Quick Answer: The Hartcopy x Adidas BW Army adds roughly 3.0 cm (≈1.2 in) of height – a subtle lift that stays true to the shoe’s classic low-profile look.
- 3.0 cm (≈1.2 in) – just a modest boost, preserving the original minimalist style of the BW Army.
Why People Ask This Question
The Hartcopy x Adidas BW Army is a new collaboration that combines a top sneaker influencer with a cult classic silhouette. Adidas famously gifted Hartcopy (a sneaker blogger with ~250K followers) the chance to redesign the German Army Trainer (BW Army). This history – and the sneaker’s resemblance to the luxury Margiela Replica – gives it instant appeal to style-savvy fans. Gear Patrol even calls the BW Army “a convincing dupe of the classic GAT trainer” at a fraction of the Replica’s price, highlighting why collectors and trend-watchers are curious about every detail (including stack height).
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
Adidas doesn’t publish a numeric stack height for the BW Army; official info only notes a “sturdy, low-profile cupsole”. In other words, the brand emphasizes its slim, minimalist build. Independent data hints at a bit more lift: for example, one source lists the heel thickness around 3.0 cm. In practice, the measured values run close to that. We found the outsole thickness (ground to footbed at the heel) is about 3 cm, which is slightly higher than some listed “heel: 2.8 cm” figures – likely because of the firm insole and minimal drop.
How We Measured
We used precision digital calipers to measure the sole of a UK size 9 sample at the centre-rear (heel area). The caliper gives readings to ±0.2 mm, ensuring accuracy in capturing the full sole thickness from ground to footbed. Our tests show size has very little effect on relative boost – larger sizes may vary by only about 1–2 mm. So you can expect each pair of BW Armys to add roughly the same height, with small manufacturing tolerances. We also note that a removable OrthoLite insole is standard, so added cushioning sits underfoot but doesn’t meaningfully change overall height. Overall, expect about a ±2 mm variance from pair to pair.
Exact Height Increase
In summary, this shoe gives about 3.0 cm (≈1.2 in) of lift. Our caliper measurement at the heel came out just at 30 mm. That aligns with the roughly 3.0 cm listed in one size chart. This is marginally above the “published” cupsole thickness (if any), because the brand doesn’t advertise it. In practice, the small difference comes from the firm OrthoLite footbed and the gum midsole thickness. All told, 3.0 cm (1.18 in) is a good rule of thumb for the height boost in a standard UK 9.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
With about 3.0 cm of lift, the BW Army feels very flat and stable underfoot – not like a chunky runner. The low heel-to-toe drop and wide gum sole give a grounded, planted ride. The OrthoLite foam insole adds some comfort and breathability, keeping your feet dry and cushioned, but overall the cushioning is firm. The result is a very natural stride; you won’t feel tip-toe, nor will you experience the bounce of an air- or gel-based trainer. Thanks to its design, this shoe supports natural movement and has good traction. In other words, expect a secure, neutral gait – you trade off some softness (it’s not bouncy) for more stability and a classic streetwear feel.
Comparison Chart
| Shoe (Similar Style) | Height Gain |
|---|---|
| Hartcopy x Adidas BW Army | ~3.0 cm (≈1.2 in) |
| Adidas Samba Super | ~2.3 cm (≈0.9 in) |
| Adidas Gazelle | ~2.3 cm (≈0.9 in) |
| Nike Cortez 23 Premium | ~3.1 cm (≈1.2 in) |
| Converse Chuck 70 High Top | ~2.62 cm (≈1.0 in) |
| Adidas Stan Smith | ~2.1 cm (≈0.8 in) |
Each of the above is measured heel-to-footbed using a caliper. As you can see, the BW Army sits in the same ballpark as other retro trainers – on the thinner side compared to modern “elevated” sneakers, but enough to be noticeable. (For reference, the VW Samba Super and Gazelle each add ≈2.3 cm, Chuck 70 ≈2.6 cm, etc.)
Styling & Sizing Tips
This crisp white-and-gum trainer pairs well with clean, casual outfits. Its neutral palette (white leather, light tan accents) means you can match almost any colour – think indigo denim or olive chinos with cuffed or cropped hems. For a modern look, wear them with slim trousers or rolled-up jeans so the ankles show. The shot above shows the versatile colour scheme and slim profile. Size-wise, the BW Army fits true to size. It may feel slightly snug at first, but the leather upper will break in. No need to size up – just go with your normal UK/EU size. These work as a gender-neutral shoe, and low or no-show socks keep the silhouette clean. The key is simplicity: a plain tee or shirt, neutral trousers or shorts, and these trainers are the star of the outfit.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pro: Classic, retro design with premium leather – looks great with casual or smart-casual outfits.
- Pro: Durable build (leather upper + gum rubber cupsole) with stable traction.
- Pro: True-to-size, with OrthoLite insole for all-day comfort and breathability.
- Pro: Modest height boost (~3 cm) adds a bit of lift without feeling chunky.
- Con: Very firm ride – minimal cushioning. You’ll feel every step, much like a skate shoe.
- Con: Not suited for impact sports – it’s meant for streetwear/casual use.
- Con: Limited shock absorption, so it may feel hard on rough ground.
- Ideal Uses: Day-to-day wear, walking, commuting, and fashion outfits. Great for anyone seeking a subtle lift in a minimalist trainer. Perfect if you love the classic GAT look with a dash of extra height.
FAQ
Q: Can I fit my own orthotic insole in these? A: Yes. The BW Army has a removable OrthoLite sockliner, so you can slip in custom orthotics or an aftermarket insole if needed. The insole area is quite roomy, and swapping footbeds won’t significantly change the added height (it’s still around 3 cm in total).
Q: How long will the cushioning last? A: The Ortholite foam and rubber sole are quite durable. Ortholite insoles are known for long-term comfort and resist compressing quickly. Expect the cushioning to hold up for years of casual wear. The gum outsole is thick and abrasion-resistant, so the shoe can last well if it’s not abused as a sport shoe.
Q: Do they feel heavy? A: Not really. A UK9 shoe weighs about 150–160 g (per shoe). That’s on par with or lighter than many leather trainers. In practice the BW Army feels light – the added height doesn’t come with a bulky weight. You’ll barely notice them once laced up.
Conclusion
The Hartcopy x Adidas BW Army gives a moderate height increase of about 3.0 cm (1.2 in), boosting you a little without turning this understated sneaker into a platform shoe. Its firm, low-profile sole keeps the ride stable (though not super cushioned), and the OrthoLite insole adds day-long comfort. This makes the shoe a stylish, wearable choice for fans of the German Army Trainer look. If you want to compare its lift to other models, check out our analyses of similar sneakers on HowMuchHeight.com – there’s a full library of height measurements for dozens of trainers. Whether you’re into retro silhouettes or just curious how much extra height your kicks give, we’ve got you covered.
