The Ultimate adidas Gazelle FAQ

The History of the adidas Gazelle

The adidas Gazelle was first released in 1966 and was one of the first adidas shoes to use suede as its main upper material. adidas wanted to create something lighter and more flexible than the leather and canvas sneakers currently on the market.

By using suede, adidas was able to place more vibrant colours on the Gazelle than leather would allow, and the material was also supple and comfortable. It was released in two distinct versions: a red upper with a transparent sole for outdoor training, and a blue upper with a microcell sole for indoor use.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, the Gazelle became not only a favourite among European athletes playing indoor sports like handball, but was embraced as part of the uniform for young people drawn to music and football culture. In the 90s, the Gazelle exploded onto the Britpop scene, worn by bands like Oasis and Blur and cementing the model as a cultural icon. In the US, it also gained traction with the skate and hip-hop communities.

After adidas reissued the Gazelle OG in the 2010s (modelled after the 1966 original) it experienced another resurgence in classic colorways like red, blue and black suede.

High-end collaborations with the likes of Gucci and Bad Bunny saw the model begin to appear in the world of high fashion, placing the Gazelle alongside runway pieces and hyping it in limited-edition releases.

Today, the Gazelle is still celebrated for its simplicity, heritage, and ability to traverse multiple subcultures with its timeless design.

adidas Gazelle: Answering Your Questions

When was the adidas Gazelle released?

The Gazelle was introduced in 1966 as a lighter and more flexible sneaker than what was currently on the market.

What is the adidas Gazelle designed for?

The Gazelle is designed for both indoor and outdoor casual wear, suitable for daily use and short walks. They are not suitable for more intensive activities like sports and hiking.

adidas Gazelle vs Samba vs Spezial?

The Gazelle is roomier than the Samba with a more cushioned insole, while the Samba has a more streamlined fit. The Spezial has more arch and heel support than the Gazelle, and are wider, while the Gazelle has a rounder toe box and flatter profile.

Do adidas Gazelle fit true to size?

The Gazelle is known to run slightly large, so it's recommended to size down half a size. If you have wide feet, buy true to size or even a half size larger, as the fit is also quite narrow.

How do you tie the adidas Gazelle?

For guidance on tying your Gazelle laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!

How do you clean adidas Gazelle?

Cleaning sneakers should always be done by hand. Here's how:

Remove the laces and use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to get rid of loose dirt.
Mix a bit of mild detergent with water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away marks.
For suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede).
Wipe down with a damp cloth and allow the sneakers to air-dry.

If your sneakers have an odour, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Shake it out the next day. Alternatively, silica gel or activated charcoal bags work just as well to absorb moisture and neutralise odour.

Laces can be washed separately using detergent, or bright white laces can be soaked briefly in a 1:5 bleach-to-water solution - just rinse thoroughly afterward.

Avoid using the washing machine, especially for leather or suede models, as this can cause damage. Even canvas or fabric versions are at risk, so stick to hand-cleaning where possible.

Where can I buy adidas Gazelle?

Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the adidas Gazelle at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Gazelle restocks and new releases!

Variations of the adidas Gazelle

Over the years, the classic design of the adidas Gazelle has been joined by some special variations and different versions.

Gazelle OG

The closest thing to the original 1966 silhouette, the Gazelle OG replicates the design with a narrow shape, slightly longer tongue, and lightweight suede upper.

Intended as a fashionable lifestyle sneaker rather than a performance shoe, its minimalist detailing and gold branding has high appeal in the sneaker scene.

Gazelle Indoor

The Gazelle Indoor was released in the 70s with a flatter, gripper tread pattern for indoor surfaces. It has a more refined shape than the OG with a narrower and sleeker fit.

It's particularly popular as a casual lifestyle shoe in Europe and Japan.

Gazelle Bold

Released in 2022, the Gazelle Bold is an update of the classic with a chunkier, more modern silhouette. The triple-stacked sole and slightly padded upper add a robust look, and the model often comes in bold colorways.

It's aimed at the lifestyle market and is popular in women's streetwear.

Gazelle ADV

The Gazelle ADV ('Advanced') is a skateboarding version of the model, upgrading the silhouette for performance while preserving the OG look.

It has a reinforced suede upper for durability, grippy vulcanised rubber sole for board feel, and Adiprene cushioning or EVA insole for impact protection.