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Adidas Superstar is a style of athletic shoe that has been manufactured by Adidas since 1969. The shoe was originally designed for basketball, but it has since become a cultural artefact, transcending the sport itself. The Adidas Superstar sneaker is known for its versatility and durability, and has become a staple in the fashion world, often associated with hip-hop culture and skateboarding. The shoe's iconic status is largely due to its distinctive design, featuring a rubber shell toe cap, which provides protection and durability, and its low-top style, which was the first of its kind in basketball shoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Adidas |
| Style | Low-top athletic shoe |
| Nicknames | Shell toe, shell shoe, shell top |
| Features | Rubber shell toe cap, three stripes, flat outsole |
| Use case | Basketball, skateboarding, casual footwear |
| Variants | Superstar II, Pro Model, Superstar Millenium (Superstar MN), Superstar XLG |
| Notable wearers | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Gervin, Boston Celtics' 1969 NBA Finals team |
| Sales | Over 15 million pairs sold in 2015 |
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What You'll Learn
Adidas Superstar's impact on basketball
Adidas Superstar sneakers have had a significant impact on basketball, both on and off the court. Originally designed as a basketball shoe, the Adidas Superstar has become a cultural icon, with a lasting legacy in the sport and beyond.
The Adidas Superstar was introduced in 1969 as a low-top version of the Pro Model basketball shoe. It was the first basketball shoe to feature an all-leather upper, providing better protection and support than the canvas shoes that were previously popular, such as the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. The distinctive rubber shell toe of the Adidas Superstar also offered enhanced protection and durability, making it stand out from other basketball shoes on the market.
The Adidas Superstar quickly gained traction in the basketball world, with key players in the NBA adopting the shoe. By 1973, it is reported that three-quarters of NBA players were wearing Adidas Superstars, and the brand sponsored the league's biggest star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in 1976. The shoe's success can be attributed to its innovative design, offering improved performance and durability, as well as its timely entry into a basketball market that was undergoing changes in the 1970s.
Off the court, the Adidas Superstar also made a significant impact. The shoe transcended its athletic origins and became a cultural phenomenon, embraced by the hip-hop community and skateboarding scenes. The hip-hop group Run-DMC wore Adidas Superstars on their US concert tour and even released a song called "My Adidas" in 1986, paying tribute to the shoe. This collaboration solidified the Adidas Superstar's influence in music, art, and fashion, and it has since become a symbol of timeless fashion and athletic progress.
Even decades after its initial release, the Adidas Superstar continues to evolve and remain relevant. Adidas has released updated versions, such as the Superstar II and the Superstar Millenium, proving that the shoe's iconic design and versatility have stood the test of time. The Adidas Superstar's impact on basketball is undeniable, as it revolutionized the sport's footwear and became a cultural icon, beloved by athletes, fans, and communities worldwide.
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The shoe's design and features
Adidas Superstar shoes are a style of low-top athletic shoe that has been manufactured by Adidas since 1969. The shoe was originally designed for basketball, but it has since become a cultural artefact, transcending the sport itself and becoming a staple of hip-hop culture and skateboarding.
The design is nicknamed the "shell toe", "shell shoe", or "shell top" due to its distinctive rubber shell toe cap, which provides protection and durability. The shoe also features Adidas' iconic 3-stripes, a branded heel tab, and a flat outsole. The rubber toe protection and non-marking sole caught the attention of NCAA and NBA players, and by 1973, the Superstar was reportedly worn by more than 75% of all NBA players.
The Adidas Superstar is known for its versatility and durability. While it was originally designed for basketball, it has become popular with skateboarders due to its flat outsole and durable design. The shoe is also comfortable for all-day walking and can be paired with various outfits, from sporty looks to business casual.
Over the years, Adidas has released updated versions of the original shoe, such as the Pro Model II and Superstar II, which featured a more comfortable insole for everyday wear. The brand has also collaborated with various artists, musicians, and fashion houses to create unique interpretations of the Superstar shoe. For example, in 2015, Adidas released the Supercolor collection in collaboration with Pharrell, which brought the shoe back in a full range of 50 colours.
The Adidas Superstar Millenium (or Superstar MN) is a more recent upgrade to the original Superstar model, featuring a chunky sole unit and a sporty build while retaining the classic upper of the original design.
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Its transcendence into hip-hop culture
Adidas Superstar is a style of low-top athletic shoe that has been manufactured by Adidas since 1969. The shoe was originally designed for basketball, but it has since transcended the sport and become a cultural artefact, especially within hip-hop culture.
In the early days of hip-hop, Adidas Superstar was the signature shoe of the local New York musical and artistic movement that became a global phenomenon. The shoe's agility made it suitable for breakdancing, one of the foundational elements of hip-hop. The link between Adidas Superstar and hip-hop culture was further strengthened by the hip-hop group Run-DMC, who wore the shoes on their US concert tour and even released a song called "My Adidas" in 1986, paying tribute to the shoe.
