adidas Stan Smith

The tennis legend that has survived half a century of fashion - adidas Stan Smith

adidas Stan Smith is one of the best-selling sneakers of all time and a representative of the fashion category with a crossover into everyday streetwear. With over 30 million pairs sold, it has become a timeless symbol – and its story is full of twists that few know.

History: from Robert Haillet to Stan Smith

The model originally debuted in 1965 and was named “adidas Robert Haillet” after the French tennis player whom adidas sponsored at the time. After his departure from professional tennis in 1971, adidas sought a new face – American tennis player Stan Smith, who won the US Open that same year and Wimbledon the following year, was a natural choice.

However, the transition wasn't immediate: between 1973 and 1978, the shoe featured a tongue with both Stan Smith's portrait and the name “Haillet” – adidas was uncertain which name should prevail. It wasn't until 1978 that the name Haillet was definitively removed, and the shoe was officially renamed adidas Stan Smith.

Technology and construction: why this tennis shoe works even after 50 years

What makes the Stan Smith a lasting classic isn't complex performance technology, but precise construction from an era when tennis was still played on grass and clay:

• Full-grain leather upper: Smooth leather instead of the then-common canvas provided better support and elegance – the main reason the silhouette looks “clean” even today.
• Perforated three stripes: Instead of classic stitched adidas stripes, the Stan Smith features stripes perforated directly into the leather on the side of the shoe – a subtle detail that visually lightens the silhouette.
• Rubber outsole with a subtle pattern: The flat, low-profile outsole designed for hard courts provides stable ground contact – still a cornerstone of comfort for all-day wear.
• Portrait on the tongue: The iconic face of Stan Smith on the tongue of the shoe is one of the first examples of “personality branding” in sneaker history.

Design and silhouette

The Stan Smith is a clean, minimalist leather tennis silhouette, one of the oldest on the market, which adidas has repeatedly refreshed and reissued over the decades without changing its core DNA.

Current collaborations

The silhouette remains vibrant thanks to collaborations: in autumn 2025, the Tokyo brand everyone released a limited edition Stan Smith in grey-taupe and black suede, complemented by black slides. For 2026, a hybrid collaboration VA Tokyo x adidas is announced, combining the Superstar silhouette with Stan Smith details (“VA SUPERSTAN”).

Who the model is for

The Stan Smith is for you if you're looking for a timeless, clean sneaker for everyday wear that can be paired with practically any outfit – from streetwear to smart-casual. It's a choice for those who prefer minimalism and history over bold technological innovations.