Few sneakers have transcended their athletic origins to become cultural icons quite like the adidas Superstar. Born on the basketball court, immortalized on the streets, and continually reinvented for new generations, the Superstar remains a timeless staple in sneaker culture.

As we move through 2025, the silhouette continues to evolve—blending heritage with innovation. Let’s take a dive into its history, its seismic impact, and what’s next for the legendary shell toe.

From the Hardwood to the Streets

adidas Supergrip (Left); adidas Superstar (Right)

The story of the Superstar begins with its predecessor, the Supergrip. Released in 1965, these basketball shoes featured smooth suede uppers, offering players enhanced comfort and durability compared to the canvas sneakers dominating courts at the time. But adidas wasn’t done innovating.

By the late 1960s, the brand began experimenting with rubber toe caps to protect the shoe’s most vulnerable area. While early models like the Tennis incorporated this feature, it was the adidas France team that perfected the design, adding the distinctive ribbed detailing that would become the Superstar’s signature.

The final prototype, completed in 1969, marked the birth of an icon—so significant that adidas still preserves the original in its archives today.

When the Superstar officially launched, it revolutionized basketball footwear. Its leather construction, cushioned sole, and that game-changing shell toe made it the shoe of choice for NBA legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, proving that performance and style could coexist.

But the Superstar’s true breakout moment came in the 1980s, when hip-hop culture adopted the shoe as a symbol of street credibility. The legendary rap group Run-D.M.C. famously laced up their Superstars with no socks, even name-dropping them in their hit “My adidas.”

Their partnership with the brand in 1986 marked one of the first major collaborations between a musical act and a sneaker company, forever linking the Superstar to music and rebellion.

Cultural Impact

The Superstar’s influence stretches far beyond sports and music. It became a subcultural badge—worn by skaters in the ’90s, adopted by fashion-forward crowds in the 2000s, and continually reinterpreted through high-profile collaborations with designers like Pharrell Williams, Jeremy Scott, and Beyoncé’s Ivy Park.

Its simple yet bold design—leather upper, three stripes, and that unmistakable shell toe—makes it endlessly versatile. Whether dressed up or down, the Superstar has remained a wardrobe essential for over five decades, proving that true style is timeless.

2025 and Beyond: What’s Next?

As we navigate 2025, the Superstar is experiencing yet another renaissance. Sustainability is at the forefront of sneaker culture, and adidas has responded with eco-conscious iterations of the Superstar, incorporating recycled materials and innovative production methods.

Collaborations remain a driving force, with unexpected partnerships blending streetwear, high fashion, and tech. Limited-edition drops with partners including Song for the Mute, OFFGOD:TATE, and AVAVAV keep the silhouette fresh for a new generation of sneakerheads.

But perhaps the most exciting evolution is how the Superstar continues to bridge generations—parents who wore them in the ’80s now pass them down to their kids, while Gen Z embraces vintage aesthetics with a modern twist.

In China, adidas is taking the celebration of the Superstar to new heights with immersive experiences. Earlier this year, the brand unveiled a massive Shell Toe street installation in Shanghai, transforming public spaces into a tribute to the iconic design.

Alongside this, adidas Superstar Con—a series of pop-ups, panel discussions, and exclusive drops—brought together sneaker enthusiasts, artists, and collectors, reinforcing the shoe’s enduring relevance in global street culture.

A Legend That Keeps Walking Forward

From its humble beginnings as the Supergrip to its reign on the streets, it has adapted without losing its essence. As 2025 unfolds, the Superstar proves that even after 56 years, it’s still writing its own history—one shell toe at a time.

Ready to make this icon part of your rotation? Explore an extensive range of Superstar styles, from classic colorways to exclusive collaborations, available now on the SNKRDUNK App. Whether you’re after vintage vibes or fresh reinterpretations, your perfect pair awaits.

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adidas Superstar Shoes on SNKRDUNK

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adidas Superstar Size Chart

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The Superstar runs true to size for most wearers. If you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit, consider going up half a size. The structured shell toe provides ample support but may feel snug initially for some.

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