Adidas Just Slashed the Price of Its Classic Military-Born Sneaker

Much of what we wear today finds inspiration from military garb. The BW Army Shoes actually were.

Close-up of white Adidas shoe with cracked texture and gum rubber sole against teal background.Adidas

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From watches to jackets, much of what we wear today finds inspiration from military garb.

The BW Army Shoes go one step further. They actually were.

white Adidas sneaker
Adidas originally developed the BW Army Shoes for the West German Army in the 1970s.
Adidas

Combat credentials

Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Adidas supplied the West German Army forces with the shoe — commonly referred to as the GAT (short for Germany Army trainer). It closely resembles the overall shape and style of the Samba, but it drops the three-stipe motif on the sides for a more minimalistic makeup.

black adidas sneakers
The shoe looks a lot like the modern Samba, but it drops the three-stripe motif on the sides for pared-back aesthetic.
Adidas
black adidas sneakers
The BW Army Shoes come in a range of colors, including simple black (pictured).
Adidas

Since then, the design has been co-opted by actors and musicians, thanks in large part to Maison Margiela’s iconic, and wildly expensive, interpretation of the GAT.

maison margiela Replica sneakers
The GAT gained popularity in the early 2000s thanks to Maison Margiela’s interpretation of it (pictured). But examples now sell for more than $700 per pair.
Maison Margiela

That said, people who find $750 a little too steep for a simple leather shoe can find solace in the fact that Adidas still makes a version that’s equal parts authentic and affordable.

Even better: the shoe is cheaper than normal thanks to Adidas’s Week of Deals sale happening now through November 5.

white Adidas sneaker
The shoe, normal $120, drop to $96 during Adidas’s Week of Deals sale.
Adidas

Four color variants of the BW Army Shoes, including simple white and black, are retailing for 20 percent off their normal sticker prices, bringing the shoe below $100 — a rarity in today’s sneaker market.

Unfortunately, sizes are already somewhat limited. However, the brand’s Week of Deals sale also includes discounts on the trendy SL 72 and up-and-coming Jabbar Lo, among many classics.

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