Exploring the rich history of the adidas Superstar, from basketball origins to a fashion icon embraced by hip-hop culture and beyond.
The adidas Superstar, a globally recognized sneaker, has a rich history that intertwines with sport, music, and fashion, making it a timeless icon. Launched in 1969, this silhouette was originally designed as a high-performance basketball shoe, notable for being the first to feature an all-leather upper, which set it apart from the common canvas shoes of that era. The sneaker made its public debut in 1970 and swiftly gained popularity among athletes; at its peak, approximately 75% of professional basketball players in the United States donned Superstars.
The cultural significance of the Superstar expanded dramatically in the 1980s, as it became intertwined with the emergence of hip-hop in New York City. Its distinctive style, characterized by a raw aesthetic and European flair, resonated with the burgeoning hip-hop movement. A pivotal moment in the Superstar’s history occurred when the renowned hip-hop group Run-DMC adopted the sneaker as part of their unofficial uniform. This alliance culminated in a groundbreaking endorsement deal after a memorable moment at a concert in Madison Square Garden, where the group famously called out the brand.
The success of the adidas Superstar continued to ascend throughout the 1990s. It not only remained a staple in music culture but also made its way onto the screen, featuring prominently in the music video for the nu-metal band KoRn’s song “Blind.” The sneaker’s athletic and technical attributes also found a following within skateboarding communities, marking its versatility across different subcultures.
Today, the adidas Superstar maintains its status, having been worn by prominent figures from various fields and appearing on runways, while also being creatively reinterpreted by a diverse array of designers, including Prada, Avavav, and Clot. The sneaker, which is now 56 years old, continues to be a significant player in the fashion landscape, showing no signs of fading from prominence.
Source: Noah Wire Services
