Adidas Gazelle History: The Terrace Trainer

Adidas Gazelle

SHOE: Adidas Gazelle
LAUNCHED: 1966
ORIGINALLY MADE FOR: Training
FAMOUS FOR: Suede upper, gum sole, three stripes
TERRACE ERA: Late 1970s through to today

The Gazelle wasn't designed for football culture, but football culture made it a classic. This page traces the trainer's story, from its launch as a training shoe to its place on the terraces, on away days and in the wardrobes of supporters across Britain.

When was the adidas Gazelle launched? Adidas introduced the Gazelle in 1966 as not one but two training shoes. The Gazelle came in two vibrant styles: a dynamic red model perfect for indoor sports and a striking blue version designed specifically for training. 

blue adidas gazelle from 1966

Origins: A Training Shoe Is Born

In the mid-1960s, adidas revolutionized athletic footwear with designs focused on grip, comfort, and durability. The iconic Gazelle debuted in 1966, featuring a soft suede upper and cushioned sole adorned with the signature three stripes. Originally crafted for training, it unexpectedly became a beloved staple among football casuals, showcasing its timeless appeal.

How the Gazelle Reached the Terraces

Football fans followed their clubs abroad in the 1970s and early 80s, and European away days became a chance to pick up trainers that weren't sold in British shops. Sometimes they even paid for the odd pair. They returned with unique colours and designs that couldn't be found at home, wearing them with pride. The Gazelle was particularly popular in this scene due to its distinctive style, comfort, and the fact that it stood out from the typical offerings found on the high street. They carried back rare colours and shapes that couldn't be found at home, and wore them with pride. The Gazelle sat right at the centre of that scene, for its look, its comfort and the fact that it looked different from anything on the high street.

Why not check out our Casuals range

Why It Stuck

  • The look: clean lines, suede and a gum sole that goes with jeans, a Harrington or a knitted top.
  • The colours: a wide range that let supporters show club colours without wearing a shirt.
  • The price and availability: easier to find than many rarer models.
  • The story: every pair says you were there, or wish you had been.

From Terrace to Everywhere

As casual culture spread through the 80s and into the 90s, the Gazelle travelled with it, from the away end to music, fashion and everyday life. It remains one of Britain's best-known trainers, and it is still worn on matchdays.As casual culture spread throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, the Gazelle sneaker became a part of this movement, influencing music, fashion, and everyday life. It remains one of Britain's most recognizable trainers and continues to be worn on matchdays.

The Gazelle Today

Adidas still makes the Gazelle in a wide range of colours and materials. For many, Adidas still makes the Gazelle in all sorts of colors and styles. For a lot of fans, it’s the go-to sneaker that represents terrace culture without needing to shout about it. It is still the trainer that says terrace culture without saying a word.

More from On The Terrace

Explore our book Adidas on the Terrace, see the Adidas Original Unboxed collection, or browse our 3D printed trainers.