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How the adidas Superstar Became the World’s Favorite Original

BBG News

As a gamer, I’ve seen how the Adidas Superstar evolved from a simple sneaker into an iconic symbol in pop culture. Back in 1969, it was born as a piece of performance innovation, with its distinctive shell toe and durable leather upper designed for basketball courts. But over the past five decades, it has transcended its original purpose.

Tastemakers, creatives, and communities worldwide have embraced, reinterpreted, and reinvented the Superstar. Its influence has spread like a wave across cultures, reshaping the landscape of athletic style and causing a stir in the world. It’s more than just a shoe; it’s a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and unity.

Today, I’m feeling the vibe from adidas Originals as they honor their rich history with a modern twist. Their SS25 campaign, “The Original,” is not just marketing hype, but a cultural declaration. It’s a salute to the bold souls who dared to be different, challenge the status quo, and, unknowingly, reshape the game. The campaign portrays originality as a powerful catalyst: the spark that ignites countless tales. “Before there can be a thousand others,” the campaign says, “there’s always The Original.” As a gamer, I see myself in those trailblazers, pushing boundaries and creating my own unique story.

And there may be no better vessel for that message than the Superstar.

The Superstar rightfully gained widespread recognition. Its design, from basketball court to city streets, was undeniably appealing: the classic three-stripe pattern, the robust toe cap, and the understated elegance that withstood fashion fads. However, it wasn’t only the design that ensured the Superstar’s cultural longevity; it was the actions of those who wore them.

In the 1980s, Run-DMC wore their Superstars without laces and made stage shows feel like street speeches. Their song “My Adidas” turned the shoe into a piece of lyrical history. What was truly remarkable about this was that it symbolized something new: a sneaker originally designed for sports being reimagined for self-expression, performance, and cultural identity. adidas paid attention to this phenomenon. A recording contract evolved into an innovative partnership—the first between a musical group and a sportswear brand.

That was just the beginning.

Worldwide, from New York to Tokyo, Accra to Stockholm, the Superstar has transformed into a versatile canvas for individual expression. Skateboarders such as Tyshawn Jones have blazed their unique trails with them. Artists like Emily Barker and rappers like A$AP Nast don these shoes not just for fashion, but because they embody an essence—a silent bond to generations of originality. It’s a universal language expressed through leather, rubber, and attitude.

The core concept of the SS25 campaign is that Originals are identified by their unique personalities rather than their material possessions. Led by acclaimed filmmaker Thibaut Grevet, renowned for his spontaneous, dreamlike visuals, the campaign honors those rare individuals whose individuality influences collective mindsets. These aren’t famous faces selected for popularity; they are cultural influencers, people deeply rooted in the scenes and subcultures that shape our mannerisms, language, and fashion trends.

In Grevet’s movie, Original characters don’t demand focus – they just are, raw and authentic, frequently captured during the lead-up or aftermath of events. These moments have a powerful impact on viewers, stirring emotions without needing explicit attention.

This campaign stands out due to its deliberate simplicity. Ai Kamoshita’s design approach, which views clothing as art forms and emphasizes layering and texture, is one example. The campaign’s music choice, “Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters, also contributes to this. Each element in the campaign highlights a fundamental idea: the less you have, the more authenticity resonates strongly.

Speaking as a dedicated admirer, I’d like to echo Annie Barrett, Vice President of Marketing for adidas Originals. She articulated beautifully how our brand is transitioning from honoring cultural roots to fostering new ones. “We introduced an Original,” she emphasized, “but you’ve returned a thousand more.” This serves as a poignant reminder that Originals isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about growth and change.

In the course of its evolution, the Superstar continues to be a cornerstone. It’s the shape that develops with significance over time. Each scratch and fold has a unique tale to tell. One pair could evoke memories of late-night DJing in a warehouse, while another might bring back the nerves of your first job interview. Yet another could remind you of a peaceful afternoon in a park, where you were sketching an idea that would later turn into your career.

But the Superstar isn’t alone in shaping adidas’ Originals narrative.

Originally designed for court supremacy, the Handball Spezial has become a beloved icon among fashion enthusiasts throughout Europe and beyond, known as a cult favorite within style circles. Its sleek design, vibrant color schemes, and innate comfort make it an appealing, street-wise choice for those seeking a touch of playfulness.

Furthermore, the Samba shoe – initially designed for traction on slippery soccer fields – has evolved into a distinctive shape off the pitch. Its sleek low-profile, rubber sole, and refined details exude an effortless elegance that fits seamlessly in a record store as it does in an art gallery. The style has emerged as a subtle symbol of authenticity for a generation who appreciates genuine expression.

Afterward appears the Firebird – a bold, unreserved revival of adidas’ ’90s athletic wear grandeur. It embodies an all-encompassing attitude encased within Three Stripes: airy track pants, zip-up jackets, shorts, and various other items, redesigned with updated color schemes and lively patterns. These are the types of garments that confuse boundaries between fitness centers and nightclubs, city streets and recording studios. The collection has evolved into the preferred attire for the culturally aware individuals.

These models serve as cornerstones for the Adidas Originals collection, each contributing uniquely to the larger narrative. They function as vehicles for self-expression, molded by the surrounding environment, the community, and the innovative minds that don them.

Fundamentally, it’s not just these shoes and clothing that define a culture; rather, it’s the people themselves. When the product reflects the spirit of the people, the narratives can be endless. The Superstar has always been part of those tales. It began in sports, was embraced by music, supported by artists, and enshrined by ordinary folks who didn’t wait for approval to make their mark.

No matter if it’s a stage, a public spot, a sports field, or an empty canvas, the perfect pair of sneakers – such as the Superstar, Spezial, or Samba – combined with Firebird accessories, can convey messages that words might struggle to express.

Explore and purchase the iconic Superstar and the newest offerings from the adidas Originals line directly on the authentic adidas online platform.

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2025-04-05 00:56

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