# The Evolution of James Bond's Footwear Choices Examining the iconic Adidas Gazelle sneakers worn by Daniel Craig in Skyfall. - **Source:** [GQ](https://www.gq.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ceabc845-9c65-4d54-8b48-c773a2f27d84 ## Bond's Surprising Sneaker Choice In the 2012 film Skyfall, James Bond famously wore Adidas Gazelle II sneakers during his MI6 fitness evaluation scenes. While the character is typically associated with high-end tailoring and luxury accessories, this specific footwear choice stood out for being an off-the-shelf product from the brand's spring 2011 retail collection. ## Specific Design Details The sneakers featured a dark indigo suede upper paired with Argentina blue stripes and white rubber soles. Gold Gazelle lettering adorned the sides, creating a distinct aesthetic. Although retail versions included a light blue heel tab, the film's costume department likely modified Bond's pair to appear darker for the production. ## Historical Context of Gazelles Launched in 1966, the Gazelle was Adidas's first suede training shoe designed for multipurpose athletic use. Its slim sole provided a lightweight feel, making it functional for the training sequence. Beyond utility, the shoe holds deep roots in British culture, spanning from 1980s football terraces to the 1990s Britpop music scene. ## Cultural Alignment for 007 The decision to outfit a Gen-X British spy in Gazelles resonated with the character's background and the era's fashion sensibilities. By selecting a shoe with such strong ties to British subcultures, the costume designers grounded Bond in a realistic, relatable aesthetic that contrasted sharply with his usual formal tuxedo attire. ## Official Collaboration Evolution By 2021, the relationship between the franchise and the sportswear giant evolved into an official collaboration for No Time to Die. This collection moved beyond standard retail models, featuring specialized Ultraboost running shoes that included nods to tuxedo designs and even a hidden compartment within the lacing cage structure. ## Scarcity of Original Pairs Despite originating from a standard commercial collection, the specific Gazelle II model worn by Daniel Craig has become remarkably difficult to source today. Collectors and fans often struggle to find these exact colorways on secondary markets, leading many to seek modern alternatives that replicate the original 2011 design's specific visual profile. ## Costume Department Influence The meticulous attention to detail in Bond's wardrobe usually extends to every cufflink and accessory, making the choice of mass-market sneakers particularly notable. This selection demonstrates how film costume departments balance character authenticity with subtle product placement, ensuring the gear feels both functional for the scene and culturally relevant to audiences. ## Legacy of Cinematic Fashion The enduring interest in Bond's footwear highlights how cinematic choices influence fashion trends long after a film's release. Whether through accidental style icons like the 2011 Gazelles or intentional brand partnerships, the footwear worn by 007 remains a subject of intense scrutiny and appreciation among both film enthusiasts and sneaker collectors. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.gq.com/story/james-bond-daniel-craig-adidas-gazelles — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._