Retro sneakers have enjoyed their moment in the sun for several years, but no one has the trend on lock quite like the Three Stripes. The most popular adidas shoes of all time — be it the Samba, Superstar, Gazelle, Stan Smith, the list goes on — carry a legacy of athletics that’s become crystallized in culture through fashion. The brand’s archive proves time and time again to be a treasure trove of timeless icons, and the adidas SL 72 shoe, the newest hall of famer, is one of the most significant adidas heritage designs to date.

If you’re tapped into sneaker trends, odds are you’re familiar with the adidas SL 72. The shoe ranked as the second hottest sneaker on Lyst Index’s 2024 Q2 report, cameoed at Fashion Weeks across the globe, and sold out countless times over. But before its claim to fame this year, the obscure model had only been discovered by a niche group of adidas fans, one being Wales Bonner who’s collaborated on the sneaker since 2020.

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Footwear News contributing writer Olivia Cigliano tests the adidas SL 72 sneakers.

The difference between the SL 72 OG and trendy sneakers from other brands is that it’s a real retro runner. “72” signifies its year of debut and “SL” for adidas’ revolutionary “super light” design conceived to propel track athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games. It’s an instant icon because it was the first adidas sneaker to ever don the Trefoil logo, and offers the thrill of owning a piece of sneaker history.

Although the best adidas running shoes have since innovated by leaps and bounds, the SL 72 now stands as a stylish and comfortable adidas walking shoe for the modern era. Sleek and streamlined, the evolved model features suede accents and breathable nylon uppers, which provide far more wiggle room for wide feet and bunions than similar-looking leather sneakers. The heel and midsole stack up with thin but plush EVA foam cushioning, while the rugged rubber outsole traction grips a wide range of terrain (more on that later).

It wasn’t until late 2023 that the SL 72 was relaunched to the masses in three now-signature colorways: blue, green, and the always-sold-out maroon iteration (which you can find in a similar Gazelle colorway that’s dwindling in stock). The color options expanded with a spring restock in 2024, back when Footwear News Shop predicted it’d be the it-shoe of the summer — but its exclusivity fueled by high demand and fashion insider adoration is launching the SL 72 to years long, Samba-level hype.

How We Tested the adidas SL 72 Sneakers

Product tested: adidas SL 72 OG Shoes
Tester foot type: Slightly flat arches; mild bunions
Testing time period: 6 months
Terrain tested: City pavement, cobblestone streets, grass, tile
Pros: Very lightweight, breathable, true-to-size, travel-friendly, slight arch support, roomy uppers, insole cushioning
Cons: Not ideal for harsh winter weather, lacks substantial support for foot ailments

adidas SL 72 Sneakers

$80 $100 20% off

Buy Now at adidas

Editor Testing & Review: adidas SL 72 OG Shoes

I’m a “dad shoe” loyalist (the opposite end of the retro shoe spectrum), so I’ve watched from the sidelines as slim sneakers cycled through the trends. Until this year, I couldn’t quit the pillowy comfort of highly cushioned sneakers. So why did the SL 72 OG finally win me over? It fulfilled both a need and a want.

When the bold shoe colored my social media feeds over the summer, its eclectic, laid-back look took residence in my head rent-free. And, although I had never owned a silhouette like the SL 72, my affinity for vintage fashion statements drove my desire. I was also gearing up for a trip to Italy and was in the market for a new pair of versatile and comfortable white sneakers I could bring along the way (my white “dad shoes” were out of commission after a muddy music festival). The Off White / Wonder Taupe / Wonder White colorway fit the bill, but I liked it because it wasn’t stark white and would play well with warmer tones in my wardrobe.

Footwear News contributing writer Olivia Cigliano tests the adidas SL 72 sneakers. FN/ Olivia Cigliano

When I unboxed my pair, I was immediately taken aback by its feather-light feel. Slipping them on, they felt like I was barely wearing shoes at all, and my feet were right at home in the true-fitting 7.5 size. The 11.9 mm heel-to-toe drop cradled my slightly flat arches well, while the EVA foam midsole felt firm yet flexible underfoot. On my trip, the SL 72s successfully scaled uneven terrain like Roman cobblestone streets and steep cliffside steps, and the airy nylon uppers proved a godsend in sweltering European heat. Averaging seven miles of walking a day, I experienced very mild foot fatigue, which I attribute to activity levels outside of my norm, as that’s not the case when I wear the shoes for long jaunts in New York City.

I also found the SL 72s ideal shoes for travel, as their soft structure easily collapses, taking up about as much room in my luggage as a pair of sandals. They looked great with everything I packed, from sun dresses to straight-leg jeans, and continue to fare well with my winter wardrobe, as they balance proportions of baggier silhouettes. It’s worth noting that the suede has collected several scuffs over six months of wear, but it’s nothing that a once-over with a Magic Eraser can’t fix.

Do they deliver the cloud-like cushioning of a chunky sneaker? No. However, the SL 72 OGs offer more support and flexible comfort than similar minimal sneakers on the market. If you need more cushioning in a walking shoe, you can also opt for the SL 72 RS iteration, which will give you the same look with a thicker midsole and a supportive sockliner.

For such a pared-down design, this comfortable sneaker for women and men delivers ample stability and traction, all while infusing cool-girl, retro style appeal to any outfit. Consider me a slim sneaker convert — I’ll be waiting in the wings for the maroon colorway to restock, like everyone else.

adidas SL 72 Sneakers

$80 $100 20% off

Buy Now at adidas

Why Trust Footwear News

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.

Meet the Author

Olivia Cigliano is a freelance shopping writer who writes style content across footwear, fashion, beauty, and more. She is the former Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she reviewed trending shoes and reported on the latest sneaker releases from top brands like adidas. Her byline can be found in publications including Footwear News, WWD, InStyle, Parade, Elite Daily, and CR Fashion Book.

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The adidas SL 72 Walking Shoes Are the Only Travel Sneakers I Packed for a Euro Trip — Here’s Why.

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