There are not many brands or companies as iconic as adidas. What makes them a legend is the diversity of their products. Many incredible silhouettes have come from adidas, but none bigger than the adidas Superstar.
Shell Toe Style
The adidas Superstar was originally crafted as a basketball sneaker. It was introduced to the public in 1970. The shoe would transition from a successful basketball shoe to an even more popular staple of hip hop culture.
RUN DMC & the adidas Superstar
RUN DMC is one of the most important musical groups of all time. They changed music and helped to elevate hip hop to mainstream success. The rap trio was from Queens, New York City. Their hometown was a major part of their fashion. RUN DMC was able to successfully take a specific street style and bring it to the mainstream. The group wore black Lee jeans, Cazal glasses, and gold rope chains. It was a look that was cultivated by east coast hustlers, specifically in New York City. RUN DMC topped of the look with the adidas Superstar on their feet.
Organic
The most interesting thing about the RUN DMC and adidas partnership is how organic it was. It feels like we are constantly being marketed to via social media today. Celebrities and influencers are consistently sharing their favorite brands and products with their followers. It is hard to decipher if a celebrity loves a product or if they are just pushing it for financial gain. The love RUN DMC had for adidas was authentic and started out with no promises of money.
My Adidas
The iconic hip hop trio wore the adidas Superstar with the laces removed. This was a touch that people everywhere started to emulate. It gave new life to the adidas Superstar, which was originally produced as a basketball sneaker in 1970. RUN DMC helped to take them from athletic gear to streetwear. The leather upper, with the prominent 3 Stripes on the side, and the iconic rubber shell toe, all make the Superstar one of the most uniquely designed sneakers of all time.
History Of The Three Stripes
The adidas brand has a long history and connection with sport. Its relationship with athletes and the field of play has always been in congruence with its sneaker culture prominence. adidas is known worldwide as The Three Stripes Brand. The German sportswear company was founded in 1949 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler. It started out rooted in track and football. It has become a global player in the sneaker industry over the past 70 years.
Global Reach
Its global reach now includes basketball and popular culture. Partnerships with James Harden, Damian Lillard, Kanye West, Beyonce, Pharrell, and many more prominent names, have allowed adidas to become a top force in the fashion industry. adidas has mastered mixing sportswear and fashion. The Three Stripe’s popularity only continues to grow and its link to athletics and athletes is stronger than ever.
A Superstar Legacy
The adidas Superstar perfectly symbolizes the connection between streetwear style, sports, and culture. It is an influential shoe that still resonates with sneakerheads today.
- Adam C. Better
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