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.
The OGs.
Ideal for summer.
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:
An oldie, but always a goodie.
For your friend who is loving tenniscore right now.
Picture these with a white midi dress.
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:
A slew of sizes just dropped for this ultra-viral shoe.
This new colour has really caught my eye.
Bella Hadid is a fan of these.
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.
When all else fails, opt for a classic white.
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
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Kendall Jenner Just Wore the Stylish Trainer Colour That's Much More Interesting Than WhiteI'm sold.
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Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Adidas It Trainers Everyone Is Calling "the Sambas of 2025"The fan club is growing.
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Lila Moss Just Wore the Timeless Trainer Trend Mum Kate Lived in During the '00sShe's on to something.
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I’m Ready to Admit It—These £85 Adidas Trainers Are Officially Cooler Than SambasI've made up my mind.
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Forget Adidas and New Balance for a Sec—I'm Buying These High-Street Trainers While They're In StockGet them while they're hot!
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And Just Like That, I Want to Wear These Affordable Trainers Instead of SambasChic and cost efficient—win, win.
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European Women Have Convinced Me That This Is Spring 2025's Most Elegant Jacket TrendAnd it goes perfectly with jeans.
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I Commute in London Every Day—I've Started Seeing This Specific Trainer Style EverywhereI can't ignore it.
