From the court to the street: the adidas Superstar
Built for basketball, adopted by culture. The adidas Superstar debuted in 1970 with a game-changing design that bridged performance and style, becoming an icon on and off the court.
1970
What began as a performance basketball shoe in 1970 quickly transformed into a global icon. The adidas Superstar made history as the first low-top leather basketball shoe to offer serious protection, thanks to its distinctive rubber shell toe. As the game moved off the court, so did the Superstar. Adopted by hip-hop legends, skaters, and streetwear pioneers, it became a symbol of authenticity and self-expression. Throughout the 80s, 90s, and into the new millennium, the Superstar found itself at the center of pop culture—from music videos to fashion runways. Its clean lines, versatile design, and unmistakable profile have made it a staple for creatives and athletes alike. Decades later, the Superstar continues to redefine what it means to be an Original, maintaining its legacy while inspiring the next generation of icons.
1965. The Origins of a Legend
Before the Superstar, adidas introduced the Supergrip and Pro Model—early basketball shoes built for durability and control on the court.
1970. The Debut of the Superstar
The first-ever adidas Superstar launched, featuring its now-iconic shell toe and all-leather upper. Engineered for basketball, it quickly gained a reputation for performance and protection.
From Hardwood to Hip-Hop
By the late 1980s, the Superstar was embraced by hip-hop pioneers and skate culture, evolving from a sports shoe into a global streetwear icon.
From Hardwood to Hip-Hop
By the late 1980s, the Superstar was embraced by hip-hop pioneers and skate culture, evolving from a sports shoe into a global streetwear icon.
Once an Original, Always an Original
Decades later, the Superstar remains a symbol of authenticity and self-expression, still celebrated by Originals everywhere.
Streetwear started with Superstar. From the basketball court to the stage, the street corner, and the runway, the adidas Originals Superstar has been the most iconic shoe in streetwear for over 50 years. With its unmistakable shape, leather build, contrasting stripes, and signature shell-toe, the moment it stepped off the basketball court and into the world of music and fashion, it was undeniably the original icon. The rest is history.
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