Review: Adidas Stan Smith – White/Off-White/Collegiate Green
If you ever need a baseline for basic white leather sneakers, look no further than the Adidas Stan Smith.
The Specs
Brand | Adidas |
Model | Stan Smith |
Colour | White/Off-White/Collegiate Green |
Retail Price | $150 AUD |
Size Reviewed | US10 |
Fit | True to size |
Upper Material | Leather |
Sole Material | Rubber cup sole |
Lining | OrthoLite Sockliner |
The Look
If you’re wondering if it’s an all-white sneaker it’s not. But if an all-white sneaker that you want, Adidas has you covered. The sole, laces and lining are off-white. They are slightly exaggerated in our photos but look elsewhere online and you may get them confused with the all-white variant (which is why we chose to leave the photo edit as shown to illustrate how it differs from other all-white shoes). The off-white sole is noticeable in person, as it contrasts with the stark white of the upper.
The design however is a familiar one, essentially mimicking the classic 1972 design. You know it, you’ve seen it, we get it.
Instead of the heel tab being coloured it’s white, and the back heel has a thick collegiate green stripe bordered with the same gold that has been used for the Stan Smith portrait on the tongue of the sneaker. I think it’s a nice minimalist touch that stands out from other models.
The white leather upper is also different to the standard model. It’s not smooth and shows texture and grain.
The combination of all these things make it feel like a more grown up version of the sneaker, but remains faithful to the classic silhouette.
The Feel
Starting with the outside, the soft leather upper is indeed softer than the regular Stan Smith models: it doesn’t feel as stiff and isn’t smooth. This continues inside to the lining which appears to also be a soft leather, adding comfort to the overall experience.
Having only worn the shoe a few times, we can say that it is a snug fit when using invisible socks, feeling like it fits true to size. Walking around for a few hours didn’t leave our feet sore or blistered and seemed light enough that we didn’t even take note of weight.
We’ll report back on break-in times and wear in the future.
Is it Affordable?
Definitely, if you’re looking for an affordable white leather sneaker that ticks all the boxes, this is probably it. It’s inexpensive, especially when on sale, and it’s a classic style. While it’s not hand stitched in Europe using luxurious leather, you’re never going to get that in this price range, it’s totally affordable.