The shoe's iconic status in hip-hop is also due to its accessibility and affordability. In the 1980s, name brands like Adidas were out of reach for many people, but as Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels of Run-DMC noted, when someone got a bit of money, they would often choose to buy a pair of shoes. The Adidas Superstar, with its crisp leather and distinctive shell toe, became a sought-after item, worn by influential personalities from athletes and rappers to supermodels and streetwear enthusiasts.
The relationship between Adidas and hip-hop has been mutually beneficial, with the brand gaining legitimacy and exposure within mainstream culture, and the group Run-DMC cementing their place in the global hip-hop scene. The Adidas Superstar has continued to evolve and remain relevant, with new uses being found for it beyond the basketball court, such as skateboarding, and collaborations with bands and brands.
Today, the Adidas Superstar is still recognised as an iconic shoe, known for its versatility and style. It has come to represent creativity and bold expression, transcending its athletic origins to become a staple in casual footwear and hip-hop fashion.
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The Adidas Superstar's popularity in skateboarding
Adidas Superstar shoes, originally designed for basketball, have become popular with skateboarders due to their flat outsole and durable design. The shoe's versatility, comfort, and style have made it a favourite among skaters, with its low-cut structure, adjustable lace-up closure, and protective rubber shell toe providing the ideal combination of functionality and fashion.
The Adidas Superstar's skateboarding fame can be partly attributed to its early adoption by the hip-hop group Run-DMC in the 1980s. The group wore Superstars on their US concert tour, increasing the shoe's sales and exposure within the skateboarding community. This influence extended beyond fashion, as the group's music also celebrated the brand, releasing "My Adidas" in 1986, a song that paid tribute to the Superstar shoe.
The technical specifications of the Adidas Superstar further contribute to its popularity in skateboarding. The shoe's OrthoLite Sockliner provides breathability and cushioning, ensuring comfort for skaters. The low-top design and lightweight construction offer flexibility and ease of movement, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a flat, lightweight shoe.
Additionally, the Adidas Superstar's durability sets it apart from other skateboarding footwear options. The shoe's leather material and rubber strips offer protection and extend the lifespan of the shoe, even in the face of the wear and tear associated with skateboarding. The Superstar's vulcanized sole is another feature that appeals to skaters, as it provides high flexibility, lightweight performance, and an incredible board feel.
Adidas has also released skateboarding-specific versions of the Superstar, such as the Superstar Vulc ADV, which further enhances its popularity within the skateboarding community. The brand's collaboration with pop icons from music, fashion, and the arts in 2005, as well as the release of the Superstar XLG in 2023, demonstrate Adidas' continued commitment to innovation and design, solidifying the Adidas Superstar's iconic status in skateboarding culture.
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The shoe's evolution and newer designs
Adidas Superstar is a style of low-top athletic shoe that has been manufactured by Adidas since 1969. The shoe was originally designed for basketball, but it has since become a popular fashion staple. The shoe's iconic status can be attributed to its distinctive design, improved protection, and durability, as well as savvy marketing tactics and good timing.
The Adidas Superstar was introduced in 1969 as a low-top version of the Pro Model basketball shoe. It was the first low-top basketball shoe to feature an all-leather upper and was marketed as providing better support than its competitors' canvas shoes. The shoe's rubber shell toe, or "shell toe cap", provided further protection and durability, while also making the shoe stand out. The shoe also featured an oversized heel counter to prevent the foot from sliding, a padded tongue to prevent tight laces from cutting off circulation, and a wedge in the heel to provide stability. The sole of the shoe was made with grippy Morvan rubber in a herringbone pattern, providing improved traction.
The Adidas Superstar was an instant success in the basketball world, with 75% of NBA players wearing the shoe by 1973. The shoe's popularity was also boosted by its adoption by the hip-hop community, with artists such as Run-DMC wearing the shoes on stage and on their concert tours. The shoe has since been updated with new designs and better materials, such as the Pro Model II and Superstar II released in 1976, and the Superstar XLG released in 2023, which features a bigger sole and upper. The shoe has also been the canvas for countless collaborations, including with pop icons from music, fashion, and the arts for the Adidas 35th Anniversary collection in 2005, and with Pharrell for the Supercolor collection in 2015.
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Frequently asked questions
Adidas Superstar is a style of low-top athletic shoe that has been manufactured by Adidas since 1969. The design is nicknamed the "shell toe", "shell shoe", and "shell top" due to its rubber shell toe cap.
Adidas Superstar shoes were originally designed for basketball and have been worn by many NBA players. The shoe offers next-level grip, lightweight flexibility, and enhanced protection on the court.
Adidas Superstar is one of the world's most recognizable and ubiquitous fashion items. In 2015, Adidas sold over 15 million pairs of the style, making it the brand's top-selling sneaker of the year. Adidas has also collaborated with pop icons from the world of music, fashion, and the arts to create special editions of the shoe.
