Just as our love for Adidas's popular Samba sneakers was starting to peak, a sneaker style has emerged, and it threatens to knock Sambas off their throne. Meet the Adidas SL 72, a new edition of a classic '70s style that's getting a lot of attention and buzz right now. From celebrities like Bella Hadid, Suki Waterhouse, and Alexa Chung to our social feeds, the sneakers are popping up everywhere we look.
Defined by jagged soles and suede uppers, the retro sneakers come in a range of enticing color options, including the popular burgundy-and-butter-yellow pair that's a favorite of Hadid. Fans of the SL 72 hardly shy away from bright color combinations like acid yellow and grass green that remind us of retro athleticwear.
Not long after the style reached viral status, the sneakers were selling out directly on Adidas.com, at multiple retailers, and even on resale sites. Despite restocks from Adidas, the sneakers continue to be a difficult-to-source item, which has only heightened the demand for them. Ahead, see how celebrities and fashion people are wearing the new It sneakers and shop them for yourself.
On celebrities:
On Bella Hadid: Dickies Perfect Shape Bootcut Jeans ($50); Adidas SL 72 Sneakers in Burgundy ($100); Cartier Panthère de Cartier Watch ($21000)
Hadid was spotted in a burgundy pair of the sneakers while promoting her brand Kin at an event in New York this February. Naturally, the model's styling idea is fueling how we're all going to be wearing the SL 72 sneakers. Hadid wore them with a pair of bootcut jeans that enhance the retro appeal of the style and tied in the brown tones through a distressed leather jacket. Her simple look involving a T-shirt, a leather jacket, and jeans is the perfect frame for the cool sneakers.
On Suki Waterhouse: Adidas SL 72 RS Sneakers ($100)
Waterhouse is the latest of many celebrities to join the sneaker's fan club. While attending Coachella after having performed at the festival, the British artist was spotted in a yellow-and-blue striped pair, which she wore with a furry jacket and shorts.
On Instagram:
It's easy to see why the burgundy pair has been so overwhelmingly popular. It combines two trending spring colors, rich burgundy and buttery yellow, and fashion people are styling theirs with light yellow tones that showcase the color combo beautifully.
What better way to enhance your travel outfits than with one of *the* sneakers of the moment? Emili Sindlev's plane ensemble proves exactly why a pair of statement sneakers should be in your arsenal: They really liven up her gray sweatsuit.
Minimalists, fear not. The sneakers happen to work well in pared-back outfits too. Just take a look at this beige-and-cream ensemble that marries them to an oversize knit and silky trousers.
Of course, if you are going to venture out into bold color-blocking territory, what better way to do it than through sneakers that add not one but two additional colors into the outfit vibe?
As for finishings, the move is to treat the SL 72s like you would your Sambas and wear them with tall crew socks and jeans.
Shop the sneakers:
Plenty of stock is still available in this popular colorway—for now.
While the burgundy is a clear social media favorite, this grass-green option has our hearts.
A fresh way to add a pop of red to your outfits.
The blue pair is the runner-up for most popular color.
If they're good enough for Suki Waterhouse…
How charming is this lavender-stripe detail?
Sage green feels like an unexpected but easy alternative for white sneakers.
The SL 72 RS like the pair Suki Waterhouse wore come with an extra platform sole.
Did someone say blokecore?
Because we knew you'd ask, yes, they come in black too.
More on-trend sneakers:
Nike's latest launch has TikTok in a tizzy.
Love the mesh combo here.
The sneakers Emily Ratajkowski wears on repeat.
Hey, they're a classic for a reason.
Wear these with scrunched-up socks while en route to Pilates.
The definition of IYKYK sneakers.
This brown suede is such a vibe.
