Ever since adidas relaunched the Stan Smith a handful of years ago, the classic sneaker has gone through the ringer in terms of design, style and build updates. UV reactive uppers. Designer paint jobs. Faux Fur. Polka dots. Leather straps. There were a few that we’d never consider lacing up, but there were quite a few good ideas that came out of designers and test labs worthy of any discerning man’s wardrobe. These are the 8 best takes on the Stan Smith worthy of legendary sneaker status.
Stan Smith Primeknit
The Stan Smith Primeknit is what we would consider half of a modern update of the Stan Smith Originals. The Stan Smith Boost upgrades the sole with modern adidas technology while this, the Stan Smith Primeknit, utilizes a more advanced upper. It’s still the iconic favorite that you know and love with all the details that made it a classic except now it’s built with an adaptive Primeknit upper that’s more comfortable and flexible than even the most broken in leather. $55
Stan Smith Originals
If you’re one of those guys that prefers the original, OG style but doesn’t want to walk around town in used kicks you bought you off eBay, these adidas Original Stan Smiths are the closest you’ll find to that vintage glory. You’ll get that same iconic silhouette that’s been on tennis pros since the 70s with a few key updates that make it a modern kick without killing the vintage style that made it popular all those decades ago. $60
Stan Smith Boost
Take the original, iconic Stan Smith that’s been a hit for decades and update it with the most responsive cushioning ever made in the boost sole. The Stan Smith Boost is everything that was great about the original 3-Stripes classic silhouette with updated tech and a bubbly sole that’s as comfortable and responsive as it is cool set against the sleek leather upper that defines the rest of the shoe. $60
Stan Smith Tennis Ball
It’s only fitting that sooner or later the sneaker named after an American tennis great would get a tennis ball style upper, but unlike some of the other brands that went for the full bright green ball package, adidas did the sporting pro justice with their take on the tennis ball shoe. The Stan Smith Tennis Ball comes with a “hairy suede upper” available in Energy Orange or Chalk White set atop a contrasting sole and decked out in tiny matte gold details. These kicks are for the guy that wants to make a statement without being ostentatious. $90
Stan Smith Mesh
Reflective Stan Smith tongue and heel patch logos. Airy mesh upper with a multicolor chain-link pattern in blue or white. Comfortable textile lining and OrthoLite sockliner. Stan Smith Mesh sneakers retain classic features and design cues while also being completely modern and updated for the generations that don’t plan on wearing them with tube socks and tennis shorts. They’re classic without being old-fashioned. $100
Stan Smith Wool
In addition to looking great and being a fantastic, more muted version of the traditional Stan, the Stan Smith Wool sneaker will also keep you just that little bit warmer in the winter thanks to its wool upper. It looks the same. It feels the same. It even has the Stan Smith branding on the heel tab in a contrasting, muted color. The only thing different is the wool upper that feels great and will keep your feet toasty when the inclement weather rolls in. $120
Stan Smith Nuude
The adidas Stan Smith Nuudes were technically designed for the fairer sex, but as long as you’re not trying to slide in a pair of feet larger than size 10 they’ll look just as good on you. Aside from a few stitched areas and an embossed heel tab, these instant classics are incredibly clean and devoid of all Stan Smith branding on the exterior. You’ll know you’re wearing Stans because of the iconic colors on the inside, but everyone else will be asking about that unknown pair of adidas kicks. $170
Stan Smith Polygon
Part of the adidas Originals Classics Polygon Pack that dropped last year, the Stan Smith Polygon utilizes nothing but the classic sneaker silhouette to create something ridiculously cool and even harder to find. There’s no iconic colored heel tab, tongue detailing, bright sole or anything other than the shape to denote this is even a Stan Smith. In the absence all of those details is a series of embossed geometric panels in the upper that truly set this pair apart from all the other options. $200
