The adidas Gazelle has been around since 1966, originally developed as a lightweight training shoe before finding its way onto football terraces and into British music culture. The suede uppers, low rubber soles and familiar three stripes have remained central to its identity, even as the range has grown. Today's men's adidas Gazelle trainers still carry much of that original design, with the classic Gazelle and Gazelle Indoor offering two slightly different interpretations.
adidas Gazelle or Gazelle Indoor?
The classic adidas Gazelle keeps the familiar T-toe, serrated three stripes and relatively understated rubber outsole. Suede is the material most closely associated with the model, although leather and other finishes appear across different editions. It's a low-profile trainer with a straightforward shape, recognisable from the contrast stripes, heel tab and Gazelle lettering along the side.
Gazelle Indoor has a little more going on underneath. Its translucent gum rubber outsole wraps around the sides of the shoe, giving the familiar silhouette a different finish. Depending on the edition, you'll find combinations of suede, nubuck and leather across the upper, with contrasting stripes and heel detailing. That gum sole is the easiest way to tell the Indoor apart from a classic Gazelle, particularly when comparing similar colourways.
Both retain the slim proportions of adidas' sporting archive. If you prefer a cleaner rubber sole, the classic Gazelle is a good starting point. Gazelle Indoor brings more visible gum rubber and a slightly different character to the same familiar shape.
Men's adidas Gazelle Colours, Materials and Fit
Colour has always been a big part of the Gazelle. Blue and green suede pairs have strong connections to its early sporting history, while black, navy, brown and grey editions offer different takes on the classic three-stripe design. On Gazelle Indoor, the translucent gum sole adds another colour and texture to consider.
Materials deserve a closer look, especially if you'll wear your trainers regularly. Suede needs more care in wet weather, while leather is generally easier to wipe clean. The low-profile sole also feels very different in construction from a heavily cushioned modern running shoe, so consider what you're used to wearing.
adidas recommends your usual size for many standard Gazelle editions, although fit and materials can vary between versions. Check the individual product's sizing information before choosing.
More adidas Originals Classics
The Gazelle shares plenty of history with other adidas favourites. The adidas Samba brings its own football background, with a distinctive leather-led construction in the classic OG, while the Handball Spezial draws on indoor handball footwear with suede uppers and gum soles. They're useful alternatives if you like the Gazelle's low-profile shape but want to explore a different finish.
Browse men's adidas Gazelle trainers at Pro:Direct Lifestyle by UK size, colour and style, or explore the wider men's adidas trainers collection.
