Guide

5 stylish Adidas sneakers that not everyone’s wearing yet

9.1.2025

Translation: Elicia Payne

How about Taekwondo and Tokyo instead of Samba and Spezial? Here are five underrated Adidas sneakers you should have on your radar this year.

Sneaker classics such as the Samba, Gazelle or Handball Spezial are everywhere nowadays. You like the minimalist retro-style but you’d like a more unique shape? Then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve picked out five stylish suggestions from Adidas that’ll put you one step ahead of the hype.

1. Country OG

The Adidas Country OG in the colours Purple/Off-White/Core Black.
Source: Adidas

Launched in the 1970s as a shoe for cross-country running, the Country OG is currently considered an insider tip – a shoe with the potential to become the next «it» sneaker. Although it’s beautifully slim, as fashion currently likes it, its wedge-shaped midsole makes it slightly bulkier. In the collaboration with the label Song For The Mute, Adidas recently even released a trendy version with a furry «calf hair» surface. A clear sign the shoe specifically belongs in the fashion scene.

2. Taekwondo

Adidas Taekwondo in a striking metallic look.
Source: Adidas

If you’re a millennial, there’s a strong chance your little feet came in to contact with Taekwondos when you were a kid. The model, inspired by the martial art, was a huge hit in the 2000s. With its delicate, minimalist silhouette, the shoe also fits perfectly into the current trend and is somewhat reminiscent of the currently very popular Puma Speedcat. Thanks to its practical slip-on design and striking seams in the forefoot area, the Taekwondo stands out from the crowd.

The sneaker has a more subtle look in classic black and white.
Source: Instagram @mariegaguech

3. Japan

The Adidas Japan in the colours Cream White/Preloved Ruby/Warm Vanilla.
Source: Adidas

The Japan first appeared in 1964 in a catalogue for the Olympic Games in Tokyo and is currently being reissued by Adidas. Good timing, now that people are constantly looking for Samba alternatives. Although the Japan model looks familiar at first glance, it stands out from well-known models thanks to interesting details such as the slightly angular toe section. Incidentally, the shoe can be seen in a knee-high version in the music video for the latest hit Mantra by K-pop artist Jennie.

4. Tokyo

The Adidas Tokyo with it’s suede surface looks great.
Source: Adidas

A similarly angular toe section, but an even slimmer silhouette, characterises the Adidas Tokyo. Inspired by the running shoe design of the 1970s, this sneaker’s part of Adidas’ popular City Series, just like the Japan. With its particularly thin soles and sleek design, the Tokyo gives sophistication.

The sneaker also comes in Off-White.
Source: Instagram @justinbangsil

5. K 74

The Adidas K 74 in classic white with black stripes.
Source: Adidas

The K 74 is a more conservative retro football shoe and probably flies under the radar the most among the five models mentioned here. But that’s exactly what makes it interesting for anyone who wants avoid short-lived hypes of well-known sneakers. Originally launched in 1974 on the occasion of the World Cup final in West Germany, the sneaker previously called «Kick» is now celebrating its return with a new name.

Header image: Adidas

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