The word ‘vintage’ is one that’s bandied about a lot today, to the point where it can almost be used as a synonym for ‘second-hand’ or ‘pre-loved’. Girlfriends and their magazines will swoon over ‘vintage designer’ finds, when really they’ve just raided their grandmother’s wardrobe. In fact, the word is really just a euphemism for ‘old’ or ‘retro’.

Adidas Originals is a branch of the famous sportswear brand that dresses athletes and celebrities alike; its mission statement is to be a ‘heritage collection’. That means that it sports the original Trefoil Adidas logo – which since 1997 does not come as standard on all products – and looks back to earlier Adidas designs between the 1940s and the 1980s for inspiration. Unlike those moth-eaten ‘vintage’ finds from yet another flea market, Adidas Originals is living and breathing, and continually growing.

In 2011, rapper Snoop Dogg teamed up with Adidas to design a pair of signature trainers, or ‘sneakers’ as they’re called on the other side of the pond. The resulting pair paid homage to the LA Lakers basketball team with their yellow and purple stripes. That same year, the label commissioned five Australian artists to design unique pieces of artwork to be displayed in selected stores across Australia. Each piece was eventually given away to a lucky fan of the brand.

With the Olympics fast approaching, it’s the brand to be seen in. Investing in a classic pair of Adidas Originals trainers will set you on the right track. You can easily search for the right style and size: if it’s a pair of Sambas or red striped Gazelles you’re after, just search for Adidas Originals size 8, for example, and they’re at your fingertips. The brand new Nizza Lo Men’s Trainers are perfect for summer casual wear, and will see you through the long-awaited London Olympics festivities and beyond.

Adidas red striped Gazelles

As Adidas launches The Albert – the official ball to be used at the 2012 Olympic Games football tournament – it seems only right to kick back while wearing a pair of brightly coloured Adidas Originals Men’s Vintage Trainers. Just remember: they’re not really ‘vintage’ or ‘old’. They’re heritage Originals.