HISTORY OF ADIDAS ORIGINALS SL 72
Want to know about the best styles on feet? Let us guide you through the most iconic models that have made the transition from sport to style with our definitive guide to - the adidas SL 72
Explore Men's SL 72 & Women's SL 72
Introduced in 1972, this shoe has transcended its original purpose as a performance sneaker to become a cultural icon. Unveiled during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, the name "SL" stood for "Super Light," reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating lightweight, high-performance footwear for athletes. The "72" naturally referred to the year of its debut. At the time, the SL72 was a revolutionary product, leading the shift toward lighter, more flexible materials beign demanded by athletes competing at the highest levels.
One of the most notable innovations of the SL72 was its outsole. Designed with a distinctive ripple pattern, the sole offered exceptional grip and traction, setting it apart from its contemporaries. The midsole provided a comfortable and responsive cushioning system and the use of nylon as a primary material made the shoe breathable and already balanced functionality with style.
While the SL72 was initially conceived as a performance shoe, its appeal quickly transcended the athletic world. Fast becoming a staple in casual wear, thanks to its sleek design and versatility and embraced by a wide range of subcultures, from the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the United States to casuals in the UK who favoured adidas for its timeless designs.
The SL72’s minimalist aesthetic, combined with its reputation for comfort, made it a natural fit for these groups. Fans of retro sneakers still admire the SL72 for its clean lines and understated elegance, qualities that remain relevant decades after its debut.
As nostalgia became a driving force in sneaker culture, adidas pushes models like the SL72 to reignite the appeal and performance origins for new generations. The SL72 has enjoyed several reissues, appealing to both original and new fans. However, the SL72 stays true to the original design, maintaining the nylon-suede upper and ripple sole, while incorporating subtle updates to improve comfort and durability and trend.
With plenty of options of the adidas SL72 available now at Pro:Direct, this retro inspired model has the match for your PB style.
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