i think they smell generic but in a good way. like a crowd pleaser/ blockbuster scent. i have the adidas cologne too but it smells great for a fleeting second like someone passing you on the street and then it becomes synthetic.
Why don't you look into something minty? Do a search for minty men on basenotes and you get such scents as Cartier Roadster, Givenchy Very Irresistible and others.
I wear Lacoste Challenge from time to time. And without a doubt, everytime I wear it, I catch a whiff and something in the scent that will remind me of ... Proraso Splash