Adidas’ All-Time Bestseller Is Almost Unrecognizable in This New Premium Take

The iconic Stan Smith gets a pared-back makeover, revealing a minimalist masterpiece focused on everyday luxury.

Adidas

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By Hayley Helms

Published June 5, 2026

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For the last half decade, everyone’s been talking about the Samba … but it’s the Adidas Stan Smith that holds the position as the brand’s all-time bestselling shoe.

Now, that historic sneaker has been totally transformed, stepping onto the scene as an almost unrecognizable hybrid that brings premium materials and a luxury mindset to a time-tested favorite.

White leather Mary Jane shoe with green trim and textured sole, shown from side and bottom angles. — The Stan Smith is unrecognizable as a ballet flat/ Mary Jane hybrid … but there’s something about the unexpected combination that just works.

An icon, reborn

With over 100 million pairs sold worldwide, the Stan Smith is easily one of the most successful sneakers in footwear history, and one of the most recognizable.

Its newest variant flips the script on the renowned profile, thanks to a hybrid approach that brings a Mary Jane and ballet flat fusion to the sneaker.

Cream satin mini skirt with gathered waist and drawstring, worn with black knee-high socks and white shoes with green trim. — The green and white variant is the closest to the original Stan Smith, and is the only one of the four colorways to feature the nameplate on the heel.

The Stan Smith Lo Ballet Shoe is available in four colorways.

The Cloud White / Cloud White / Green variant is closest to the original Stan Smith, with a white leather upper, green piping around the collar and the classic nameplate appearing on the heel.

Black leather Mary Jane shoe with a strap across the instep worn on a foot. — The chic brown Aurora Coffee version is my personal favorite.

That being said, this editor’s favorite is the Aurora Coffee / Aurora Coffee / Cream White version, which brings sophistication and quiet luxury to the table.

The thin sole, minimal upper and lack of laces (seen here on the red and white version) make this a stylish-yet-wearable everyday shoe.

Adidas

The Core Black take shows off the perforated Three Stripes and the Adidas logo on the heel.

Adidas

The revised shoe’s luxurious upper is made with a soft leather, and a thin strap replaces traditional laces.

The open construction with the hook-and-loop straps introduce a completely new perspective to the shoe, but notable features do remain, including the perforated 3-Stripes on the lateral sides.

Person wearing black Mary Jane-style shoes with a strap, black lace-trimmed skirt, and black jacket, sitting cross-legged. — Without branding, it would be nearly impossible to identify these as a Stan Smith makeover unless you looked *very* closely.

The thin outsole, supple leather and elegant closure elevate the popular design while maintaining its wearability and mass appeal.

Availability and pricing

The Stan Smith Lo Ballet Shoes are available now on Adidas’ website, retailing for $100.

Colorways are quickly selling through, so act fast if you want in on the release.

White leather Mary Jane shoe with green trim and perforated side details on a neutral background.

Adidas Stan Smith Lo Ballet Shoes

$100 at Adidas

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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