The Story Behind: Adidas Superstar

The Superstar was originally a basketball shoe manufactured by Adidas in 1969. The Superstar shoe was originally released as a low-top version of the Pro Model basketball shoe but has achieved such popularity, it has been re-imagined time and time again and used on further product types. Nicknamed the “shelltoe”, “shell shoes”, and “shell tops” for their rubber shell toe piece, this iconic silhouette is regarded as one of the major influences in the rise of the modern day “sneaker culture”.

At the time of release the leather upper and shell toe were completely unheard of and it soon caught the attention of professional basketball players, notably Kareem Abdul Jabbar. It’s revolutionary technological qualities were soon replicated onto the shoes of the majority of the NBA for their protective qualities and their influence has helped Adidas remain a household name in the States to this day. Even as technology moved on in the footwear industry, the Superstar was held in such high regard that it made the natural transition from court to streets, and it is there that it really left its lasting impression.

By the 1980’s these trainers were highly fashionable and hip-Hop band Run D.M.C. made them their signature fashion choice on stage, wearing them without laces and with the tongues pushed out. It became so noticeable that they even wrote a song about it in response to an anti-sneaker rap song by Jerrald Deas called “Felon Sneakers”, the trio released the song entitled “My Adidas” in 1986 on the back of great publicity.

Since then, it was the start of one of the most successful yet unexpected collaborations in fashion. This was the first time a sports brand had used music to market their product.

Below: The Superstar has come in many shapes and sizes since.

The Superstar shoe has become part of popular youth fashion and is now worn regularly as casual footwear, rather than for sports. The Superstars, like the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, easily made the transition from the basketball court to street as they caught the attention of retro clothing aficionados. The Superstar is a basic silhouette which people have customised to their own taste down the years. Their ability to appeal to different types of youth cultures and fashion movements has cemented their place as a classic Adidas shoe, it is a style which will be able to fit into a plethora of outfits for years to come.

In 2005, Adidas celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Superstar by collaborating with icons from the world of music, fashion and arts to create the Adidas 35th Anniversary collection. Superstar remains an important facet of Adidas’ retro styled fashion style.

New Superstar Shoes

The Adidas Superstar 2 has proven itself on the basketball court and in the streets since 1970. Now this classic court shoe has been updated with an eco-friendly, smooth leather upper, textile 3-Stripes and lining.

• Eco-friendly full grain leather upper for comfort and soft feel
• Rubber shell toe for classic style
• Comfortable textile lining
• Textile 3-Stripes
• Herringbone-pattern outsole for grip

RGB Design Track Jacket

The men’s RGB Design Track Jacket fuses an Adidas icon with artwork from one of Italy’s most eminent design teams. Milan-based Carnovsky, made up of Francesco Rugi and Silvia Quintanilla, is known for vivid landscape installations. The striking, layered artwork on the jacket mixes images of animals, skeletons and plants for a dreamlike feel. Trefoil embroidery, a short stand-up collar and front slash pockets echo the original Adidas track top. It is one of a number of street styled- sport infused designs which Adidas are extending the Superstar dynasty with.

Praezision Superstar Jacket

The street culture associated with the Adidas Superstar moniker has been experimented with to customise this classic varsity style bomber jacket. Its dark hues give a sleek and sophisticated finish and you’ll have no trouble using this to create countless modern looks.

Superstar Classic Track Top

From Olympic podiums to concert stages, the Adidas Originals Track Top has been experienced almost everything and been seen pretty much everywhere. This timeless zip up is free to rely on at any time and is ready for new waves of Superstar fans to extend its legacy.

Ultrastar

Finished in the signature Run D.M.C aesthetic.