adidas SL 72

SL 72

In the early 1970s, adidas designed a nimble running shoe for athletes competing at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Known as the adidas SL 72, it had a lightweight nylon upper that made it faster, more breathable and more flexible than traditional runners. It also had a thin sole unit of EVA foam and grippy rubber for an agile build that was reflected in its name; SL meaning ‘super light’.

The SL 72 was a great shoe for everyday wear, and it became popular amongst athletes relaxing in the Olympic Village of ‘72, leading to it being called the Podium Shoe. This trend pervaded wider society, where it was often worn either as a casual sneaker or for the growing hobby of jogging.

From 1975-1979, the shoe appeared on the feet of streetwise TV detective David Starsky, and fans of the show soon began to adopt his style, thus adding to the success of the SL 72. In 1977, Fortune magazine named it one of the best-designed products of its time, and more SL models followed, including the 76 and the 80. However, as the years passed, the SL 72 drifted into the background, and other silhouettes began to take the limelight.

Decades later, in 2019, with the adidas Originals series benefitting from the retro sneaker trend, the SL 72 made a triumphant return. The original blue edition was rereleased alongside a second olive green colourway, both of which were popular designs in their own right.

Just one year later, the adidas SL 72 really took off thanks to a high-end collaboration with Grace Wales Bonner and her eponymous fashion label. Full of luxurious styling, the Wales Bonner SL 72 featured a captivating retro aesthetic inspired by the designer’s British-Caribbean heritage, and two more elegant colourways followed in 2023 as the SL 72 became one of the must-have shoes of the decade.

Following this success, adidas launched two distinct versions of the SL 72: the OG and the RS. While the OG was modelled on the 1970s shoe, the RS, which stands for “reshaped”, had an elevated sole unit that provided more cushioning and a chunkier aesthetic.

Talented artist and storyteller Kenny Germé and fashion stylist Cece Liu created a powerful advertising campaign for the release, boosting its popularity once more. In turn, this attracted the attention of fashion-conscious celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and brought about another high-end collaboration with Sporty & Rich. The sneaker soon began showing up on social media feeds around the world, making it a sought-after fashion item.

When the adidas SL 72 first came out, it was aimed at athletes who wanted a lightweight shoe that would enable them to run faster. However, its stylish design and comfortable build saw it transcend the world of sport to become a beloved lifestyle sneaker with strong retro appeal.