A silhouette that needs no introduction, the adidas Superstar is a design with global fame, recognition and appreciation – but what’s the story? There’s something about the shell-toed shoe that has resonated with audiences over the decades, across the realms of sport, music and fashion. We’re going to take a look at the Superstar’s past and get into what makes the design so special, taking a moment to appreciate an icon for what it is.
1969 was a big year for many reasons. As tides shifted culturally, things were also changing in the sports world. Before it became a cultural mainstay, the adidas Superstar was better known as a highly technical performance shoe, and was the first to come with an all-leather upper, as opposed to the more familiar canvas materials used at the time. After being introduced to the public in 1970, the shoe gained a solid following from fans and athletes alike – at its peak, around 75% of pro players in the USA were wearing Superstars. Talk about domination.
By the time the ‘80s rolled around, the Superstar was embarking upon its campaign in the budding NYC hip-hop scene. Thanks to its raw aesthetic and European sportswear allure, the shoe was entering its East Coast era. Things really blew up for the silhouette after a series of events involving Run-DMC, an unofficial dress code, and an infamous call-out at a Madison Square Garden show, which resulted in a pioneering endorsement deal between the 3-Stripes brand and the hip-hop group.
The ascent to global stardom continued to spike well into the ‘90s. Still ever-present on stage, the Superstar started its career on screen in nu-metal band – and unofficial (until now) adidas reps – KoRn’s “Blind” music video. With that under its showreel, the Superstar also became a regular feature in VHS skate-vids, its technical features serving well on the skateboarding scene.
As of today, the adidas Superstar has been worn by legends, walked catwalks, and has been reimagined by an impressive roster of designers – Prada, Avavav, Clot – to name a few. Despite its long stint in the public eye, things don’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon for this 56-year-old.
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