There are trainers that are trendy one season and then disappear. And then there are those trainers. Those classic silhouettes that seem immune to the passage of time, that resurface with strength time and time again, conquering new generations without losing their essence. We’re talking, of course, about the unstoppable phenomenon of the Adidas Samba, Adidas Gazelle and its sister, the Adidas Spezial.

 

You are at trendy retro trainers They flood street style, social networks and the feet of the most influential celebrities. But what is the secret of their eternal youth and why, in the midst of 2025, are they still an object of mass desire? From their legendary versatility to their connection to the estilo Blokecore and its surprising fit with the aesthetics of the ‘lujo silencioso’ We are going to unravel the keys to its success.

Get ready for an in-depth analysis of why these classic trainers from Adidas not only refuse to go out of fashion, but are still going strong as ever.

A Legacy of Style: A Brief History of the Adidas Classics

To understand their present, you have to look at their past. These shoes were born with a functional purpose, far from the catwalks:

• Adidas Samba: Originally released in the 1950s, it was designed as an indoor football shoe to provide grip on icy or hard surfaces. It is one of Adidas’ longest-lived silhouettes.
• Adidas Gazelle: Introduced in the 1960s, it was one of the brand’s first general training shoes, notable for its pioneering use of suede in vibrant colours.
• Adidas Special: Developed in the 1970s, it was designed specifically for handball players, offering great support and a distinctive rubber sole.

Although they were born in sport (football fashionhandball, handball, training), soon transcended the courts. They were adopted by a variety of subcultures, most notably the Terrace British football fans in the 1980s, where they became a symbol of status and belonging. They are the terrace fashion shoes The timeless design. Their timeless design – low profile, simple materials such as suede or leather, the iconic three stripes and often the distinctive caramel-coloured rubber sole – has been key to their durability.

The Keys to Sustained Success in 2025 (And Beyond!)

Its historical legacy is important, but it does not alone explain its current dominance. Several keys drive its popularity today:

Unbeatable Versatility: Matches (Almost) Everything

This is perhaps its greatest superpower. The Adidas Samba y Adidas Gazelle (and Spezial) work with virtually any outfit: jeans, dress trousers, skirts, dresses, shorts…. Their minimalist and clean design makes them incredibly easy to integrate into casual, sporty, preppy and even more formal or avant-garde looks. If you’re wondering how to combine Adidas Gazelle or Samba, the answer is: whatever you want! They are a blank canvas for your personal style.

The Power of Street Style and Celebrities

They are ubiquitous. Models like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and countless influencers wear them constantly, providing an avalanche of inspiration and validation. Seeing them combined in a myriad of ways in street style keeps them relevant and desirable. It’s no wonder that the Lyst Q1 2025 index (released in April 2025) confirmed that models like the Adidas Samba remained among the most sought-after fashion products globally.

The Blokecore Connection and Terrace Culture

The rise of the estilo Blokecore -that aesthetic inspired by 90s British football fan culture, mixing retro football shirts, jeans and classic sneakers-has been a brutal catalyst for Samba, Gazelle and Spezial. They are, quite literally, the defining footwear of this trend. Recovering these terrace fashion shoes connects with a cool nostalgia and authenticity that resonates strongly today.

 

Gazelle vs. Spezial: Small Differences, Big Impact?

Although they share similar DNA, there are subtle differences:

• Samba: They tend to have a sharper, more elongated silhouette, an often more prominent tongue and a toe cap that may be smooth suede or T-shaped.
• Gazelle: It generally features a more rounded toe, a shorter tongue and is famous for its brightly coloured full suede versions.
• Special: Very similar to the Gazelle, but often with a slightly more robust sole and a more direct cultural connection to the scene. Terrace and handball.

There are multiple versions of each (OG, Indoor, ADV, etc.), but their central appeal lies in their recognisable simplicity. The choice between one or the other is often a matter of personal preference for small details.

How to Choose and Match your Adidas Classics

Tempted to join (or stay) in the club?

• The Choice: Think about colour – a neutral basic (black, white, grey, beige) to go with everything, or a bolder colour (red, green, blue) to make it stand out? Do you prefer the texture of suede or the easy cleanability of leather?
• Styling: Here are some ideas on how to combine Adidas Gazelle and her sisters:
• Look Casual Infalible: Your favourite jeans (straight, wide, slim…), a basic T-shirt and your Samba/Gazelle. You can’t go wrong.
• Vibra Blokecore: Pair a Spezial or Samba with a retro football shirt, classic wash jeans and a Harrington jacket.
• Unexpected Touch: Break up the formality of a lingerie dress or the delicacy of a midi skirt by pairing them with suede Gazelle. It works surprisingly well.

The reign of the Adidas Samba, Adidas Gazelle and Adidas Spezial shows no signs of running out of steam. Its success is a perfect storm of timeless design, rich cultural heritage, unrivalled versatility, adoption by key style figures, connection with current trends such as the estilo Blokecore and smart partnerships.

They are much more than simple trendy retro trainersThey are fundamental pieces in the lexicon of contemporary fashion, capable of adapting and reinventing themselves without losing their soul. If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish trainer with a history, you know that going for one of these Adidas classics is always a good idea.

What’s your favourite model, do you have any tips on how to combine them? Share your sneaker wisdom in the comments!