8:17in productionCh. 1 · Super Light, Not Super Supportive/ 8:17 · ceiling 15 min
Footwear · Sportswear
Adidas SL 72
A running shoe that traded structure for speed—and put the trefoil on feet for the first time.
The Adidas SL 72 is a 1972 running shoe designed for lightness and casual use. It introduced the trefoil logo to footwear. Its construction—nylon upper, suede overlays, EVA midsole, rubber toe guard—serves one purpose: to run fast, not far.
It was built for lightness—not endurance, not prestige, but speed for the new wave of casual runners.
2:38
The First Trefoil on Foot
Its debut at the 1972 Olympics wasn’t accidental—it launched the trefoil into sport, not just apparel.
3:49
Nylon Upper, Suede Anchors
Nylon keeps it airborne; suede anchors it where abrasion bites—no more, no less.
5:12
EVA Midsole, Rubber Toe Guard
EVA cushioning with a rubber toe guard is minimal protection for minimal goals.
Worth your time?
Yes. Wear the whole thing.
3.5/ 5
What works
lightweight performance
targeted abrasion resistance
trefoil branding integration
What does not
motion control
breathable mesh
heel counter
structured arch support
Wear it if
casual runners
1970s running boom participants
Skip it if
competitive distance runners
those needing injury prevention
The written brief1 min read
What the garment is and where it came from
The Adidas SL 72 is a 1972 running shoe. It was released during the 1972 Summer Olympics. It was Adidas’ first shoe to carry the trefoil logo.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It weighs little because nylon replaces heavier uppers. Suede overlays reinforce high-wear zones without adding bulk. The EVA midsole cushions impact; the rubber toe protector resists scuffing on pavement or track.
What it gets right
It delivers on its name: it is super light. The nylon upper and targeted suede placement reduce weight while preserving durability where friction occurs.
What it does not
It does not offer motion control. It does not use a breathable mesh. It does not have a heel counter or structured arch support.
What it changed
It made the trefoil logo visible on footwear for the first time. It shifted Adidas’ running line toward weight reduction as a primary performance metric.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for casual runners drawn to the 1970s running boom. It is not for competitive distance runners needing energy return or injury prevention.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you want a lightweight, functional running shoe from 1972 that prioritises speed over cushioning or stability. No—if you need modern arch support, gait correction or durability for daily wear.
