The One Trainer Brand French Women Always Reach For

Ever since I saw Phoebe Philo walk out at the end of Celine shows during her tenure wearing Adidas Stan Smiths shoes, I've kept a pair in my wardrobe—just like many other chic women I know. The style embodies elevated fashion and captures that certain je ne sais quoi of modern-day dressing. I've effortlessly paired mine with tailored jackets and office-ready trousers, as well as with dresses and a denim jacket in summer and jeans and sweatshirts for busy errand days. If a pair of trainers could represent a French woman, it would undoubtedly be a pair of Adidas sneakers.
Beyond being simple, white leather shoes, the entire Adidas brand has become synonymous with cool, French girl style in recent years. The brand's Sambas embody the spirit of fun-loving, trend-forward individuals hanging out in the Marais neighbourhood. Ultraboosts grace the feet of stylish, on-the-go mums picking up produce and taking their impeccably dressed babies to the Louvre. For the fashion-savvy, the Stan Smith reigns supreme (although we do have a soft spot for colorful Gazelles too).
And if you're anything like me, you want an affordable sneaker that can complement any outfit. Fortunately, nearly all of Adidas' bestselling, easy-to-wear styles are priced at £150 or below. Plus, if these looks can't convince you of French women's obsession with Adidas shoes, I honestly don't know what will.
Shop Adidas Trainers:
1. Stan Smiths
Style Notes: Stan smiths are simple, chic and go with just about everything in your wardrobe, all year round. What more could you want?
Shop the shoe:
French women love a monochromatic moment, and this pair fits the bill perfectly.
2. Superstars
Style Notes: These have held icon status for over 50 years. Chances are you already own and love a pair, but if not, shop them below!
Shop the shoe:
3. Sambas
Style Notes: The shoe of the season (or even year) is here to stay. They're selling out fast, but we promise to update you as soon as they're in stock.
Shop the shoe:
4. Gazelles
Style Notes: Cool people wear Gazelles. Fact.
Shop the shoe:
There's something about a green trainer that feels really stylish. Pair with other bright hues to really make an impact.
I can totally see this pair on the streets of Paris under some straight-leg light-wash denim.
Next Up: The 8-Piece Capsule Wardrobe French Women Rely On in the Summer
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.
Promo image: @anoukyve
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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