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Did Adidas Quietly Drop the Best Black Sneaker It’s Ever Made?

If it’s disingenuous to call this the best new sneaker Adidas sells, that’s only because the design dates back half a century.

Close-up of black Adidas shoe with textured brown sole and Adidas logo on the side.The Whitaker Group
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By Jack Seemer

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If it’s disingenuous to call the BW Army the best new shoe in Adidas’s repertoire, that’s only because it’s isn’t quite new.

Initially made for the West German Army half a century ago, the design reappeared in 2025 with a long overdue reissue courtesy of the brand’s Originals division.

But it would take a collaboration with the Whitaker Group (TWG) to really rediscover the model’s true might.

Pair of black Adidas sneakers with suede and leather upper and gum rubber sole on a gray background.
This black suede variant of the BW Army is exclusive to retailers under the umbrella of the Whitaker Group.
The Whitaker Group

Suede stunner

Available exclusively at TWG’s respective sub-brands — including A Ma Maniére, Social Status and APB — the BW Army gets a subtle suede redux that enters the race for best black sneaker in Adidas history.

Like the mainline BW Army, the shoe trades the signature three stripes for leather overlays that extend around the toe box.

Pair of black leather sneakers with brown rubber soles viewed from the front on a gray background.
Leather overlays extended to the toe box replace the three stripes found on most vintage Adidas models.
The Whitaker Group
Close-up of black leather sneaker toe with black laces and textured brown rubber sole.
Black accents, including the laces, keep the looks tonal.
The Whitaker Group

However, the material mashup brings an added touch of sophistication to what was already one of the sleekest designs from the German sportswear giant.

To preserve the tonal look, the model also features black laces and a stamped logo motif on the heel, while the classic gum sole keeps it grounded.

Pair of black suede Adidas sneakers with brown textured rubber soles shown from the back.
An embossed motif on the heel is an added flourish.
The Whitaker Group
Black Adidas sneaker with suede upper and brown textured rubber sole showing Adidas logo on side.
The shoe retains the gum sole found on most Originals models, providing a subtle point of contrast along with the leather mashup.
The Whitaker Group

The words “BW-Sport 265” on the outsole replace the Adidas logo as an authentic flourish that separates the model from shoes like the Samba.

Brown rubber shoe sole with textured grip pattern and circular design near the toe area.
The words “BW-Sport 265” on the outsole replace the Adidas logo.
The Whitaker Group

Availability and pricing

Available now at retailers under the TWG umbrella, the black suede BW Army costs $120, staying in line pricing on Adidas’s own website.

The model is also joined by a cracked-leather variant, as well as green and tan.

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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