adidas Superstar Sneakers Aren’t Going Anywhere — Here Are the Best Ones to Buy Now.
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There are some shoes in the world of fashion that are positively unmistakable, and adidas makes a whole bunch of them. However, the adidas Superstar — one of the most iconic shoes of all time — is one of those few unmistakable styles.
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It only takes a quick search on the internet to learn about the Superstar’s influence and popularity. The shoe has over 170 million views on TikTok, 2.9 million posts on Instagram, and is a well-searched shoe on Google, with the Superstar XLG being a breakout search in the past 90 days on Google Trends. All the more impressive is that the adidas Superstar is a simple, low-top sneaker. The shoe is usually done up with a white leather base, three contrasting stripes on the side, and a signature shell toe. The adidas Superstar shoe is low-key at heart, and its subtle nature is all part of its charm and popularity, transcending various styles through decades of changes.
While the stylistic gist of the shell-toe shoe has stayed the same since 1970, adidas has dropped fresh colorways over the years, allowing the shoe to become a style for anyone’s personal tastes. For example, the original Superstar shoe option is the white upper with black detailing. However, today, you can go for an easy swap with a color change, like a turquoise or red detail palette instead. Alternatively, you can choose a shoe that displays a black or gray upper, a tortoiseshell toe, or flowery embroidery.
The three stripes brand has also introduced modern iterations of the retro Superstar, which can be seen with its adidas Superstar XLG Shoe, Superstar Bonega Shoe, Superstar Supermodified Shoe, Superstar ADV Shoe, and Superstar Golf Shoe. This allows shoppers to rock the iconic sneaker for any occasion, whether skateboarding, playing golf, or scouting a new brunch spot with friends. Plus, adidas has started designing the Superstar line with materials from production waste scraps as part of adidas’ commitment to sustainability.
Over the years, the Superstar has remained popular, partly because it’s so easy to wear. It might have gotten its start as an athletic shoe, but it doesn’t look like an adidas basketball sneaker, as far as current standards go. The simple design accentuates any outfit — athletic performance gear, athleisure, workwear, and all. Just look at Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi, who wore the adidas Superstar XLG sneakers with shorts and a T-shirt, or media mogul Maria Barteczko, who sported the original Superstars with trousers, a button-down shirt, a blazer, and a tie.
In celebration of adidas’ greatest silhouette, we’re sharing the best Superstar shoes of 2023, plus more information on the history of the adidas sneaker and different styles you can shop for now. Let’s dive in!
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adidas Superstar Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Related:
Best adidas White Sneakers
adidas Superstar Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
adidas Superstar Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
adidas Superstar Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
adidas Superstar XLG Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
adidas Superstar XLG Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
adidas Superstar Lux Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
adidas Superstar Bonega Shoes
On Sale 9% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $105
adidas Superstar Supermodified Shoes
On Sale 10% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $113
adidas Superstar ADV Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
adidas Superstar Golf Shoes
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
adidas Superstar Millencon Shoes
On Sale 20% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
The History of adidas Superstar Sneakers
When it comes to the adidas Superstars, I think we can all agree that this shoe is a true cultural icon.
The adidas Superstar shoe has come a long way since it was introduced to the public as a basketball sneaker in 1970 — just five years after the adidas Stan Smith shoe. Without historical context, you might not know that the Superstar was born as a basketball sneaker. This is a testament to how long the Superstar has been around — and how drastically athletic technology has changed.
The Superstar was the sneaker that came up to challenge the Chuck Taylor. This isn’t hard to imagine, but what is hard to imagine now is playing basketball in a pair of Chuck Taylors. They were (and are) made of canvas with flat bottoms and slippery outsoles. The high top collapsed upon impact or got in the way during quick movements. As far as basketball sneakers went, the performance details needed work.
The Superstar came into the mix with a more protective and supportive leather upper, heels that absorb impact from high jumps, and hexagonal outsoles for maintaining traction during fast-paced games. Famed basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed with adidas in 1976 and began to push the Superstar to super fandom. In the ’80s, Run-D.M.C. brought the sneakers into music and hip-hop culture. These big names catapulted the sneaker out of sports culture and onto the streets.
