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Some things in life just go together, no questions asked.
For example, peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, apples and oranges, a burger and fries and dogs and cats. The list could go on and on and on. Our favorite pairing? Fall and animal print, obviously. The combo is a classic one that we’ve seen time and time again, serving as a constant despite the ever-changing trend cycle. We’re not the only ones who think this combo is elite. Adidas does too.
The brand’s women’s SL 72 sneaker offerings are chock full of animal-printed options that just scream fall, from sleek leopard printed models to shiny snakeskin options that we’re kind of obsessed with. Unlike your standard fall booties, we’d argue sneakers, like the SL 72, are a more comfortable option with a wider range of more playful options, a la snake and leopard print. If you didn’t know, the SL 72 OG sneaker is heavily inspired by the archival ’72 running model Adidas dropped in, you guessed it, 1972. The sneaker revolutionized the industry with its lightweight build, hence the SL, or “super light,” moniker.
If you’re currently sitting aimlessly shopping for fall footwear without an end in sight, we’re here to make your buying journey a little easier. We’ve picked out four of our favorite SL 72 animal-printed silhouettes available to shop on Adidas’ website now that would make the perfect addition to your footwear rotation for fall.
The SL 72 leopard-printed options are head-turners for sure. We’ve picked out a more conservative black silhouette with hints of leopard throughout, along with the more maximalist all leopard-printed option. Both silhouettes will run you $110. The all-over leopard is equipped with textural pony-hair uppers mixed with white leather accents that create a welcome contrast. Speaking of contrast, the laces are a vibrant neon orange hue that brings a unique pop of color, appealing to those who like a “weird” and funky shoe. The performance aspect comes in the form of gum rubber outsoles, creating a durable, non-slip finish with flexible traction.
On the opposite spectrum but still keeping the same energy, the black model features hints of leopard in the brand’s iconic three-striped motif and towards the heel, accompanied by small doses of textural black suede paneling. Like our last entry, you’ve also got sturdy non-slip gum rubber soles. This is a more subtle option for those not looking to dive headfirst into the cool waters of animal print. It’s a more digestible play on the print, and one we can see diversifying any outfit you pair these with.
If you aren’t a fan of leopard, snakeskin is another stylish alternative that works in sort of the same way. This SL 72 iteration is made of shiny leather in either brown or a deep green hue with contrasting off-white or cream accents throughout.
Both sneakers are currently available for $100. Black cotton laces give way to subtly branded tongues and non-slip gum soles that harken back to the athleticism the OG running sneaker needed for performance purposes. Today, you still get those athletic aspects, along with that stylish snakeskin and high-shine finish that gives the shoe a lifestyle angle. The muted emerald and brown hues are unique jewel-toned touches that easily elevate the otherwise simplistic low-top silhouette.