All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Table Of Contents
Updated August 20, 2023: This guide on the best adidas sneakers was updated with new in-stock product for the fall and winter 2023 season, along with additional information on adidas sneaker trends.
Everywhere you look, you’ll inevitably see someone in a pair of Samba, Gazelle or Ultaboost shoes. This year, the Three Stripes brand has left an indestructible mark on all warps of fashion with its tremendous footwear lineup that leans heavily on a forward-thinking design approach, an archive of beloved silhouettes, boundary-pushing technologies, and sustainably-minded fabrics. For TikTok to red carpets, adidas has dominated the sneaker game on a whole other level with the best adidas shoes of 2023.
Sneaker enthusiasts know the brand has been around since the 1950s, but adidas’ classic shoes remain a trending category for 2023. In past years, the classic Stan Smith tennis sneaker came back into the spotlight, but the Gazelles and uber-popular Samba shoes are taking over 2023. While neither is new, the top sneaker label has introduced modern elements to these classics that both stand the test of time and align with current trend cycles. For example, with Mermaidcore and Barbiecore aesthetics trending, adidas has leaned into the buzz, offering Gazelles and Sambas in Barbie pink and under-the-sea blue colorways. adidas has also taken note of the resurgence of skate shoes by re-introducing its now TikTok-famous Campus 00s, which feature a notably bulky design with oversized three-stripe branding in bold and edgy hues. We’ve also seen the German label add a bit of lift to its best-sellers like the Nizza and the Gazelles, which is on par with the platform trend taking over for nostalgic chunky sneakers. But that’s not all. The adidas has also taken inspiration from the varsity trend, seen through the collegiate color schemes, which have been added to tried-and-true silhouettes like the Cloudfoam Pure and the Superstar shoes.
But it’s not just the old stuff — adidas doesn’t over-rely on its past successes. The global icon has been making the rounds with new performance releases, ensuring that there’s something that sneakerheads and athletes can look forward to. When the Ultraboost Light debuted in February of 2023, the running shoes became an instant hit, advancing the sneaker game with a lighter BOOST midsole. This progression heightened the anticipation among sneaker enthusiasts for new adidas sneakers like the Avryn and X_PLRBOOSTS, which followed suit.
adidas’ advances in tech are also standing out this year. The brand has been playing with its 3D-printed midsole. The 3D lattice was designed and tested using athlete data for a fit and feel that works with a runner’s stride. This midsole is featured on some of the best workout sneakers of the year, like the 4DFWD 2s and the 4DFWD Pulse 2 workout shoes. adidas has even kept summer-season sports top of mind with its newest ZG23 Vent footwear. This new technology-focused line features a lightweight, breathable textile mesh upper to promote better airflow as golfers practice and play in hot weather. adidas also included a lightweight PU film on the lower half of the shoes to help protect them from water, dew, mud, and staining.
In 2023, adidas has continued its sustainably strides with its End Plastic Waste initiative, swapping out virgin materials for recycled ones, creating products that can be remade, and working more closely with nature for inspiration. adidas has included recycled plastics gathered from ocean waste in many of its knit uppers, seen in the 4DFWD 2s, TERREX Freehiker 2s, and more.
To find the best adidas sneaker releases — and to get access to releases 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 new releases, plus get in on private sales and exclusive sneaker colorways.
There’s no shortage of great adidas sneakers for 2023 to look at or to buy as a gift for the sneakerhead or man or woman on your gifting list. So, if you’ve been holding out on a new pair of adidas sneakers for yourself or someone else, you’d be hard-pressed to find an option better than one of these from adidas.
Below, explore the best adidas shoes to shop now.
Related:
Best adidas Gym Shoes
Best adidas Shoes for Spring Outfits
Colorways: White; black; core black and bright yellow; silver dawn; solar red; acid orange; tan; olive; and more
Fabrics: PRIMEKNIT upper; Light BOOST midsole, Continental Better Rubber outsole
Best for: Runners, walkers, and everyone in between
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
The Ultraboost Light is the lightest of the bunch and benefits from 30 percent lighter Light BOOST material than the original Ultraboost 19, which allows it to offer immense energy and unrivaled comfort. It also has the Continental natural performance rubber, which provides optimum traction for a stable run, and a redesigned Linear Energy Point on the sole, which optimizes responsiveness. It has the popular sock-like fit, and it uses PRIMEKNIT+, which is built for ultimate breathability. The best part is that this new shoe benefits from a 10 percent lower carbon footprint than previous versions.
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
Colorways: White; white and green; white and orange; black; blue; gray; tan; and more
Fabrics: Synthetic upper; rubber outsole
Best for: Everyday
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
This year, adidas re-launched the classic sneaker, and these are the kicks everyone wants. While they may not look different at first glance, it’s because the forever trainer is much more sustainable than the original design. As part of the brand’s initiative to End Plastic Waste, the shoe features Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials, on the upper and rubber waste on the outsole. Like the initial kicks, these are also available in a bevy of colors, from white and green to a failproof all-white. No matter which you choose, you’re in good hands.
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Related:
adidas Launches New Stan Smith Lux Colorways Just in Time for the Summer
Colorways: White; black; orange; blue; green; brown; gray; off-white
Fabrics: Leather upper; rubber outsole
Best for: Street-style fiends
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
While this go-to sneaker became a street-style staple in 2022, its popularity has skyrocketed in 2023. You can’t scroll through TikTok or Instagram without seeing someone wearing or reviewing adidas Samba sneakers. Even stars like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence, Hailey Bieber, and Austin Butler have hopped on the trend this year, suggesting that Three Stripes and a gum sole are all you need to look put together.