Today, the Superstar continues to make a name for itself with the help of many creative partnerships. Whether teaming up with Bape, Hello Kitty, Sean Wotherspoon, or Beyoncé, the Superstar has and continues to be the most popular adidas sneaker for collaborations. Regardless of the brand, each new Superstar nods to the original design while adding features like chunky platform soles and metallic embellishments to create modernized versions that keep up with changing consumer interests.
The Different Types of adidas Superstar Sneakers
adidas Superstar Shoes: 53 years ago, the original Superstar style was built for basketball. However, today, the shoe remains a staple suited for everyday wear as a top adidas walking shoe. It features a simple leather upper and leather outsole with the signature shell-toe design, serrated 3-stripes, perforations for ventilation, and contrasted colored heel tabs with the adidas logo. Over the years, this shoe has been seen on A-listers from Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes to Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, all of whom have worn them with different types of outfits, proving the shoes fit in with everything from casual weekend attire to professional office looks.
adidas Superstar XLG Shoes: Platform sneakers have taken the fashion set by storm, so it only makes sense that adidas released the adidas Superstar XLG shoes this past July. Overall, the chunky style stays true to the Superstar’s DNA with the leather upper, EVA sock liner, and retooled shell toe; however, the new platform sole gives the design an updated feel with an oomph of edginess. So take your look to new heights and get your hands on these before it’s too late.
adidas Superstar Lux Shoes: As its name suggests, the Superstar Lux is a more elegant version of the Superstar sneaker. The style is very similar to the retro trainer; however, it’s made from premium leather, which means it has a higher price tag and a limited amount of stock. The Superstar Lux shoes make a great luxury gift for sneakerheads who have been long-time fans of the Superstars.
adidas Superstar Bonega Shoes: The Superstar Bonega shoe is a design with extra flair. It has a mixed media design with varieties of leather on the outside and a texture fleece-like lining on the inside. But that’s not all — it also has a grippy outsole for added traction, a cushioned and supportive heel cup, a mesh-like lining, a removable insole, and an intricately designed platform sole. This fun sneaker can be dressed up or down, such as with a maxi dress and wool coat for the office or with leggings and a hoodie for a Sunday stroll.
adidas Superstar Supermodified Shoes: Don’t be fooled into thinking trainers should only be made from leather. adidas’ Superstar Supermodified sneaker suggests that the Superstar line can retain its popularity even when it features a beautiful mix of materials. Rather than leather, this style has an upper crafted with canvas and suede. While still charmingly retro, these two fabrics add a fresh and modern take, making them versatile and easy to wear with jeans, skirts, and dresses.
adidas Superstar ADV Shoes: The Superstar ADV is part of adidas’ durable skateboarding line. Yes, the original Superstar sneaker was a no-brainer for skateboarding because of the shell-toe design; however, adidas created the Superstar ADV as a true adidas skate shoe. This updated silhouette is created with more stitching where skateboarders need it, such as the outsole, a one-piece tongue for a formed fit, and a flexible cupsole construction for control by the heel, toe, and sides of the shoes.
adidas Superstar Golf Shoes: In the past year, adidas has been making waves in the golf shoe department by creating an Ultraboost for golf, introducing a golf shoe with 4D technology, and partnering with Kith to release a Samba sneaker for golf. However, if the Superstar shoe speaks to your taste more, you can now rock the timeless style on the greens with the adidas Superstar Golf Shoe. While this shoe keeps the shell-toe and 3-Stripes design, it differs from the original Superstars because it has a spiked outsole, which keeps players balanced and helps them take big swings.
adidas Superstar Millencon Shoes: For a slightly different look, go with the Superstar Millencon shoe. We love the wavy platform sole, shiny patent leather upper, slight lug sole, and contrasting hue on the tongue. Yes, it’s made to last with durable materials, but it’s also made to keep feet comfortable with memory foam cushioning and a spacious toe box, which makes it a great shoe for those with bunions and an excellent option for those who need shoes for wide feet.
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Meet the Author
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits shopping stories on celebrity style, the latest fashion trends, and new shoe releases. Before joining Footwear News, Chwatt wrote for publications, including Editorialist. In her spare time, she enjoys scrolling through her favorite retailers and social platforms to stay up to date on the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy and love. As a New York City native, Chwatt is always searching for the best designer sneakers to get around comfortably. As a result, she has an overstuffed shoe closet that needs to be cleaned out.
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