The Ultimate adidas Superstar FAQ

The History of the adidas Superstar

Designed as a basketball shoe, the adidas Superstar first debuted in 1969 to meet the needs of professional players. The defining feature of its design was its rubber shell toe, which enhanced protection and durability, with a leather upper that offered flexibility. adidas wanted to create a shoe that combined support, comfort, and style, and the Superstar stood out both technically and aesthetically.

It quickly gained traction among NBA players including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor) who popularised the Superstar by wearing it on court in the 70s.

In the mid-80s, it was embraced by the hip-hop scene in New York City, transforming the Superstar from a performance sneaker to a cultural icon.

Rap group Run-DMC adopted the Superstar as part of their signature style, pairing it with tracksuits and wearing it without laces. Their hit 1986 song 'My adidas' cemented the shoe's urban status and rebellious identity. adidas signed Run-DMC on in one of the first major collaborations between a sneaker brand and a musical group.

No longer associated primarily with basketball, the Superstar appeared in skateboarding, fashion, and streetwear circles throughout the 90s and 00s. High-fashion collaborations with labels like Pharrell Williams' Human Race, Undefeated, BAPE and Prada have ensured the Superstar has remained relevant across multiple generations, and today, the model is celebrated not only for its basketball heritage but as a symbol of cultural expression.

adidas Superstar: Answering Your Questions

What's the difference between the adidas Superstar 1 and 2?

The adidas Superstar 2 is wider and more comfortable with a padded collar and tongue, while the original is more streamlined with a thinner tongue.

What's the difference between the adidas Superstar and adidas Grand Court?

The main difference between the adidas Superstar and Grand Court is the shell toe: the Superstar has a hard rubber shell toe, which the Grand Court has a soft toe. The Superstar is also traditionally made from leather, while the Grand Court uses softer materials and features Cloudfoam cushioning.

Are adidas Superstar good for walking in?

The adidas Superstar has plush cushioning, soft padding, and good arch support, so they are very comfortable to walk around in all day.

How does the adidas Superstar fit?

The Superstar fits true to size. However, the model has a rather narrow cut and relatively tight fit, meaning it could be uncomfortable to wear if you have extremely wide feet. Those affected should consider sizing up at least half a size.

How do you tie the adidas Superstar?

For guidance on tying your Superstar laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!

How do I clean my adidas Superstar?

Cleaning should always be done by hand. Here's how:

Remove the laces and use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to get rid of loose dirt.
Mix a bit of mild detergent with water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away marks.
For suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede).
Wipe down with a damp cloth and allow the sneakers to air-dry.

If your sneakers have an odour, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Shake it out the next day. Alternatively, silica gel or activated charcoal bags work just as well to absorb moisture and neutralise odour.

Laces can be washed separately using detergent, or bright white laces can be soaked briefly in a 1:5 bleach-to-water solution - just rinse thoroughly afterward.

Avoid using the washing machine, especially for leather or suede models, as this can cause damage. Even canvas or fabric versions are at risk, so stick to hand-cleaning where possible.

Where can I buy adidas Superstar?

Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the adidas Superstar at different retailers and at different prices.

Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Superstar restocks and new releases!