The Samba and Gazelle got the headlines, but the adidas SL 72 has quietly become the retro runner of the moment — slimmer than a terrace shoe, sportier than a loafer, and instantly recognizable by its serrated 3-Stripes and low, lean profile. If you're deciding whether the SL 72 belongs in your rotation, this guide covers the history, the different versions, the colorways, and how they fit. Everything referenced below links to the SL 72 collection, where each product page shows exactly what's on hand.
What is the adidas SL 72?
The SL 72 debuted in 1972 as a lightweight training shoe — the "SL" stands for "Super Light" — built with a nylon upper, suede overlays, and a cushioned midsole that was ahead of its time. Its jagged, serrated 3-Stripes and slim silhouette made it one of the most distinctive runners of the decade. Fifty years later, adidas pulled it from the archive, and it landed right in the middle of the retro-running wave alongside 70s-inspired silhouettes from every major brand. The difference: the SL 72 isn't 70s-inspired. It's the actual shoe.
SL 72 RS vs. SL 72 Vintage vs. SL 72 OG: what's the difference?
adidas reissues the SL 72 in a few builds, and the naming trips people up. The SL 72 RS is the modern men's reissue — true to the original shape with updated materials and a clean, wearable finish. We stock the RS in black, blue, and a warm sandstone/shadow brown that reads almost vintage-suede in person. The SL 72 Vintage leans into the archival look with retro finishing — the women's line is where it shines, including a snakeskin women's pair that turns a basic outfit into an intentional one. The SL 72 OG is the closest-to-1972 build; the standout in our catalog is the women's OG 'Leopard'. There are also collabs — the adidas Originals x Liberty London SL 72 in cloud white, cream white, and better scarlet is the collector's pick of the bunch.
The best SL 72 colorways
Part of the SL 72's appeal is that it wears color better than almost any adidas silhouette — the stripe, upper, and heel tab give three zones for contrast. If you want one pair that goes with everything, the women's black SL 72 or the men's black RS is the move. If you want the pair people ask about, go leopard, snakeskin, or Liberty London. Browse the full SL 72 collection to compare — we carry men's and women's, and the mix rotates as new pairs come through authentication. For where the SL 72 sits in the bigger picture, see our trending adidas sneakers guide.
Do adidas SL 72 run true to size?
The SL 72 is a slim, low-volume retro runner — closer to a Samba's snugness than a modern cushioned trainer. Most people take their usual adidas size; wide-footed wearers often prefer a half size up because the toe box tapers. We wrote a dedicated women's SL 72 sizing guide with heel, midfoot, and toe-box notes if you're between sizes. One more fit note: the sole is flat and flexible, great for everyday walking, but this is a lifestyle shoe now — not a running shoe.
How to style the SL 72
The slim profile is the whole trick. The SL 72 slides under tapered trousers, straight-leg denim, track pants, and — on the women's side — does the sneakers-with-dresses look better than bulkier pairs. Lean into the 70s track DNA rather than fighting it: simple fits, one loud element, let the shoe carry it.
Caring for nylon and suede
The nylon upper cleans up easily, but the suede overlays want a soft brush and dry care — skip the washing machine. Our sneaker cleaning guide covers the suede-safe routine step by step.
Verified before it ships
Every SL 72 we sell is authenticated in-house at our Portland, Oregon warehouse before it goes out — Verified & Shipped, no marketplace guesswork. Check the SL 72 collection for current pairs and sizes.
— Anthony from West Coast Deals