Honestly, it’s a bit ridiculous. We are talking about a piece of molded rubber and synthetic fabric that hasn't fundamentally changed since the Nixon administration. Yet, here we are. If you walk into a gym locker room, a college dorm, or a high-end beach club in Ibiza, you’re going to see them. The adidas adilette slides mens collectors and casual wearers alike swear by are more than just footwear; they are a cultural constant.
They’re weirdly polarizing if you think about it too hard. Some people see them as the pinnacle of "dad style" gone wrong, while others view them as the ultimate "if you know, you know" fashion statement. But the numbers don't lie. Since their debut in 1972, they’ve remained one of the best-selling pieces of footwear on the planet.
Why?
It’s not because they’re the most cushioned thing in the world. They aren't. If you want to walk on clouds, go buy some Boost or OOFOS. The Adilette is firm. It’s structured. It’s got that contoured footbed that feels a little stiff at first but eventually molds to your foot in a way that feels permanent. It’s the simplicity that wins.
The weird history of the shower shoe
Most people think these were just a lifestyle play from the start. They weren't. The origin story of the adidas adilette slides mens lineup is actually rooted in a very specific, gross problem: athlete's foot.
In the late 1960s, German footballers were complaining to Adi Dassler about the state of communal showers. They needed something they could wear while washing off the mud and sweat that would keep their feet off the grime. They needed a grip that wouldn't slip on wet tiles.
So, the Adilette was born.
It was a utility tool. A piece of equipment. The signature bandage upper with the three stripes was designed to dry quickly. The suction-cup sole was meant for traction. It’s funny because today, people wear them with $500 designer hoodies, but their soul is still in a soggy locker room in Herzogenaurach.
What most people get wrong about sizing
If you’re buying your first pair, stop. Read this part twice.
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Adidas sizing is notoriously inconsistent across different models, but the Adilette is its own beast. These things run small. Not "a little snug" small, but "my heel is hanging off the back" small.
- Most experts and long-time wearers suggest sizing up a full size.
- If you are a 10.5, don't even look at the 10. Go to the 11.
- The bandage (the top strap) does stretch, but only a tiny bit. If it's cutting off your circulation on day one, it’s the wrong size.
I’ve seen guys try to "break them in" by wearing thick wool socks. It works, but only to a point. If the arch support—which is surprisingly high for a slide—doesn't hit your foot in the right spot, you’re going to be miserable.
Why the "Comfort" version isn't always better
You’ll notice two main versions when you’re shopping: the "Adilette 22" or "Adilette Comfort" and the "Adilette TND."
The original, the OG, is the one with the polyurethane (PU) sole and the textured footbed. It’s durable as hell. You can leave these in a hot car, and they won't melt. You can wear them into the ocean, and they’ll be fine.
Then you have the Adilette Comfort. These use a "Cloudfoam" plus footbed. They feel amazing for about five minutes. It’s like stepping onto a marshmallow. But here is the trade-off: they absorb water. If you wear the Comfort version into the shower or the pool, they turn into a heavy, squelchy sponge that takes twelve hours to dry.
The OG version? You shake them twice, and they're dry.
If you're using these for actual water activities, stick to the classics. If you’re just wearing them around the house as slippers, the Comfort version is your best friend.
The style shift: From "Grandpa" to "Front Row"
There was a time in the early 2000s where wearing slides outside of the house was a cardinal sin of fashion. It was the mark of someone who had given up.
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Then, the "socks and slides" movement happened.
Initially mocked as a "European tourist" look, it was adopted by NBA players and rappers who wanted comfort after a game or a long session in the studio. Suddenly, the adidas adilette slides mens silhouette was everywhere. Designers like Raf Simons and Rick Owens started playing with the concept.
Now? It’s a staple of "athleisure." You wear them with tapered joggers. You wear them with 5-inch inseam mesh shorts. You even see them with linen trousers in the summer.
How to spot a fake (Yes, people fake $35 slides)
It sounds crazy, but because the Adilette is so popular, the market is flooded with knock-offs. Even on sites like Amazon, third-party sellers sometimes slip in fakes.
Check the "Made in" tag. Most authentic OG Adilettes are still made in Italy. It’s one of the few Adidas products that isn't primarily manufactured in Southeast Asia. If your "original" Adilettes say "Made in China," take a closer look at the mold quality.
Real Adilettes have a specific weight to them. They aren't airy. They feel dense. The three stripes on the bandage should be embossed, not just painted on. If you can peel the stripe off with your fingernail, you got scammed.
Longevity and Care
These things are tanks. I have a pair that is six years old. The tread is gone, sure, but the structure is intact.
- Cleaning: Don't put them in the washing machine. The heat can warp the glue holding the bandage to the sole. Use a toothbrush, some warm water, and Dawn dish soap.
- Smell: Because the bandage has a textile lining, it can trap sweat. If they start to funk, a quick spray of diluted white vinegar does wonders.
- Sunlight: While they are tough, leaving them in direct, 100-degree sunlight on a concrete patio for three days straight can cause the PU to shrink slightly.
The Adilette 22: A futuristic detour
We have to talk about the 2022 redesign. The Adilette 22 looks like a 3D-printed topographic map. It was controversial. Kanye West (before his departure from the brand) actually accused Adidas of "blatantly copying" his Yeezy Slide design with this model.
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The 22 is made from bio-based EVA material. It’s much softer than the OG but firmer than the Cloudfoam. It’s a completely different vibe. It’s chunky. It’s "ugly-cool."
If you want the classic look, the 22 isn't for you. But if you want something that feels more like a modern sneaker in slide form, it’s worth a look. Just know that the sizing is even weirder on those—usually, people recommend sizing down for the 22, which is the exact opposite of the OG. Confusing? Absolutely.
Real-world performance
I’ve worn these on four-mile walks through city streets. I wouldn't recommend it if you have flat feet, as there isn't enough shock absorption for long-distance pavement pounding. But for a quick grocery run or a trek from the hotel to the beach? Perfect.
The grip on the bottom is actually decent on wet boat decks, too. That’s a niche use case, but if you’re a sailor or a fisherman, the Adilette is a legitimate choice because it doesn't leave scuff marks on white fiberglass.
The Final Verdict on the OG
There’s a reason you can still buy the exact same navy and white colorway that was available 50 years ago. It works. The adidas adilette slides mens enthusiasts keep coming back to isn't trying to be a performance shoe or a high-fashion boot. It’s a slide. It’s meant to be kicked off at the door.
It’s one of those rare products that is actually worth the hype because it’s priced fairly—usually between $30 and $45—and it lasts long enough to become a permanent part of your summer kit.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pick up a pair, here is the move:
- Check your current shoe size: If you wear a half-size in sneakers (like a 10.5), go up to an 11. If you have wide feet, go up to a 12.
- Identify your "wet" vs. "dry" needs: Buy the "Originals" (made in Italy) if you're going to be near water. Buy the "Comfort" version only if these are strictly for indoor/dry use.
- Verify the seller: If buying online, ensure it is "Shipped and Sold by" a reputable retailer or Adidas directly to avoid the "Made in China" clones.
- Prepare for the break-in: Wear them with socks for the first 48 hours around the house to let the bandage upper loosen up without giving you blisters on the top of your toes.