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All About the adidas Campus: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Expert Advice

All About the adidas Campus: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

May 28, 2025

There are plenty of adidas sneakers that effortlessly blend retro charm with contemporary cool. And one that doesn’t get talked about as much as it deserves is the adidas Campus. The OG sneaker and its newer-edition silhouettes, like the adidas Campus 00s, have carved a niche in the footwear landscape, giving sneakerheads and casual wearers alike a solid lifestyle shoe. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Campus’ background, its distinctive features, sizing nuances and styling options.

Court to Campus

The adidas Campus came to be in the 1970s, though by a different name. First introduced as the “Tournament,” this low top silhouette quickly gained traction on basketball courts. Its durable suede upper, reinforced toe cap and comfy rubber outsole made it a top choice for athletes. 


In the ’80s, adidas rebranded the shoe as the Campus, and the era helped solidify the shoe’s place in pop culture, from the hip-hop scene to the skate park. That was thanks, in part, to the laidback attitude of these sneakers, along with the iconic Three Stripes. 


How to Lace Stan Smiths

Within the Campus lineage, the adidas Campus 80 stays true to its vintage roots, with a slimmer profile that maintains a sense of nostalgia. The adidas Campus 00s came later, drawing inspo from the DNA of the OG and heavily influenced by the early 2000s skater culture. The most noticeable difference between adidas Campus and Campus 00s is its proportions. The Campus 00s has a chunkier silhouette characterized by a thicker tongue, wider stripes and a more substantial overall feel. Rather than a traditional suede, some Campus 00s incorporate other materials, such as leather and canvas. 


The difference between adidas Campus 00 and 80 is pretty significant. The Campus 80 leans into its retro look with a slimmer build and classic detailing, while the Campus 00s embraces a more contemporary, skate-inspired aesthetic with its bulkier profile and updated features.


Features of the adidas Campus Sneakers

The enduring appeal of the adidas Campus lies in its thoughtful combo of style and functionality. Across the entire Campus family, certain core features remain consistent:


  • Soft, durable uppers, whether suede, leather or canvas
  • Reinforced toe caps designed for extra abrasion resistance 
  • Padded collar and tongue, though the adidas Campus 00 has significantly more padding than the OG and the 80
  • Sturdy rubber outsole that provides the right amount of sticky grip, whether for the court, the half-pipe or the streets 
  • Iconic Three Stripes along the lateral sides of the shoes 

Considering these features, is adidas Campus worth it? If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable and versatile sneaker with a rich history, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Whether you prefer the classic appeal of the Campus 80 or the modern edge of the Campus 00s, you're investing in a well-crafted shoe with enduring style.

FAQs on Size & Fit of the Campus Sneakers

Anytime you buy a shoe, you want to ensure enduring comfort, whether you’re fitting yourself or getting the right size for your grade schooler. Here are a few FAQs to help you determine the best fit for your foot: 

What size adidas Campus should I get?

In general, you should lean toward a true-to-size fit in the Campus. However, individual foot shapes can vary, and some might find slight differences in fit. If you have particularly wide feet, you might consider going up half a size to ensure a comfortable fit without feeling constricted.

Do adidas Campus run big or small?  

While they run true to size, if you have very narrow feet, you might find that your usual size is slightly roomy.

How do adidas Campus 00s fit?

The adidas Campus 00s fit true to size. However, the wider build might feel slightly roomier for some compared to the slimmer Campus 80.

Are adidas Campus comfortable? 

Yes! Part of the shoe’s staying power is its comfort. 

How to lace adidas Campus shoes 

Check out our tying techniques to find a custom lacing look that fits your personal style. 

Minimize the risk of sizing issues by trying on a pair in store if possible. If you're purchasing online, consult the brand’s official size chart, and be sure to read reviews. 

How to Style the adidas Campus 00s

The understated design of the adidas Campus 00 — and any of the other editions in the Campus fam — makes it a perfect versatile backdrop for literally any style. 

  • Embrace a relaxed and effortless vibe by pairing your classic black and white adidas Campus 00s with straight-leg jeans, a comfy tee or hoodie, and a casual jacket.
  • Nod to the shoe’s skateboarding heritage by teaming it with cargo pants or shorts, an oversized graphic tee, and a beanie or baseball cap. Try a pair of red and white Campus 00s. 
  • Don't underestimate the Campus' ability to elevate slightly more dressed-up outfits. Pair an olive colorway with chinos or tailored trousers, a button-down shirt or a fine-knit sweater and a light jacket.
  • Embrace the comfort and style of athleisure by combining your mint-colored Campus sneakers with joggers or track pants, a sporty sweatshirt or a fitted athletic top, and a lightweight windbreaker.

Pair your pastel sky-colored adidas Campus 00s with a light, flowy dress or skirt. This unexpected combination adds a cool and contemporary edge to a more traditionally feminine outfit.

How to Clean adidas Campus 00s

How to Clean adidas Campus 00s

Maintaining the pristine look of your adidas Campus shoes is key to prolonging their lifespan and keeping your style sharp. For suede uppers, use a soft brush to gently remove loose dirt and debris. For more stubborn stains, a suede eraser or a specialized suede cleaner can be effective. Avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the suede. The rubber sole can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always allow your shoes to air dry completely away from direct heat.

Wondering where to buy adidas Campus 00s and how much they cost? You can browse our selection online, with prices ranging from $55 to $110 depending on style and size, or head into your nearest Hibbett location to try on a pair. 

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