It all began in 1969, when the brand introduced its low-top basketball shoe in response to similar styles popularized by competitors. The first of its kind, the style was immediately recognized as revolutionary for its leather upper and distinctive shell toe. These standout features that caught the eye of many professionals in the basketball world, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The beauty of the shoe was in its comfort, stability, and support — key features that provided athletes with security and bolstered their on-court performance in a way the classic canvas kicks simply couldn’t.
Abdul-Jabbar rocked his Superstars throughout the ’70s, and his name eventually became simultaneous with the groundbreaking shoe. Eventually, he signed a contract with the brand, upon which the adidas Jabbar Low sneaker was introduced to the fold. As a result, the Superstar enjoyed immense popularity throughout the decade, emerging as the ultimate athletic choice both in collegiate and professional realms.
The '80s Boom
It wasn’t until the ’80s, however, that the Superstar suddenly catapulted to celebrity status. It had already made a swift transition to the streets, enjoying particular popularity among breakdancers who required a sturdy, tough shoe that supported their moves. Taking inspiration from that signature street style, popular rap group Run-DMC started wearing them on stage.
Never had the worlds of entertainment and footwear been so closely tied, and it spurred millions to adopt the shoe as their own. Suddenly it wasn’t just a sports shoe or even a stage shoe, but one that the youngsters wore absolutely everywhere. More than that, they wore it in dozens of fresh, unexpected ways. The brand introduced a version with its now-famous Trefoil logo on the tongue and outsole. Kids started swapping thin laces for fatter laces applied in crisscross formation.
The style connection was huge: Run-DMC even appeared on the back cover of their 1984 self-titled album wearing red and black adidas Originals tracksuits. It was a peek into the collection’s future.
Beyond Status
You could think of the adidas Originals Superstar as a status shoe — but it’s so much more. Today, men, women, and children alike can slip into the revered original style, complete with modern upgrades like textile lining and a solid rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern that delivers superior traction.
The collection has grown too. Make like the hip-hop bands of yesteryear and slip into a sporty Three-Stripe track jacket and a pair of matching track pants. Available in dozens of colors, they fit seamlessly into any wardrobe. And the shoes are available in fresh, unexpected colorways that set them apart from everything else in the closet. Worn on and off the court, they’re the ultimate fashion icons.
