A History of the adidas Originals Superstar
Like the Air Jordan was preceded by the much lesser-known Nike Air Ship, the adidas Supergrip paved the way for the adidas Superstar to become one of the most iconic sneaker silhouettes in performance-wear history. Pre-1970, the only real name is basketball shoes was Converse, the brand's Chuck Taylors adorning the feet of the NBA's most influential players. But the Chucks' flimsy all-canvas uppers opened players up to ankle injury and ultimately left something to be desired in the way of performance-enhancing sneakers on the hardcourt.
In 1965, adidas released its first attempt at a basketball-specific sneaker, the Supergrip, which featured a stabilizing, durable leather upper and a herringbone-patterned outsole designed to cater to the quick and frequent stops and starts associated with the game. By 1970, the shoe had evolved into a more effective basketball sneaker. The adidas Originals Superstar's defining feature: a durable rubber shell toe accompanied by an oversized heel counter, comfort cushioning and improved arch support.
The Superstar's big break came when the San Deigo Rockets' manager agreed to put his players in Superstars instead of Converse after several players had suffered footwear-related injuries, and by the mid-70s more than 80% off all ballers, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, were shooting threes in the black and white adidas kicks.
When more technologically advanced basketball shoes began to hit the market some half-decade or so later, adidas shifted its sights for the Superstars' future to be more fashion, rather than function, focused. Swapping the sneaker's trademark leather upper for more stylish materials and introducing additional colors into the mix like red and blue, the Superstar transitioned from performance shoe to streetwear style staple by the late 80s.
Run-DMC's ode to the Superstar "My adidas" topped the charts in 1986, catapulting the sneaker's simple white low-top silhouette and uncomplicated stripes into the forefront of pop-culture. Not only did the ballad bolster sneaker sales, but the eventual partnership and million-dollar brand endorsement the hip-hop group received from adidas opened the door for collaborations with modern music artists like Kanye, Pharrell, and Snoop Dogg.
Today the adidas Originals Superstar has been released in countless colorways and continues to be one of the highest-selling sneakers of all time. The shoes' simple design, storied history, and unquestionable cool factor contribute to the Superstars' timelessness and versatility.
Whether worn with jeans and tee or paired with a spring shirt dress, there is no denying the star power of the adidas Superstar. Shop Hibbett | City Gear's selection of men's, women's and kids' adidas Superstars today!
