How school run mothers ‘killed’ the Adidas Gazelle: Stylist says colourful trainer has gone from ‘inspiring’ to ‘uncool and boring’ because of mums teaming them with their midi dresses

They have gained cult status in recent years thanks to their comfortable design and striking colours.

But it now seems that Adidas Gazelles are firmly on their way back out of fashion.

The suede shoes were the first sneakers released by the German company in 1966 and were made famous by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

Following the resurgence of Adidas’ Superstars and Stan Smith designs, Gazelles’ popularity among Gen Zs and millennials has skyrocketed in recent years.

However, stylist Lisa Talbot has noticed that the trainer’s reign is coming to an end – and mum bloggers and Labor leader Keir Starmer may be to blame.

Pictured: A guest at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2023, seen wearing a pair of navy blue Adidas Gazelles

Speaking to FEMAIL, the expert explained: ‘Adidas Gazelles have become popular because of the color collection.

“They’ve taken us away from the white sneaker that has been around for a few years and they add a pop of color to outfits while keeping the comfort of a sneaker.”

That said, the stylist says their sudden rise in popularity and the way they have been adopted as a ‘school uniform’ has ‘killed’ the trend.

The stylist continued, “I think in some cases they are considered ‘uncool’ because we see a lot of women wearing them.

‘Where they used to be imaginative and inspiring, they have now almost become a bit boring.’

That said, the expert said there is still a way to look “cool” while wearing Gazelles.

Lisa added: ‘Styling them with modern pieces such as wide leg trousers, denim shorts, dresses and linen trousers will ensure the look stays on trend.’

Alternatively, the stylist recommended other flat shoes that look more ‘modern’.

A guest at Copenhagen Fashion Week in January 2024 was seen wearing a bright red pair of Adidas Gazelles

Pictured: A glamorous guest wearing green Adidas Gazelles with a printed co-ord set during Paris Fashion Week in June 2023

Influencer Francesca Saffari wore blue Adidas Gazellen with Loewe jeans at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2023

Pictured: Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer wearing a pair of £90 Adidas Gazelles as he visited a North Yorkshire village in April 2024

Rishi Sunak issued a ‘huge apology’ after he was pictured wearing Adidas sambas during a Downing Street interview earlier this year

She added: ‘An alternative shoe could be a ballerina, loafer or for trainers the neutral or slim shoe that allows you to make the changes.’

Weeks after Rishi Sunak issued a ‘big apology’ for wearing Stan Smiths, Keir Starmer risked making the same mistake when he was pictured in navy blue Adidas Gazelles while visiting a North Yorkshire village.

In January 2023, Ivanka Trump stepped out in a style from the sports brand’s collaboration with luxury fashion house Gucci, while Brad Pitt and Harry Styles are also known to be fans.

The Gazelle sneaker was originally designed as an indoor football shoe. Some think it was named after Wilma Rudolph, the American sprinter who won three gold medals with Adidas at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome and was nicknamed ‘The Black Gazelle’.

The performance sneaker quickly turned into a fashion staple thanks to a handful of influential subcultures and Mick Jagger in the ’70s, and celebrities like Kate Moss and the Beastie Boys in the ’80s.

The performance sneaker was originally designed as an indoor football shoe, but quickly turned into a fashion item in the ’70s, thanks to celebrities like Mick Jagger

Brad Pitt hit the global promotional circuit for ‘Bullet Train’, breaking all the red carpet rules and wearing Adidas Gazelles

There have been several new iterations of the iconic shoe over the years, the most notable being the joint designs with Gucci’s former creative director, Alessandro Michele – as seen on Harry Styles

The retro sneakers – seen at Rita Ora – are a refreshing change for anyone who has had more than enough of those chunky dad sneakers that have been popular with influencers in recent years

Olivia Wilde added a cool element to her black blazer and blue jeans with yellow Adidas Gazelle sneakers

Originally they only came in two colors, red and blue. There have been a ton of new iterations of the iconic shoe over the years, the most notable being the collaborative designs with Gucci’s former Creative Director, Alessandro Michele.

Despite the $850 price tag, the first Gucci collaboration (released in June 2022) saw immediate success, thanks to superstars like Harry Styles who paired his custom ensembles (both on and off stage) with Gazelle sneakers.

The sleek and functional sneakers come in a range of fun colors and have been found on the feet of men and women of all ages, including Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt.

Adidas Gazelle shoes are usually made with a suede nubuck upper and feature the signature 3-Stripes details, a T overlay, a heel counter, a minimalist rubber outsole and the Gazelle logo in metallic gold.

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