A product's utility is measured by the number of situations it can be applied to and how well it performs in each. Culturally, a product is viewed as utilitarian if it maintains enduring relevancy across history, serving as an identifier toward broader communities and conversations.
All of this etymology talk to remind us that adidas Originals has embodied this sentiment time and time again throughout its storied legacy.
Since it was first introduced over 50 years ago, the iconic trefoil logo has been integral in building out an array of aesthetics between generations, giving countless sub-cultures the chance to create their own connection to the legendary sneaker and apparel brand.
Having been adopted and applied in various contexts, several of the sneaker silhouettes produced by the heritage sportswear brand hold their own meaning within the robust culture landscape. Outfitting the likes of footballers (soccer players for our Americans), hip-hop legends, and everyone in between, acclaimed shoes like the Sambas, Gazelles, and Superstars have evolved past just one singular moment in time.
Although each debuted before 1970, the iconic trio from adidas Originals still influences today's trends and style codes. From street skaters and cultural trailblazers to viral sensations and vintage archivists, each shoe serves a unique purpose to the wearer that dawns it–– even if that purpose wasn’t necessarily considered during the original design process.
Offering a classic flare that only the staple brand can provide, adidas Originals and their catalog of unrivaled shoe stylings remain at the forefront of style, setting a prestigious standard for sustained excellence and unparalleled impact.
In honor of the pervasive effect of adidas Originals and its triad of renowned silhouettes, we decided to take a closer look at the timeline of each shoe–– from conception to must-have sneaker grail.
Samba
1950s: Designed by brand founder Adi Dassler to accommodate icy field conditions in Germany. First came to life as a bulkier, mid-top shoe crafted with a box calf leather upper.
adidas debuts the shoe during an inter-German football match where it would receive its now iconic title thanks to its durability in the frigid and slippery conditions, making it look like players were dancing on the pitch.
1960: Undergoes another redesign that more closely resembles the sneaker we see today. Outfitted with cow-hide leather and a pull tab at the heel for better cushioning and support.
1970s: The Samba gains popularity as the indoor futsal sneaker of choice.
1990s: Adopted as lifestyle shoes worn by skaters by the skate community to their rugged street aesthetic for their mix of durability and style.
2000s-Now: Adapted as a go-to lifestyle shoe for its heritage and timeless look. Receives updated iterations from industry giants like Grace Wales Bonner. A key part of the popular “Bloke-core” fashion trend surfaced on social media, where users style outfits matching vintage soccer kits with the classic shoe.
Gazelle
1966: Adapted from the Olympiade athletic silhouette, the performance sneaker gained notoriety as the first training shoe mainly made with suede material.
1971: Redesigned with a micro-cell sole and a white heel tab reminiscent of the silhouette we know today.
1972: Legendary Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz raises the sneakers in the air during the National Anthem after capturing one of his seven gold medals during that year’s games in Germany.
1980s: Hoards of young British admirers clamored to add Gazelles to their rotation in an effort to fit in with the popular trends of the day.
1990s: adidas releases a variety of colorways and concepts in honor of the persistent demand for the shoe. Everyone from model Kate Moss to Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit were seen rocking staple kicks.
2000s-Now: Gazelles make a “return” into mainstream fashion. Receiving makeovers from high-end labels like Gucci, the unmistakable shoe continues to be championed by football star Mo Salah and musician Harry Styles, among others.
Superstar
1970: Derived from the desire to achieve better performance on the basketball court, the Superstar quickly gains love from athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and George Gervin for its next-level grip, flexibility, and support for the fast-paced, quick twitch skillset needed for the game.
1980s: Run DMC adopt the shoes, along with their signature adidas tracksuits, as part of their statement uniform. The Hall of Fame rap group release the song “My Adidas” as an homage to their favorite sneaker.
2003: Historic Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape teams up with adidas to release their own take on the shell-toed silhouette.
2005: adidas celebrates 35 years of the Superstar by collaborating with musicians, artists, and creative collectives like Missy Elliot and Disney to craft 35 unique designs.
2010s-Now: The Superstar receives makeovers from big names like Pharrell Williams and Prada on its way to becoming a classic name in footwear history. adidas releases the Superstar XLG in the summer of 2023 to reintroduce the silhouette to a new generation of sneaker fans and cultural curators.
Shop these timeless styles and more at adidas.com.
