Three adidas Originals Classics To Carry Your Rotation Into Fall

There’s a reason some sneakers refuse to leave the rotation. The adidas Samba and Handball Spezial have been everywhere for several years now, yet their simplicity continues to make them some of the easiest shoes to build an outfit around. That versatility becomes even more useful as summer gives way to Fall; as shorts and tees make way for baggier denim, heavier pants, sweaters, jackets, and layers, putting more emphasis on footwear that can work underneath just about anything.

Beyond that iconic terrace look, adidas has successfully driven in their own bulky tech runner look via the XLG 2.0. Easily the “hippest” member of the Adistar retro runner category, this exploded model continues to be a force, leaving all of you without pairs wondering why you don’t have one in the closet already.

So rather than chasing something completely new, we’re looking at three familiar adidas styles that fit naturally into the season ahead: the Samba, Handball Spezial, and XLG 2.0. See our favorites below and get ‘em directly from on adidas.com.

There isn’t much left to say about the Samba that hasn’t already been said. Its simple leather construction, low profile, and unmistakable T-toe have made it one of the defining sneakers of the decade, but its staying power comes from being one of the easiest to wear.

A classic white leather pair is particularly useful heading into Fall, the slim silhouette sits cleanly underneath baggier denim and wider trousers without adding unnecessary bulk, and the neutral palettes leaves plenty of room for heavier layers and more adventurous pieces up top. Trends will inevitably move on, but the Samba has already proven itself capable of sticking around.

If the Samba is the year-round staple, the Handball Spezial feels almost tailor-made for Fall. Suede always brings a little more texture and visual warmth to an outfit, particularly when paired with other seasonal materials like denim, corduroy, wool, and heavier knits. The Spezial maintains the low-profile proportions that have made adidas Originals footwear so popular, but its softer construction gives it a noticeably different personality from its leather counterpart.

It’s exactly the type of sneaker that becomes increasingly useful once layering season arrives, and our picks above are just some of the great options that are up for grabs right now.

Not every Fall outfit calls for an ultra-slim sneaker. The XLG 2.0 offers a little more visual weight while retaining the familiar adidas design language that makes the other two pairs so versatile. A classic white-and-green combination keeps things grounded in sportswear, while its larger proportions work especially well with the oversized silhouettes that tend to return as temperatures drop.

Think wider denim, relaxed trousers, oversized hoodies, and heavier outerwear. Where the Samba almost disappears underneath an outfit, the XLG 2.0 gives the footwear a little more presence. Calibrate that with the exact color you pick, but we like the three chosen here.