Everyone in the UK thinks these Adidas SL 72 OG US exclusives are out of reach, but you're actually paying way too much for nothing

The 2026 Adidas SL 72 OG Obsession

Let’s be real for a second: the Adidas SL 72 OG is arguably the hardest sneaker to pin down in the UK right now. Ever since the massive 2024 revival, these slim-profile beauties have only gained momentum. Fast forward to early 2026, and the hype hasn't died down—it’s just shifted. While local shops in London or Manchester might have the basic colorways, the US market is currently flooded with limited-edition palettes and collaborations that we simply don’t see on this side of the Atlantic.

The SL 72, originally designed for the 1972 Munich Olympics, has become the ultimate 'it-shoe' for its lightweight nylon and suede construction. But if you’ve spent any time on UK sneaker forums lately, you’ll see the same complaint: "Why are the US colorways so much better, and why won't they ship to Birmingham?" This frustration often leads people straight to resale sites where prices are marked up by 200%. I'm here to tell you that you're doing it wrong.

Busting the Myth: Why You Think You Can't Order from the US

There is a massive misconception among UK shoppers that buying from US-based retailers like Nordstrom, Bodega, or even the official US Adidas site is either impossible or a financial suicide mission. You might have seen the dreaded "This item does not ship to your location" message at checkout. Most people give up there, assuming that the only way to get those shoes is to fly to New York or pay a scalper.

The truth? You don't need the retailer to ship to you; you just need a comGateway account. By using a reliable package forwarder, you get a tax-free US shipping address that acts as a middleman. You buy the shoes as if you lived in the States, they arrive at a warehouse in Oregon, and then they are forwarded directly to your doorstep in the UK. It’s a simple workaround that most people assume is too complicated to bother with, but in 2026, it’s smoother than ever.

How to Get a Real US Shipping Address in Minutes

Setting up your bridge to the US sneaker market is surprisingly straightforward. When you sign up for a service like comGateway, you are immediately assigned a unique suite number at their US warehouse. This is a game-changer for shipping from USA to United Kingdom because it bypasses the "no international shipping" rule entirely.

When you are checking out on a US site for those Adidas SL 72 OGs, you simply enter your provided US address. Since the warehouse is located in a sales-tax-free state like Oregon, you don't even have to pay US sales tax on your purchase. This often offsets a significant portion of the international shipping cost, making the total price much closer to what you’d pay in a UK retail store—if they even had the stock!

Calculating the Real Cost of International Shipping

The second biggest myth is that shipping a pair of sneakers across the pond will cost more than the shoes themselves. While international shipping rates can vary based on weight and dimensions, they are far more manageable than the resale premium on the secondary market.

Before you commit to a purchase, you should always use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost. For a standard shoebox, you’ll find that the rates are surprisingly competitive, especially if you choose to consolidate multiple items into one shipment. If you've been eyeing some US-exclusive apparel to go with your SL 72s, shipping them together significantly lowers the cost per item.

The 'BuyForMe' Hack for US Store Rejections

Occasionally, you might run into a US store that is particularly stubborn. Some retailers have systems that flag international credit cards, even if the shipping address is in the US. If you find yourself unable to complete a purchase, don't panic. This is where the BuyForMe service comes in.

With an assisted purchase, the forwarder buys the item on your behalf using a US-based payment method. You simply provide the link to the Adidas SL 72 OG you want, pay the forwarder, and they handle the rest. It’s the ultimate "set it and forget it" method for securing high-demand drops that usually block UK buyers.

UK Customs, VAT, and What to Expect in 2026

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: UK import rules. As of 2026, the rules for importing goods from the US remain consistent but require a bit of strategy. For goods valued under £135, you usually pay VAT at the point of sale (or via the forwarder). For items over £135, you may be subject to both VAT and customs duties once the package hits the UK border.

To avoid any nasty surprises, you can check the latest shipping fees and duty estimates on the comGateway site. Being prepared means you won't be shocked when your sneakers arrive at your door. Even with these costs included, the total price for a US-exclusive Adidas SL 72 OG is frequently lower than what you'd pay a UK reseller who has already baked those costs (plus a massive profit margin) into their price.

Quick Check: What Not to Ship

While sneakers are perfectly fine to ship, you might be tempted to add other US goodies to your cart. Before you do, it is vital to check the list of prohibited items. Certain goods like aerosols, perfumes, or specific electronics with high-capacity batteries might be restricted. Check our guide on restricted goods to ensure your entire haul makes it through customs without a hitch. Stick to footwear and apparel, and you'll generally have a seamless experience.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

If you are a casual fan who doesn't mind the standard colors available at your local mall, then domestic shopping is fine. But if you want the Adidas SL 72 OG in those limited collegiate colorways or the high-end materials that are currently exclusive to the US market, stop believing the myth that it’s too hard to get them.

By using a forwarder, you gain access to the massive US inventory, avoid the "UK tax" added by resellers, and get your hands on kicks that will actually stand out in London. If you have more questions about how the process works, the FAQ or help center is a great place to start. Don't let a bit of ocean get between you and your favorite pair of sneakers in 2026!