A pair of Adidas Stan Smith made in France
Adidas Stan Smith is not just a tennis shoe; it's an iconic fashion statement. Launched by Adidas in 1965, these sneakers have stood the test of time and continue to be a symbol of style and simplicity. With its clean design and minimalist approach, the Stan Smith has become a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.
A Brief History of the Adidas Stan Smith
Origins
The story of the Adidas Stan Smith begins in 1963 when Adidas introduced its first-ever leather tennis shoe. The upper part of the shoe was made of white leather, and the outer sole featured a pimpled rubber design. It was the brainchild of Horst Dassler, son of Adidas founder Adolf "Adi" Dassler. The shoe was initially named the Adidas Robert Haillet after the French tennis professional Robert Haillet, but in 1978, it was renamed in honor of American tennis player Stan Smith.
Stan Smith
Stan Smith, a prominent figure in the world of tennis, signed a contract with Adidas in 1973, solidifying the shoe's legacy. Initially, the shoe was produced with a tongue that featured both Stan Smith's portrait and the name Haillet. However, in 1978, the shoe was officially renamed the Adidas Stan Smith, and the word "Haillet" was removed from the tongue.
1980s to 2000s
By 1988, more than 22 million pairs of Adidas Stan Smith shoes had been sold, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records. Over the years, the shoe has continued to evolve, with new versions and colorways being introduced. In 2008, Adidas released a replica of the original Stan Smith as part of its Adidas Originals line, known as Adidas Stan Smith 80s. To date, the Adidas Stan Smith has sold over 30 million pairs worldwide, making it one of the most popular tennis shoes ever.
The Iconic Design of the Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith features a timeless design with its classic white leather upper and laces. Unlike most Adidas shoes, it eschews the signature three stripes in favor of three rows of perforations on each side. The shoe is often recognized by the sketched picture of Stan Smith on the tongue. With its minimal branding, the Adidas Stan Smith lets its design speak for itself.
Versions of the Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith is available in several different versions. The classic version, simply called Adidas Stan Smith, features Stan Smith's sketched portrait and signature on the tongue, along with the Adidas trefoil logo on the back. Another popular version is the Adidas Stan Smith II, which has a thicker tongue without Stan Smith's portrait and signature. In recent years, some versions of the shoe come with velcro straps instead of laces.
The Legacy of the Adidas Stan Smith
Despite being originally designed for tennis, the Adidas Stan Smith has become more than just a sports shoe. It has transcended its athletic origins to become a symbol of timeless style and effortless cool. For sneaker collectors, vintage versions of the Adidas Stan Smith, especially those made in France, are highly sought after.
Sneaker Art and Customization
The simple, white canvas of the Adidas Stan Smith has made it a favorite among sneaker artists. People have been customizing their Stan Smith sneakers with various motifs, ranging from simple drawings to intricate graffiti paintings. In 1983, Adidas launched the Adicolor concept, where sneakers were sold along with tools for customization. Today, artists and design studios continue to hand-paint Stan Smith sneakers and sell them as unique works of art.
The Adidas Stan Smith is more than just a shoe; it's a cultural icon. Its timeless design, rich history, and versatile appeal make it a must-have for any sneaker enthusiast or fashion-conscious individual. So, lace up a pair of Adidas Stan Smith sneakers and step into style.
Reference: Adidas Stan Smith