So if you’re ready to dip your toes in the fad, opt for a classic colorway such as black or white leather; however, if you’re looking for a fun way to spice up your look, reach for the recent Wales Bonner or Sporty & Rich collaborations since you’ll find sambas in silver and bright blue styles.
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Black; white; mauve; white and gray; white and blue; black and olive
Fabrics: PRIMEKNIT+ and engineered mesh made from 50% recycled content; 3D-printed 4DFWD midsole
Best for: Hitting the gym
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Colorways: White; black; white on black; black on white; black and gold; black and orange; off-white and navy; and more
Fabrics: Leather upper; rubber outsole
Best for: The classic dresser
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Burgundy; black; white; navy; blue; green; gray; pink; brown
Fabrics: Suede upper; rubber outsole
Best for: A hit of color
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
In the same way as the Samba, the Gazelle has become a must-have shoe with only limited quantities, thanks to TikTok, where “adidas Gazelle” has garnered almost 106 million views. However, the smooth, suede lace-up’s popularity can also be attributed to street style. In the first four months of 2023, A-listers like Joe Jonas, Robert Pattinson, Olivia Wilde, Emma Watson, and Harry Styles have donned these sneakers with everything from cargo pants and a sweater to workout leggings and a sports bra.
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Related:
Best adidas x Gucci Gazelle Shoes
Adidas Nizza Platform Shoes
Courtesy of Adidas
Colorways: White; black; pink; green; orange; multicolor; and more
Fabrics: Textile upper; Vulcanized rubber platform outsole
Best for: An everyday upgrade
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Related:
Best White Sneakers for Women
Best White Sneakers to Wear With Dresses
Colorways: Purple; black; black and white; ecru; yellow; white and gold; pink
Fabrics: Mesh & suede upper; rubber outsole
Best for: Walking and traveling
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Colorways: White; white and black; white and blue; off-white; burgundy; and more
Fabrics: Leather upper
Best for: Dressing up
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Black; white and black; green and white; orange and white; and more
Fabrics: Mesh, rubber
Best for: Beginner runners
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Related:
Supernova 2 Shoe Review
Colorways: Bright blue, aluminium, energy black, pantone, better scarlet, and more
Fabrics: Suede, rubber
Best for: Y2k fashion lovers
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What makes the style’s demand interesting is that the Campus 00s are not new. This silhouette is part of the adidas Campus line that dates back to the ‘70s with the adidas Tournament shoe. The basketball shoe quickly transcended into a lifestyle staple with major popularity amongst skateboarders due to its flat midsole and supportive upper, becoming known as the Campus 80s. Decades later, Campus 00s, launched at the end of 2022, are now the ones to watch in 2023. So get your hands on the green, beige, black, tonal grey, or the light blue edition, all of which are nice nods to adidas’ ’80s color palette, before they sell out.
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Related:
Best Skate Shoes for Women
Colorways: Red; white and black; pink and blue; green and white; and more
Fabrics: Suede, rubber
Best for: Bold dressers
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
While it comes in beautiful neutral hues like black and grey, we suggest you opt for the red or mermaid-core-inspired aqua and pink colorway because if you’re going to go ‘bold,’ why not go all in?
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Colorways: Lilac; white; black; and more
Fabrics: Mesh
Best for: Those on the go
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Colorways: Cloud white and shadow red; cloud white and chalk white; black; and more
Fabrics: Mesh
Best for: Easy exercising
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
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 maroon, white, and tan colorway, which plays into the varsity trend, 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.
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Colorways: Off-white and linen green; core black and grey five; halo blue and blue dawn; and more
Fabrics: Mesh, rubber, and, neoprene
Best for: Everyday
Adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
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’sx 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 gorpcore shoes, retro designs reminiscent of the ‘80s, and clean, minimal variations. Even colorways vary — Adidas sneakers in tonal hues like triple-black and all-white white, while splashy colors like mermaidcore-inspired pastels and Barbiecore pink continue to land on the sell-out list. Plus, adidas’ collaborations with high-end fashion houses like Gucci and Wales Bonner are also making a statement this season.
For example, classic white adidas Retropy E5 Sneakers and black adidas Samba sneakers have been laced up by the likes of Katie Holmes and Hailey Bieber on the regular, while colorful adidas sneakers such as the Gazelle Bolds and the adidas x Wales Bonner sambas in the season’s hottest shade, chrome, are spotted on our favorite fashion influencers, adding a punch of pigment to their wardrobes.
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 (such as tonal beige options of the Ultraboost 1s, Adilette Essential Slides, and Y-3 Gazelles) to bolder styles like the Barbie-inspired Ultraboost Lights, platform Gazelles, and Ozweegos. There’s an adidas shoe for anyone’s style and needs.
But it’s not just about the specific adidas sneakers we’re seeing — we’re also noticing a focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly production methods. adidas is leading the way, offering stylish and comfortable sneakers that are environmentally conscious. The brand has also recently launched a global initiative called Move for the Planet that aims to encourage people to get active while educating and engaging communities on sustainability through sport.
Meet the Author
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits shopping stories on celebrity style, the latest fashion trends, and new shoe releases. Before joining Footwear News, Chwatt wrote for publications, including Editorialist. In her spare time, Chwatt can be found scouring the internet for the best sandals and adidas sneakers to add to her ever-growing collection. Chwatt updated the best adidas sneakers story on August 18, 2023, with new finds regarding adidas sneaker trends for 2023. Learn more about us here.
