Adidas SL 72 OG Shoes Complete Review

You know what? Every so often, a shoe from the archives comes roaring back with a vengeance, and right now, that shoe is the Adidas SL 72 OG. Originally designed as a "Super Light" runner for the 1972 Munich Olympics, it’s found a second life decades later, not on the track, but on the streets, becoming the darling of the fashion-forward crowd. Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a silhouette with real history make such a comeback, proving that truly great design never really fades away.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best For: Casual Wear, Daily Strolls, Retro Fashion Enthusiasts

Key Strengths: Extremely Lightweight Design, Sleek Retro Aesthetic, Styling Versatility

Notable Limitations: Narrow Fit, Limited Arch Support, Poor Traction on Wet Surfaces

What Makes Adidas SL 72 OG Stand Out?

Here’s the thing about the SL 72 OG: it stands out by being understated. In a world of chunky, over-designed sneakers, its slim, low-profile silhouette is a breath of fresh air. It was engineered in 1972 to be "Super Light," and that ethos still defines it today, making it feel almost weightless on your feet. This isn’t just another retro shoe; it was one of the very first Adidas models to sport the now-iconic Trefoil logo, giving it a legitimate claim to heritage that newer designs just can't fake. While everyone was wearing Sambas and Gazelles, the SL 72 snuck in as the cooler, slightly more niche alternative, championed by style icons like Bella Hadid and Timothée Chalamet. It’s that blend of authentic history, a unique silhouette, and modern-day relevance that makes it a standout. As one customer puts it, it’s a shoe that is "So classic and stylish. I feel I can wear it with almost everything. Super comfortable and love the retro look."

Real Customer Experiences

When you sift through thousands of reviews, a pretty clear picture emerges. People are overwhelmingly positive, but there are a few recurring points of contention you should know about.

• Aesthetic Dominance: The vast majority of praise centers on the shoe's look. Reviewers consistently describe it as "stylish," "sleek," and a "fashionably retro" alternative to the more common Adidas models. It’s the primary reason people are buying this shoe.
• Fit & Sizing Puzzles: This is the most common area of complaint. A significant number of users report that the shoe runs large, recommending sizing down by a half or even a full size. At the same time, it has a very narrow profile, making it a tough fit for anyone with wider feet.
• Comfort is Conditional: While many find it comfortable enough for daily casual wear thanks to its light weight, it's not a shoe built for all-day, on-your-feet support. Some users note the sole is firm and lacks the cushioning needed for extended periods of walking or standing.

One Zappos reviewer highlights the tongue issue perfectly:

"The only real negative is the tongue is a weird plastic material that can rub against the top of your toes if you're not wearing socks high enough."

On the other hand, the visual appeal often wins out, as a reviewer on JD Sports notes:

"Really wanted a pair of Adidas that were a bit different to the gazelles/sambas that everyone has. These are perfect. Really comfortable and look great with jeans/trousers and dresses."

Design and Build Quality

Let me explain the build, because it’s key to understanding the shoe. The SL 72 OG is a faithful homage to the 1972 original, and its construction reflects that era's design philosophy.

The upper is a masterclass in minimalism. The primary material is a lightweight nylon, which was a pretty revolutionary choice back in the day when heavy leather runners were the norm. This is complemented by soft suede overlays at the toe, heel, and along the eyelets, which provide necessary structure and abrasion resistance where it’s needed most. A really distinct touch is the textured Ecotex tongue, which adds to that vintage vibe.

The engine room of any shoe is the midsole, and here you’ll find a thin slice of EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. It’s designed to provide basic, responsive cushioning without adding any bulk, which is central to the shoe’s "Super Light" identity. Don't expect a plush, cloud-like ride; this is a firm, grounded feel.

Underneath it all, the outsole is made of durable rubber and features a very distinct sawtooth or ripple tread pattern. This was originally designed for excellent grip on the track, and it provides decent traction for daily wear, though with one major caveat we'll get to later.

As for weight, the name doesn't lie. Weighing in between 225 and 280 grams depending on size, it is noticeably lighter than your average lifestyle sneaker. In terms of special tech, you have to remember the context. In 1972, the "tech" was its incredibly light weight. It was also one of the first Adidas shoes to feature the Trefoil logo, cementing its place in brand history.

