Best Adidas trainers (2023): great Adidas shoes for style and sport

The Gazelle may have started life as a football trainer, but it is now more likely to 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 over 10 colours available including collegiate burgundy and glow blue.

Available in over 30 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. At £75, it is also one of the more ‘affordable’ styles.

Having originally been released in 1970 for the basketball court, the Superstar has since become a streetwear staple. However, 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 is all about casual fashion. 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.

As you can tell from the name, these trainers are bringing you all the 80s looks. Originally a tennis shoe, the retro feel comes thanks to the French terry lining, split rubber sole and, obviously, that swooping two-tone stripe. There are 30 colour combinations available depending on if you want a classic white trainer or not, before then choosing the colour of your stripe.

Originally launched in 2015, the NMD is “built for 21st century urban nomads who care about comfort as much as style”. The design combines the signature three stripes with the knitted upper of the UltraBoost, with the EVA midsole plugs finishing what has become an iconic style. Available in over 15 colourways, style is at the forefront of this trainer’s sporty design.

The Supernova 2 may not be the best Adidas running shoe regardless of price, but is the pair we tend to recommend to runners the most often at present. It offers a nicely cushioned and balanced ride with a good bit of bounce. Adidas hasn’t tried to shave off every single possible gramme off this pair. They’re not made for competition races, but to make those everyday runs as pleasant and pleasurable as possible. It’s a durable pair too.

Another 80s-inspired trainer, this time with a sleeker silhouette. Designed to be a ‘jogging’ shoe, the trainer has reflective stripes and a ‘boost’ midsole. The colourways are also a massive selling point of these trainers, with everything from all-black to neon orange available.

If you like a sportier silhouette, the Swift Run 22 might be for you. Designed to bring the comfort of running shoes to your everyday, the Swift Run 22 has a lightweight cushioned outsole to support your feet no matter where your work day takes you. The design is a little more subdued than many on this list, with four colours available: white, navy, grey and black.

The Ozweego has strong 90s vibes and we’re loving it. This shoe may have a runner’s silhouette but the wavy design makes it clear that this trainer is designed to make you look cool. That doesn’t mean they’re not comfy though, with a lightweight, sock-like fit, you’ll have no problem wandering town all day in these bad boys.

The classic UltraBoost is something of an Adidas staple. Designed to be a running shoe, the UltraBoost have a responsive midsole, which provides cushioning while stepping keeping the shoe light and and the knitted style gives the feel of a ‘second-skin fit’. It is also the area Adidas likes to collaborate with. While we were big fans with the previous Star Wars collab, this LEGO one is just as fun.