This Is Easily Adidas’s Most Luxurious “Sneaker” in 75 Years

Premium calfskin leather, waxed laces and a platform sole push this iconic Adidas model into dress-shoe territory.

Published March 4, 2025

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Updated March 4, 2025

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After 75 years in operation, Adidas is constantly looking for fresh ways to stay one step ahead. And few trick plays have become quite as dependable as upscaling time-tested silhouettes with premium materials.

Last year, for example, we saw the Samba adopt hand-polished calfskin leather as part of the brand’s Made in Italy collection. And soon, it will be joined by another iconic model in the Three Stripes’s catalog.

tan leather adidas sneakers — The Samba OG “Made in Italy” (pictured) featured hand-polished calfskin leather.

Only the Gazelle Indoor “Made In Italy,” coming March 13, isn’t just a luxe take on a classic Adidas sneaker. It could very well wear the crown as the snazziest shoe in Adidas entire 75-year oeuvre.

black Adidas shoe — The Gazelle is the latest Adidas sneaker to join the brand’s Made in Italy collection.

Double leather

Like last year’s Samba, the new Gazelle adopts a premium calfskin leather upper, crafted in Italy.

However, a suede toecap gives it an added layer of sophistication that doubles as a nod to the Gazelle of old, which comes in suede by default.

What’s more, matching stripes and debossed branding bring a sleek, monochromatic look that comfortably places the Gazelle Indoor “Made In Italy” into formal, dress-up territory.

Sole searching

While the dual-leather upper and tonal details would be enough to separate the new Gazelle, the shoe really distinguishes itself with its sole.

There, a chunky platform replaces the model’s more traditional gum or rubber soles, while faux Blake stitching and waxed laces complete its dressy makeover with convincing effect.