At first glance, adidas’ “Stan Smith 80s” looks almost identical to the classic Stan Smith, but when viewed from the same angle, you’ll notice differences in the silhouette and sole area that pay homage to the 1980s model. In this article, we’ll compare the “Stan Smith 80s” with the standard model.
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A legendary icon in the sneaker worldAbout the adidas 'Stan Smith'
The adidas Stan Smith is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the world’s best-selling sneaker.” It is a true masterpiece among masterpieces.The first generation was released in 1971 and remains widely loved today, but did you know that the current lineup actually includes a surprisingly wide variety of models?In addition to the basic “Stan Smith” model, there are 18 variations in total—including the premium “Stan Smith Lux,” the waterproof “Stan Smith GORE-TEX,” and the “Decon,” crafted from a single piece of leather for a soft, comfortable fit—not to mention golf and Y-3 models.Among these, the “Stan Smith 80s” was released in June 2026 following an update. As the name suggests, it’s a new classic pair that revives the details of the 1980s Stan Smith.
Not Just a Luxury Version—It’s a Reissue That Reproduces the 1980s Model”Stan Smith 80s” — What Is It? Check Out the Differences From the Standard Model!
The Stan Smith 80s is not simply a higher-end model created by upgrading the materials used in the standard model.It is an archive model that faithfully recreates the proportions, materials, perforations, and tongue label of the Stan Smith sneakers Adidas released in the 1980s, using the original designs from that era. While the differences may be hard to spot at first glance, the model incorporates details unique to the original 1980s versions.
| Comparison Points | Stan Smith 80s | Standard Model |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | IF0202 | M20324 |
| Design | Recreates the sharp proportions of the 1980s model | A classic, rounded design that draws on elements of the 1971 model |
| Perforation | Large holes with wide spacing | Small holes with narrow spacing |
| Sole Appearance | A retro white sole with a yellowish tint | A clean white sole in the same tone as the upper |
| Logo on the side of the sole | Embossed without a border | Rectangular with a border |
| Upper | Leather | Leather |
| Lining | Leather | Leather |
| Price | 17,600 yen | 13,200 yen |
* Prices and product specifications are based on the official Adidas online store as of July 13, 2026.
They Look Similar, but Their Silhouettes Are Completely Different!3 Differences Between the Stan Smith 80s and the Standard Model, Illustrated
From here, we’ll introduce the differences between the Stan Smith 80s and the standard model, along with detailed images.
Difference 1: ‘Proportions’”The 80s model has a lower line running from the toe to the instep, giving it a sharper profile
The core design of the Stan Smith 80s is its sharp silhouette, which recreates the 1980s model.The 80s model has a shallower slope from the toe to the instep, giving it a sleek and slim profile when viewed from the side. The standard model, on the other hand, has a slightly thicker toe and collar, characterized by a rounded, modern silhouette.Among the many court-style sneakers, the Stan Smith typically features a distinctly rounded toe, but the 80s model offers a slightly different impression. While this difference may be hard to notice on its own, it becomes apparent when viewed from the side as the shoe peeks out from the hem of your pants.
Difference 2: ‘Sole Color’The 80s model’s slightly yellowish retro sole creates a vintage feel
The 80s model’s sole features a retro color with a slight yellowish tint.The standard model uses the same shade of white from the upper to the sole, giving it a more minimalist look.
Difference 3: ‘Thin, Simple Tongue’”The thin, uncushioned tongue emphasizes the 'utility-like' feel of the ’80s
Although it’s hard to see from the outside, the tongue is one of the details that makes a big difference to the wearer.While standard models feature a padded tongue, the 80s version is crafted from a single piece of leather—thin and flat—giving the collar a simple look. This is another detail that symbolizes the 1980s Stan Smith.
Classic Charm or Clean Versatility?Should You Choose the Stan Smith 80s or the Standard Model?
There isn’t a major difference between the Stan Smith 80s and the standard model that’s noticeable from a distance.That’s why the 80s model is recommended for men who want to maintain the reassuring feel of a classic while subtly incorporating attention to detail. If you prioritize the clean look of white sneakers, go with the standard model; if you’re looking for a neat, classic appearance reminiscent of leather dress shoes, the 80s model is a strong choice.
| Who the Stan Smith 80s Is Best For | Who the Standard Model Is For |
|---|---|
| Those who want to enjoy retro 80s reissue details Those who want a pair that feels vintage even when brand-new Those who want a slim silhouette that pairs well with slacks or suits Those looking for a Stan Smith that’s less likely to be seen on others |
Want to choose a pure white, clean-looking Stan Smith Not particularly concerned about the finer details of the reissue Want a classic model that goes with a wide range of outfits Want to keep the purchase price low |
Q&A About the Stan Smith 80s
Q.1 Are the materials different between the Stan Smith 80s and the standard model?Both use leather.The main difference lies in the retro details rather than the materials
The Stan Smith 80s “IF0202” and the standard model “M20324” compared here both feature leather uppers and leather linings.It’s not a case of “the standard model uses synthetic leather, while the 80s model uses genuine leather.” The main differences lie in the proportions, perforations, sole, and construction around the tongue—all inspired by the 1980s model.
Q.2 How can you tell the Stansmith 80s and the standard model apart by appearance?It’s Easy to Tell Them Apart by Looking at the Sole Color and Perforations
When viewed from the side, the sole color and perforations make it easy to tell them apart.The 80s model has a slightly yellowish sole and larger perforations. The standard model is white all the way down to the sole, with smaller, densely arranged perforations. When viewed from the front, the 80s model’s silver-tone eyelets and thin tongue also serve as distinguishing features.
Q.3 Why is the Stansmith 80s so expensive?The price difference stems from the design aimed at recreating the 1980s specifications, not from higher-grade materials
The price difference from the standard model is 4,400 yen.The 80s model recreates the proportions of the 1980s model, as well as its large perforations, sole, and tongue label. It’s a model that places value not simply on higher-grade materials, but on the design and details needed to achieve a look that closely matches the archive version.
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