Honestly, there aren't widespread durability "issues," but there are characteristics to be aware of. The most notable is the creasing of the flexible nylon upper during walking. This is just the nature of the material, not a defect. It gives the shoe a worn-in, vintage look over time, which many people actually like.

Comfort and Fit

Alright, let's talk about how this shoe actually feels on your foot, because this is where things get a bit tricky. The general advice is that the SL 72 OG fits true to size for most people. However, a dive into user reviews reveals a more complicated story. Many, many people find that the shoe runs large, suggesting you should go down a half or even a full size.

Here's the thing: it’s the width profile that’s the real decider. This is a narrow shoe, period. Lab tests confirm the toebox and forefoot are significantly narrower than the average sneaker. If you have wide feet, this is probably not the shoe for you, unless you’re willing to go up at least half a size to compensate. And don't count on a break-in period to save you; the nylon and suede upper doesn't have much stretch, so if it feels tight out of the box, it’s going to stay tight.

For those with narrow to average-width feet who get the sizing right, the shoe offers decent comfort for everyday use and daily strolls. The arch support is adequate for a casual sneaker, but if you have high arches, you might want to swap in your own insoles.

As one reviewer noted, the fit is critical:

"These trainers are very narrow. I have narrow feet and they fit just right. If you have wide feet, I suggest going a size up."

Style and Versatility

From a style perspective, the Adidas SL 72 OG is an absolute home run. Its sleek, low-profile, retro-runner aesthetic is its biggest selling point. It serves as a fantastic alternative for those who love the vintage Adidas look but are tired of seeing Sambas and Gazelles everywhere.

The versatility is honestly incredible. These shoes pair effortlessly with almost anything in a modern wardrobe. They look fantastic with jeans, shorts, and even mini skirts. You can dress them up with wide-leg tailored trousers for a "sporty chic" vibe that’s perfect for a casual office, or dress them down with leggings and an oversized sweater. The bold colorways that Adidas has been releasing are a huge part of the appeal, allowing the shoe to be a statement piece that adds a pop of color to a simple outfit.

Quality and Durability

You know what? For a shoe with such a lightweight and minimalist design, the SL 72 OG is built pretty solidly. The craftsmanship is generally praised, with users pointing to clean stitching and quality materials that hold up well to regular use. The suede and nylon upper maintains its shape, and that robust rubber outsole has plenty of material to last for a good long while. So, the praise is definitely there for its general construction.

However, it’s not without its weak spots. The biggest issue isn't really a durability flaw but a performance one: the outsole has very limited traction on wet surfaces. Lab tests show its grip on wet concrete is well below average, so you need to be careful on rainy days. Additionally, some users have pointed out issues with the thin, plastic-like material of the tongue, which can be uncomfortable. It’s a design choice that doesn’t work for everyone.

As one customer bluntly put it after a mishap:

"The sole on these is like tire rubber, which is usually a good thing. Unfortunately it’s not soft. I slipped on the very first step I took outside, on a slightly damp pavement and almost broke my neck."

Value for Money

At a retail price of $100 USD, the Adidas SL 72 OG positions itself as a very accessible and compelling option in the retro sneaker market. When you compare it to comparable models like the Nike Killshot 2 ($90) or the ASICS Gel 1130 ($100), it sits right in that sweet spot of affordability. It’s certainly more budget-friendly than some of the more hyped New Balance models that can run upwards of $150.

In terms of Amazon availability, the SL 72 OG is not consistently sold directly, so it's harder to pin down a steady price range there.

Here’s the thing about its value: you're paying for style, heritage, and a lightweight feel, not for high-performance cushioning or all-day orthopedic support. The price-to-performance ratio is excellent if aesthetics are your priority. What's more, for general release colorways, the secondary market on sites like GOAT and StockX often has pairs available for significantly less than retail, sometimes in the $60-$90 range, making it an even better deal if you’re not chasing a limited-edition collaboration.

Decision Matrix

To make it simple, here’s how the SL 72 OG stacks up in a few common scenarios.

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor