Adidas Stan Smith review: Are they worth it?

When it comes to classic kicks, few pairs are as revered as the Adidas Stan Smith. The leather shoe is practically Adidas’ mascot, seen virtually everywhere, and fit for just about anyone’s style. But are the sneakers comfortable?

I’m a total sneakerhead, but I haven’t worn Adidas shoes since my first pair of Ultra Boosts, the snug fitting sock-like running shoe, in 2016. Intrigued by the Stan Smith hype, I purchased a pair in navy. Right out of the box, I wore them everywhere, walking around my home, city, and nearby park to figure out if they’re made for comfort or just pure style.

What are Adidas Stan Smiths?

The minimalist Stan Smith sneaker is one of the most iconic silhouettes Adidas has in its catalog. Introduced in the year 1964 as Adidas’ first tennis shoe, it was also the first athletic footwear to be made entirely of leather. In the ‘60s, the shoe took the name of French tennis player Robert Haillet until his retirement, at which point American tennis player Stan Smith endorsed the shoe—and his name stuck. It’s been a ubiquitous footwear staple ever since, name-dropped in songs, seen in movies, and worn by many a celebrity.

There have been hundreds of versions of the Stan Smith, but the silhouette generally remains the same. The shoe is all-white leather, with white flat laces, and white eyelets. There’s visible stitching on the shoe. Its tongue reads “Adidas Stan Smith” above a line-drawn portrait of the tennis player and his signature. The back of the shoe also reads “Stan Smith” below an Adidas logo. Adidas’ classic trio of stripes are replaced by perforated holes, and the only pop of color—which can be green, navy, or black—appears on the tongue and heel foam-padding. They’re available in men’s, women’s, infant, and youth sizes.

What I like about Adidas Stan Smiths

They’re versatile

The biggest reason why I, and so many others, are attracted to Stan Smiths is their versatility. The sneakers pair well with everything: an Oxford dress shirt and chinos, a T-shirt and jeans, a tank top and short shorts, and so on. The pure whiteness lends a trendy minimalist vibe to most outfits, and the shoes can easily be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. You’d be hard-pressed to find something that doesn’t go well with Stan Smiths.

They’re stylishly simple

Instead of feeling boring and staid, the sneakers’ plainness makes them stand out. Sure, the Adidas logo is on the foam padding and Stan Smith’s face is on the tongue, but neither are focal points. The colored accents on the sneaker don’t distract, either, and the three lines of perforated holes instead of Adidas’ usual three-stripe insignia is more subtle than what’s on many of the brand’s sneakers.

They’re comfortable on short walks

When I took my pristine pair of Stan Smiths out of the box, I put them on my feet to walk around my home for a few hours. The upper fit snug, but after roughly two hours of light activity, I was able to break them in. I wear men’s size 11.5 and found that they fit true to size, though I found them more comfortable with the laces loosened and tied without threading them through at the top-most eyelets.

The plush tongue and padding near the back of the shoe’s ankle provided extra cushioning for my adventures through the city. Stan Smiths are surprisingly chafe-free for short walks, even when brand-new. This is a relief since these are—polyester or not—leather-like, which can often be stiff and blister-causing.

What I don’t like about Adidas Stan Smiths

Simplicity comes at a cost

The simplicity of the sneakers is a pro but it’s also a con, in my opinion. The Stan Smith is a barebones shoe that offers no arch support or frills found elsewhere at Adidas. This may be a win for those who are purely looking for a basic shoe and aren’t on their feet a lot, but I don’t find the Stan Smith to be a comfortable basic for everyday, all-day wear. I couldn’t stand to wear them after hitting 4,000 steps around the city—my arches were killing me.

Are Adidas Stan Smiths worth it?

It depends

The Adidas Stan Smith is one of the most basic casual sneakers on the market, period. The bright white leather and discreet colored accents offer a no-frills look that fits with almost any outfit in your closet. If you’re looking for a white leather sneaker that won’t break the bank, the timeless Stan Smith is a good choice.

But if you’re like me and need some arch support and something that offers functionality, the Adidas Stan Smith is not your shoe. These sneakers are made for short trips and casual outings, and while the shoe’s upper looks sleek, the easy creasing and staining means that if you bought it for its so-fresh-so-clean vibe, you’ll likely have to buy a replacement pair within a few months.