Adidas
A Brief History:
Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany, following the split of the Dassler Brothers factory. Built on a commitment to performance innovation, the brand quickly established itself as a leader in athletic footwear.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Adidas became synonymous with elite sport, particularly in football and track and field. The now-iconic three-stripe design, originally developed for stability, evolved into one of the most recognisable visual identities in sportswear history.
In the decades that followed, Adidas expanded beyond performance into lifestyle and street culture. Silhouettes such as the Superstar, Stan Smith, and Gazelle bridged the gap between athletics and everyday wear, shaping global fashion and music movements.
Today, Adidas balances heritage with innovation, continuing to influence sneaker culture through archival revivals, technological advancement, and collaborative storytelling.
Adidas Superstar — A Cultural Icon
Originally introduced in the late 1960s as a performance basketball silhouette, the Adidas Superstar quickly moved beyond the court to become one of the most culturally influential sneakers of all time. Its distinctive shell toe and three-stripe branding established a design language that would define generations.
During the 1980s, the Superstar was embraced by hip-hop culture, most notably by Run-D.M.C., cementing its status as a symbol of street identity and self-expression. What began as a technical sports shoe evolved into a global icon of music, fashion, and youth culture.
More than just a heritage release, the Superstar represents a foundational chapter in Adidas’ history — bridging performance innovation with cultural relevance long before collaboration culture and limited drops defined the industry.
Adidas and Yeezy — A Defining Era
In 2013, Adidas partnered with Kanye West to launch Yeezy — a collaboration that would go on to reshape the modern sneaker landscape. The partnership introduced silhouettes such as the Yeezy Boost 350, 700, and 500, blending minimalist design with technical innovation, including Boost cushioning.
