Adidas’s Military-Born Trainer Is Quietly Becoming the Brand’s Best Everyday Sneaker

The BW Army is the latest B-side-turned-single to earn a place on Adidas’s greatest hits album.

Close-up of black leather Adidas shoe heel with translucent rubber sole and suede heel tab against blue background.

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Published January 6, 2026

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From the Samba and the Superstar to the best-selling Stan Smith, Adidas’s greatest hits album is filled with banger after banger.

In that light, think of the BW Army as a B-side turned single.

White Adidas sneaker with beige suede accents, black side stripe, and gum sole. — The BW Army dates back to the 1970s. Adidas originally designed it for the forces of the West German Army.

Originally supplied to the West German Army in the ’70s and ’80s, the reissued shoe shares some of the hallmarks found on other Adidas icons. These include a low-profile design and classic gum outsole and suede overlays.

Close-up of a white sneaker toe with beige suede panels and white laces. — Like many Adidas classics, including the Samba, the BW Army features suede overlays across the upper.

Sole of a brown rubber shoe with circular and triangular tread patterns and "BW-Sport 265" text. — The three-zone outsole is an Adidas signature. However, only the BW Army features the words, “BW-Sport 265.”

However, it eschews the three-stripe accent across the upper, giving it a minimalist facade that’s more serious than sporty.

Close-up of a black leather and dark gray suede sneaker toe with black laces and a translucent brown sole. — Sans stripes, the BW Army feels more serious than sporty.

White leather sneaker with beige suede accents and a teal stripe on a gum sole. — Simple colorways and subtle contrasts define the sneaker.

That said, the shoe has plenty of personality tucked away in the details.

Now available in a slew of new colorways, the BW Army is kicking off 2026 as Adidas’s most compelling lifestyle sneaker, with each variant defined by subtle contrasts that pair just as well with blue jeans as they do with slacks.

Notably, the “Team Victory Red” pair features a cracked-leather upper that gives it a worn-in appearance straight out of the box.

Off-white Adidas sneaker with cracked leather texture, red side stripe, beige suede toe, and gum sole. — The new white-and-red variant is the only one to feature cracked leather.

Availability and pricing

Four new BW Army variants are now available from the official Adidas website, each one costing $120.

Black and gray Adidas leather sneaker with gum sole and beige inner lining, side view.

Adidas BW Army

$120 at Adidas

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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