adidas Superstar

This article was originally featured on the City Gear blog in September 2015. Not all products in this collection are currently available on Hibbett.com. Last updated: February 11, 2020.

In 1969, adidas released a low-top version of the popular adidas Pro Model. This silhouette was marketed to the growing basketball sneaker culture. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, among many other players, loved the sneaker, because it was the first basketball shoe with an all-leather upper. This shoe also sported a rubber toe protection, called the “shell toe.” By the mid-70s, three-quarters of the NBA were wearing these kicks. This was the birth of the adidas Superstar.

Young people who idolized basketball players in the 70s, helped the Superstar catch fire on the streets. The popularity didn’t die down going into the 80s, but the silhouette didn’t reach peak fame until 1986. Run-D.M.C. loved the Superstar so much they repped all adidas gear on stage. They showcased their passion for the stylish kicks with the hit track “My Adidas.” After the song’s release, the Superstar blew up.

Since the 80s, the Superstar has seen many different finishes. The silhouette has changed its skin multiple times, from color to material. The Superstar has been dressed in leather, suede, and canvas. It is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the sneaker world. Pharrell Williams recently teamed up with adidas to design a line of Superstars to promote “equality through diversity.”

In early 2015 adidas saluted several international sporting destinations with the adidas Superstar 80s Cities Pack. Each version of these sneakers honors a different city with the city’s name and a major landmark embossed in gold on the upper and heel. The l sports an all-black upper and outsole, with “New York” embossed on the side, and the Statue of Liberty on the heel. The all-red adidas Superstar 80s “London” with the Big Ben and “London” stamped on the heel and side salutes London. Dressed in all-blue, the adidas Superstar 80s “Paris” dons the Eiffel Tower and “Paris” decorating the upper of these kicks. The City Series is made with a suede upper, the classic rubber shell toe, and a rubber outsole for traction.

The adidas Superstar is a classic silhouette who’s popularity cannot die. Because adidas inspired superstars like Run DMC, Kareem Abdul Jabaar and others, the classic silhouette will always continue to hold a place in sneaker culture. While it may not be the choice basketball shoe anymore, it is still revered as a solid sneaker to rock on the streets. There is a Superstar for almost any gear you have, so pick up a pair of these to complete your look.