent cage overlay while still remaining flexible and versatile. Plus, the style also features Adidas’s Torison System technology that was designed to bring support to the midfoot and allow for better movement while running, so if you’re thinking about taking a crack at a marathon, you may want to snag yourself a pair.
It may seem like dad-approved fashion has dwindled since its peak popularity, but one piece of clothing that has remained a wardrobe staple amongst fashionistas alike is none other than the chunky dad shoe. These Adidas shoes look like they came straight from your pop’s closet, minus the dust and foot smell. Best of all? Buyers say that the cool sneakers are also incredibly comfortable, too, undoubtedly thanks to the quality construction, which incorporates the brand’s Torison System that’s equipped to stabilize your foot from heel to toe. Even the rubber is built to withstand wear and tear in high impact spots on the tread.
Behold, the smart sneakers that raked in a stellar 4.5-star rating on Adidas’s site for their comfortable, true-to-size fit and near-perfect quality. If you’re looking for something both stylish and unique, then I recommend you turn your attention to the Rivalry Summer shoes. Athletic to the core, these are inspired by the ‘80s basketball scene, specifically the players’ memorable off-court looks. “Comfort-wise, they offer excellent cushioning and support,” says an Adidas reviewer. “The breathable material keeps my feet cool and dry, even during intense activities. Additionally, the durability is impressive; they still look brand-new after weeks of heavy use. Overall, these Adidas sneakers combine style, comfort and durability, making them a fantastic investment for any sneaker enthusiast.”
A timeless staple for over 50 years, Stan Smiths are one of the brand’s most well-known best-sellers. They’re the epitome of effortless cool, from the courts to the streets, and they follow a minimal, clean silhouette that’s incredibly versatile to wear. One Zappos reviewer gushes, “These are wonderfully comfortable once they’ve been broken in a bit, which I feel like is the main complaint here in the reviews. The tongue is stiff to start but eventually it wears in and gets less annoying. I’m wearing these daily and can’t get enough. They’re comfy, supportive and warm!” Best of all, they’re made with recycled materials in an effort to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, and the feel remains ultra comfortable. While the brand suggests that this style runs true to size, some reviewers find that the size can vary, and nearly 90 percent of people find that they have a normal width and moderate arch support.
When all is said and done, these are the “best cross-training shoes on the market,” according to one happy Adidas reviewer. The Dropset 3 trainers are equipped to handle high performance fitness, from quick bursts of explosive movement to more steady state activities like walking. They’re equipped with dual-density foam midsoles that work to strengthen your foundation and give you controlled stability, which will come in handy if you tend to lose your balance in a Bulgarian split squat or walking lunges, and the high level of traction will feel extra grippy on every surface, too.
Adidas Gazelles are a true fashion contender with the Sambas amongst It girlies on TikTok and Instagram. The chunky, triple-stacked platform soles and the vibrant color combinations make Gazelle platforms one of the most sought-after retro-inspired sneakers from the brand. “These are gorgeous on,” gushes on Adidas customer. “[They’re] really comfy with the support in the arch for walking.” Unlike the Sambas, which only have a suede trim at the toe, the Gazelles feature a premium suede wrap with leather and rubber finishes throughout. The shoe includes a terry cloth lining at the heel tab for an extra vintage feel, too. “These [have a] real wow factor, [are] stylish and go with everything,” the reviewer adds. Many buyers note that this style runs slightly big, so I suggest sizing down, especially if you’re in between sizes.
Last, but certainly not least, are the Handball Spezial sneakers, which pay homage to the world of—as the name suggests—handball. Over the years, these kicks have gone beyond the indoor courts and become a coveted streetwear staple amongst sneakerheads and celebs like Katie Holmes. Recognizable for their suede upper and T-shaped toe box, the Spezials are beloved for their minimalistic design, much like the Sambas. If you look closely, you’ll see that the overall shape, toe box and, most distinctly, rounded, colorful laces, really set this style apart. I quite like how the gum outsole creates an interesting juxtaposition between the hard and soft textures, and it also grounds it in that retro look.
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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