I've tried a lot of trainers, but adidas Stan Smith is the one style I always come back to

They're the ones I recommend to friends

two images of Caroline Parr wearing Stan Smith trainers
(Image credit: Caroline Parr)
Woman & Home Verdict

These are the trainers I recommend to friends. They're easy to clean, work with every outfit, and are comfortable from the beginning. Trainer trends come and go, but these are the classics I rely on. I have three pairs in my collection currently!

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Anti-trend style

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    Comfortable for all-day wear

  • +

    Plenty of colourways to choose from

  • +

    Instantly recognisable

  • +

    Easy to clean leather

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Long tongue

  • -

    Minimal arch support

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When it comes to trainers, there's a whole lot of choice out there. Do you go for canvas or leather, slip-on or lace-up, Nike or adidas?

If the trainer trends 2025 are to be believed, the adidas Tokyo trainer is the new Samba. But if you ask me, adidas Stan Smith is the style that cuts through all the noise. The sleek, minimalist profile transcends trends and works with everything from jeans to dresses, making them a great option if you're looking for the best white trainers.

Named after tennis legend Stan Smith, these were created in 1971, and over the years there have been many different colours and collaborations. Mine are a style designed by Stella McCartney, and in 2025 adidas is even supposedly debuting a Stan Smith espadrille.

Specifications

Price: RRP £85

Size range: UK 3-13.5 (including half sizes)

Fastening: Lace up

Upper/sole material: Leather or faux leather, rubber cupsole

Meghan Markle, Sienna Miller, Amal Clooney, Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham have all been spotted wearing Stan Smiths over the years, so there's no question they're a stylish pick. They've been popular for years and have sold more than 100 million pairs globally.

I'll happily admit that as a fashion editor, I'm pretty picky when it comes to trainers. For me, these are up there with the most comfortable trainers, and since I've bought at least five pairs in the last few years, you can trust that I really have put these shoes through their paces over time.

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Adidas Stan Smith: comfort & support

Three pairs of Stan Smith trainers

(Image credit: Caroline Parr)

These started out as a tennis shoe, so they feel different to the lower profile, football-style Samba. The Stan Smith silhouette is better-suited to me, as I find the high cut heel on the Sambas can rub.

The only drawback for me with the Stan Smiths is that the tongue is very long, so it can cut into the front of my ankle a bit. However, I find that you can push it down underneath the laces when you slip them on, so it's never stopped me from wearing them, but it could be a downside for some people. The laces are also quite long, but again this is an easy thing to get around.

I've read reviews from people who say the lack of arch support isn't ideal. I've worn these all day when walking around cities like London and New York, and have never found them uncomfortable, but if arch support is a priority for you, it's worth considering.

Adidas Stan Smith: style

Caroline Parr wearing Stan Smith trainers

(Image credit: Caroline Parr)

You can find white Stan Smiths with pretty much every any colour heel trim you can imagine. I used to have a pair with a tortoiseshell heel, which I loved. The three starry stripes on the side make them instantly recognisable, and all Stan Smiths have a portriat of the man himself of the tongue.

They pair well with tailored trousers, denim, dresses and skirts, so they score 10/10 if you're after versatility. They're one of adidas' bestselling and most iconic styles of all time for a reason, and of course you can try all the prints, colours, trends and fabric finishes you want, but you'll never go too far wrong with a classic pair of white leather Stan Smiths.

Victoria Beckham wearing Stan Smiths in 2016

Victoria Beckham wearing Stan Smiths in 2016

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Adidas Stan Smith: cleaning & care

This is an area in which these trainers really excel. Made from either leather or in my case, vegan leather, the Stan Smiths simply wipe clean. I'd advise replacing or washing the laces every once in a while to give them that just-out-of-the-box feel, but otherwise, they age really well.

Let's face it, where white trainers are concerned, cleaning is a huge factor. There's nothing worse than stepping out in a box fresh style and then by the time you get home, they're looking - well, a whole lot less than fresh.

I wear trainers every single day, whether that's to the office or on a dog walk - and for everything in between too. So my adidas Stan Smith trainers have had plenty of wear and tear! For more advice on how to clean white shoes, read our tips and tricks here.

two images of Caroline Parr wearing Stan Smith trainers

(Image credit: Caroline Parr)

Adidas Stan Smith: verdict

There's no doubt in my mind these are my all-time favourite trainers. The minimalist design makes them smart and versatile, and the fact I keep going back for more pairs speaks volumes.

If you're an adidas novice they're a great place to start, but trainer pros won't be disappointed either. They last a lot longer than canvas styles when it comes to cleaning, and I've never found them to be anything other than extremely comfortable.

Caroline Parr
Digital Fashion Editor

Caroline is Fashion Editor for woman&home.com, and has been a fashion writer and editor for almost twelve years.

Since graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent more than a decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation.

She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under the radar labels. She’s originally from Liverpool, and outside of work, her great loves are leopard print and her lively but adorable cocker spaniel, Ghillie.