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What makes the adidas Superstar a classic

September 8, 2021 12:00 PM
What makes the adidas Superstar a classic

The adidas Superstar is probably one of the most famous sneakers of all time. The white and black shoe with the convex nose on the front is characteristic for adidas. The history of this pair goes way back and to this day, the Superstar is still relevant.

Origin of the adidas Superstar

The Superstar has become a staple model in the sneaker world since the 1970s. The first pair was released in 1969 and had the classic black and white colorway. Here, the sneaker is white all over and the black adidas stripes are on both sides of the shoe. The sole is white, as is the rubber toe cap on the shoe.

adidas Superstar
The distinctive rubber toe cap on the adidas Superstar

The sneaker was originally designed for basketball players and should replace the 'Supergrip' model of adidas. This model was worn a lot on the basketball court at the end of the 1970s, but lacked support in the toe area of the shoe. The Superstar would solve this problem and was quickly picked up by many basketball players. This included basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was playing for the Lakers at the time. In a short time, he became the face of the Superstar.

From basketball shoe to everyday sneaker

After the Superstar was a big success in the basketball world, the sneaker was picked up by hip hop group Run D.M.C. in 1980. Run D.M.C. was at that time the biggest hip hop group around and dressed a lot in adidas tracksuits with the Superstars underneath. Soon, the Superstar was introduced in the street style scene and the pair was worn without laces, just like the group Run D.M.C. did at that time.

Fan wearing adidas Superstar during a Run D.M.C. concert l Photo by Adidas Originals
The adidas Superstar 80s Injection Pack Run DMC

The Superstar became an iconic sneaker for the hip hop scene. adidas started a collaboration with Run D.M.C. and released the Run DMC x adidas Superstar. Following the influence of the hip hop group, the Superstar was picked up by multiple artists and creators. The pair has had many collaborations over the years and has been released in every possible colorway.

Major collaborations on the Superstar

There have been an incredible number of Superstar colours and editions released in recent years. From collaborations with brands such as Prada and BAPE, to collabs with Pharrell Williams and Sean Wotherspoon. Last year, the Superstar also partnered with street style icon Kerwin Frost and there will also soon be cooperation with NEIGHBOURHOOD too.

The Sean Wotherspoon x adidas Superstar 'Superearth' that came out in 2020
The 'Superstuffed' Superstars in collaboration with Kerwin Frost

Although each collaboration has given its own vision to the sneaker, the iconic rubber toe cap remains untouched. Initially designed to cushion the foot and ease apathetic movements while playing basketball, the toe cap has become a signature part of the Superstar over the years.

The sneaker has had a lot of collaborations in its history and can be called a true classic. Check out which model of the Superstar suits you best at adidas and download the Sneakerjagers app to not miss a sneaker release. Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest news.