Adidas Superstar

Adidas Superstar. First released in 1969, it was originally designed as a low-top basketball shoe, featuring the innovative shell toe for enhanced durability and protection. Its transition from the NBA courts to global streetwear icon was propelled by its adoption by the hip hop group Run-DMC in the 1980s. Today, it stands as one of the most recognizable and enduring sneaker designs in history, produced in countless colorways and through high-profile collaborations.

History

The shoe debuted during the 1969-1970 NBA season, as Adidas sought to provide athletes with a leather alternative to the canvas Converse All-Stars then dominating the sport. It was notably worn by professional players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Pete Maravich, helping to establish its performance credentials. By the mid-1970s, its use on the hardwood began to wane as newer technologies emerged, but it found a new life in the burgeoning breakdancing and B-boy scenes of New York City. The pivotal moment in its history came in 1986 with the release of Run-DMC's hit song "My Adidas", which cemented its status as a cultural totem beyond sports.

Design and features

Its most distinctive element is the reinforced shell toe, originally made from rubber to protect basketball players' feet during games and practices. The upper is traditionally constructed from smooth leather, featuring the iconic Three Stripes along the sides, a design element registered as a trademark by Adidas. The shoe utilizes a herringbone pattern on the outsole for improved traction, a detail carried over from its athletic origins. The classic design also includes a rubber shell toe, a padded tongue, and the Adidas Trefoil logo often displayed on the tongue and heel.

Cultural impact

Its ascent to a streetwear staple is inextricably linked to the hip hop culture of the 1980s, particularly through the endorsement of Run-DMC, who wore them without shoelaces as part of their signature style. This association was formally recognized in a landmark endorsement deal with Adidas, making the group the first non-athletes to secure such a contract. The shoe became a symbol of identity and authenticity within urban communities, influencing fashion trends far beyond the United States. Its enduring appeal is celebrated at institutions like the Smithsonian and it remains a canvas for artistic and political expression worldwide.

Collaborations and special editions

The shoe has been the basis for numerous high-profile partnerships, including a legendary series with the Japanese fashion label A Bathing Ape (BAPE) beginning in the 2000s. Other notable collaborators include the American designer Jeremy Scott, the luxury house Gucci, and the music artist Pharrell Williams. Special editions have honored cultural icons like the Star Wars franchise, the Disney character Mickey Mouse, and the musical group The Beatles. Limited releases with retailers like Undefeated and KITH are highly sought after by sneakerhead collectors.

In popular culture

Beyond Run-DMC, the shoe has been worn by a vast array of celebrities, from musicians like Missy Elliott and Kanye West to actors and athletes, maintaining its relevance across decades. It has appeared in numerous films and television shows, often used to denote a character's cool, urban, or retro sensibility. The model is frequently referenced in hip hop lyrics and has been featured in music videos for artists from Madonna to Travis Scott. Its iconic status makes it a recurring subject in exhibitions on fashion and design, such as those at the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Category:Adidas footwear Category:Basketball shoes Category:Sneakers Category:1969 introductions Category:German inventions