
The clue is in the name. Yes, the Adidas Originals Gazelle 85 trainers are a forty-year throwback.

Well, not quite 40 years. But you know what I mean. This is a mid-1980s version of the 1960s sporting classic. And before you ask, I have absolutely no idea why Adidas has chosen to pick this particular year.

But why not? The Gazelle has subtly evolved in 50+ years of being on the shelves of sports shops (and more recently, hip retailers too). So picking a year, you always get a shoe that’s slightly different to the one on the shelves right now.

But you will need to be something of an aficionado to work out the difference. It might well be the smooth suede being used, the colours (although neither are particularly different).

More likely, it’s the subtle change of shape, with the ‘tooling’ said to be taller and the branding being of a bygone era. As I said, it’s all about the subtleties, as the shoe is a classic and doesn’t get messed with too much.

So suede upper, white gum sole, contrasting three stripes and the Adidas logo in just the right places. Gold branding to the side, of course. And to finish off, a lovely retro box as well.
Want a pair? A limited edition and priced a little more than the usual Gazelles at £100.