The Sneaker Hall Of Fame is FashionBeans’ compendium of the most iconic trainer designs of all time. From the Common Projects Achilles Low to the Nike Air Force One, these are the kicks that have changed the course of footwear history.

The Adidas Stan Smith may hold claim to being the most famous sneaker design of all time. It’s certainly one of the most easily recognisable. And of course, it’s one of the simplest – it’s the standard-bearer for classy white trainers, the benchmark by which all other minimal sneakers are judged against.

Unlike many of the most sought-after trainers today, which rely on hype and limited product runs to generate interest, the Stan Smith is something of an everyman. It’s far from rare – walk down any high street and you’re bound to see a pair or two, and it’s not favoured exclusively by any particular style tribe.

Everyone wears them – they’re the blank canvas you can style in your own way, unlike shoes such as the Triple S, which dominate a look. Stan Smiths also have the heritage, an unrivalled sporting pedigree that only furthers their appeal.

The History Of Stan Smiths

“Adidas Robert Haillet”. It doesn’t have much of a ring to it, but it’s what the Stan Smiths were originally called. Adidas’ new leather tennis shoe was introduced in 1965 and the German brand turned to French tennis professional Robert Haillet to endorse it, which of course he did.

The shoe’s simple design means they can be worn with anything

But, when he retired, Adidas needed to find a new face, which is where Stan Smith came in. Yes, the smiling illustration on the shoe’s tongue is actually a real person. Smith was a rising star in the late ’60s and early ‘70s and was the perfect athlete for Adidas to align itself with. The American won Wimbledon in 1972 while wearing his eponymous shoes – the perfect five-set advert for Adidas in its quest to dominate court style.