adidas Stan Smith Review: Our Experience Wearing These Iconic Sneakers

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Key Features:

• Price: $100
• Sizes: 4–14 (in whole and half sizes)
• Colors: 21 different colorway options
• Standout feature: Signature style, premier tennis shoes
• Best for: Style, versatile functionality, everyday comfort

The original Stan Smith sneakers were introduced in 1964 as adidas’s first tennis shoe. While the shoe was originally designed by French tennis player Robert Haillet, the Stan Smiths you know today got their current name in 1978, after American tennis player Stanley Roger Smith. Smith’s portrait and signature is now on the front tongue of each pair of Stan Smiths. The shoe even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1988, with a record-breaking 22 million-plus pairs sold worldwide, and have continued in popularity ever since.

The Stan Smiths have weathered the test of time; they are solid everyday shoes, comfortable, true to size and bound to hold up over long wear. In this article we'll cover some of the shoe’s features and things to consider as well as answer some FAQs about this iconic shoe. If you have been wondering what all the hype is about, this article will give you a glimpse into how a pair of tennis shoes has maintained its popularity over the past five decades.

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What Are adidas Stan Smith Shoes?

The Stan Smiths are timeless tennis shoes that are designed for everyday comfort and fashion. The classic style of the shoe fits well with pretty much any outfit, one of many reasons they have remained so popular. The shoe is fairly minimalist in its design, and the fresh look has remained consistent through different editions of the shoe. There are a couple standout features—in addition to the front tongue mentioned above with Stanley Roger Smith’s portrait and signature, the heels have the signature Adidas logo with “Stan Smith” underneath.

What We Like About the adidas Stan Smith:

One of the things we love most about the adidas Stan Smith sneakers is the versatility—it is rare to find a shoe that you can wear for a walk around the city on a Sunday morning but then also wear to dinner on a Friday night. This iconic sneaker is durable and weatherproof, and comes in 20 different colorways, so you are bound to find a color right for you. I went with the Cloud White/Green colorway and love the signature green look. The colors “pop” on the heel and the front tongue draws the perfect balance of attention and simplicity.

In terms of fit, I have a wider foot and felt there was not as much “pinch” on the sides as other tennis shoes. They are true to size and come with enough room in the toes and above. They are comfortable, classic, stylish and worth every penny.

What to Consider About the adidas Stan Smith:

Something to consider about these adidas sneakers is your purpose for buying them. For example, these sneakers wouldn't serve as hiking shoes, as there is not a ton of arch or ankle support.

I found these adidas sneakers can take a couple days to wear and can feel a bit rigid out of the box, but they become more comfortable over time. As time goes on, you may see the leather start to wrinkle which creates a more “worn” look, and if you choose white shoes, they will show dirt and scuffs over time. I personally am a fan of this weathered look, but this is something to keep in mind, as this will happen with wear.

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Style and design of the Stan Smith

The Stan Smith design allows these shoes to be worn with a variety of pants and shorts. They look just as great in jeans as they do with a pair of dress pants or chinos. The hype behind this iconic shoe revolves around its style, and they are sharp enough to grab someone’s attention while simple enough that they won't overpower the rest of your outfit. 

Wearing Stan Smiths

• Comfort, support and durability: These are very comfortable with solid support for an everyday shoe. As mentioned above, there isn’t a ton of arch support, so this is something to consider when thinking about your purpose for purchasing.
• Materials: These were originally leather sneakers, but as a part adidas’ promise to use only recycled polyester by 2024, the upper is now made of Primegreen, a series of recycled materials with 50 percent recycled content. This product has an outsole made from rubber waste and a synthetic lining for the inner sole. The laces are made out of recycled plastic, and there is no virgin polyester.
• Fit and sizing: Regular fit and true to size. As someone with wider feet, I felt there was plenty of room, and there was enough room in the toe region as well.
• Best for: Everyday comfort and fashion. They are simple and classic enough to be your everyday shoe while also elegant and fashionable enough to be worn for your night out. Their versatility makes them well worth their price.

adidas Stan Smith FAQs

Are adidas Stan Smiths comfortable?

Yes, these shoes are great for everyday purposes. With a soft cushioned insole, an upper with plenty of flexibility and some padding toward the heel, these shoes are a reminder that fashion and comfort can go hand in hand. Note that these are not built for walking long distances, and the shoes aren’t made out of the most breathable materials, so like any pair of shoes, your purpose is something to keep in mind before purchasing.

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What are adidas Stan Smiths named for?

They are named after American tennis player Stanley Roger Smith, whose name took over the shoe in 1978 and whose portrait and signature is now on the front tongue of each pair of sneakers.

Are adidas Stan Smiths still cool?

Yes, after over 50 years of popularity, these shoes remain just as popular as in the 70s, 80s and 90s. The design has remained pretty consistent over the years, but one of the recent changes has been to make the shoe more sustainable, and instead of being made with real leather, they are made with a vegan upper, an outsole made from rubber waste and no virgin polyester. They are timeless in their style and there’s no doubt they will continue to be cool for the next 50 years.

Do Stan Smith shoes run big or small?

I found that the shoes run true to size, and the average reviewer on the adidas website agrees.

Final Thoughts: Are adidas Stan Smiths Right for You?

You don’t want to buy a pair of tennis shoes or sneakers and be limited in when or where you can wear them. These sneakers are stylish enough to be worn to a work happy hour and comfortable enough to be worn to grab a coffee or for an afternoon stroll around the city. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sneakers, or possibly looking for a holiday purchase for a loved one—look no further, the Stan Smiths are right for you.

If you’re interested in another adidas lifestyle shoe, check out our adidas Gazelle review.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.