Double Tap to Zoom

The next iteration of adidas’ SL 72 OG might be its most animalistic yet. And somehow, also its most refined.

The German sportswear giant’s latest drop, created in collaboration with Japanese men’s lifestyle magazine Safari, gives the heritage runner a full-body makeover.

Gone is the classic nylon upper, and in its place, lush suede in muted tones and crocodile-embossed three stripes. 

It’s a sneaker that lets you walk on your wild side, but keeps things whisper-quiet while doing it.

Dropping July 25, the SL 72 “Safari” keeps the same slim silhouette and retro shape that’s made the model a cultural staple since the '70s. But now, it feels less like grandpa’s gym class, a little more quiet luxury.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Tiktok.

We’ve seen this kind of makeover elsewhere with Air Force 1s in croc-embossed leather or hiking shoes dressed in a hairy horse-print outer. We're in a footwear era where shoes are getting increasingly feral through eclectic assortments of (faux) furs, leathers, and animal skins.

But the “Safari” SL 72 delivers that in a way that is far quieter. Even with croc crawling on its upper, this shoe is one of the most subtly wild drops we’ve seen in this growing sub-genre.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

We Recommend
  • adidas' Answer to the Flip Flop Craze Cuts (Trefoil) Deep
  • adidas' Reflective Megaride AG Sneaker Is the Good Kind of Gloom
  • Y-3’s Twisted Tokyo Sneaker Is a Deformed Darling
  • adidas’ Chocolate Brown Runner Is a Sweet Take on an Archive Favorite
  • adidas’ Strappy Mary Jane Sneaker Has Never Looked Cuter
What To Read Next
  • adidas Spezial's Terrace Classic Just Lost Weight
  • In Matte-Black, Nike’s Unbothered Air Force 1 Remains the Blueprint
  • Nike’s Pony Hair Air Force 1 Isn’t Horsing Around
  • Nike’s Refined Booker Basketball Sneaker Goes Full Flame
  • Action Bronson's Y2K-Fueled New Balance Runner Is Dripping with Déjà Vu
  • This Nike Air Max 95 Is Tough, Techy & Very Red