This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Who would have thought that a tennis shoe from 1973 would make a comeback four decades later!? The iconic sneaker has become Adidas’ bestselling shoe and it doesn’t look like the hype is going to die down anytime soon. When these kicks first originated, Adidas asked former famous tennis player Stan Smith to endorse them. Alas, the Stan Smiths were born, with the face of the tennis champ himself plastered onto the tongue.
So, what prompted their overwhelming return in the 21st century? According to Business Insider, Adidas went to great lengths on social media by targeting celebrities, like Ellen DeGeneres, to wear versions of the shoes with their own faces instead of Smith’s. And once Gisele Bündchen bared it all on the cover of Vogue in 2013 wearing only Stan Smiths, the rest was history.
Everyone and their mother seems to have a pair of these shoes now, so we’re getting a little burnt out from seeing them worn a million times a day—especially the classic green version. At $60, they’re not a bad price for trendy athleisure wear, but stand out from the crowd of white and and green low sneakers in these alternative styles.
For half the price, you can rock these Target shoes that even have a perforated stripe and color block heel tab similar to the actual Stan Smiths.
Target Women’s A+ Adria Sneaker ($27.99)
Stan Smith’s face might might not be plastered on these retro-looking shoes from Madewell, but you still get your green and white sneaker fix without falling into the masses.
For a more feminine flair, opt for these shoes from Zappos with a girly ruffle along the laces. These run way pricier than Stan Smiths, but they’re a refreshing take on the popular shoe.
Tory Sport Ruffle Sneaker ($225)
Stan Smiths definitely replaced the classic Chuck Taylor All Stars as the favorite go-to everyday sneaker, so revert back to your Converse roots with these Stan Smith-esque sneaks from DSW.
Take these revolutionary red and white Converse sneakers from Free People for a spin versus the classic green of the Adidas staple. Stan Smiths do come in red, but we have yet to stumble upon any IRL.
Gemma Low Top Sneaker ($80)
Well, look what we have here—white sneakers with a metallic faux leather heel tab. Metallic detailing beats solid colors any day, so Stan Smiths can step aside.
Metallic Trim Lace Up Sneakers ($24.90)
These shoes from Free People have a gold logo on the tongue, so you’re not staring at a man’s face whenever you look down at your feet. The off-white color gives them a cool worn-in feel.
With Adidas dominating as one of the major shoe powerhouses, Reebok is like Adidas’s overshadowed stepsister. But this collab with Urban Outfitters gives the shoe brand a revamped appeal, and these babies have a hint of green to appease your white and green sneaker craving.
For the most playful spin on Stan Smiths, you cannot top this cute little set of footwear from Anthropologie. The beaded heel tabs scream, “Buy me and wear me everywhere!” Those winky faces are too cute to resist, and no to mention extremely Instagram-worthy.
Lola Cruz Smile Sneakers ($228)
[Photo: Songs of Style]
