Iconic Adidas Classics: The Most Beloved Sneakers to have Worn the 3 Stripes

Sneakers, once the emblem of athleticism, have surpassed their primary function to become fashion staples. From streetwear culture to fashion shows, sneakers have made their mark as cultural commodities. Adidas is one of the many brands that has left an indestructible mark by shaping the sneakers’ evolution from sports to style. With their tremendous footwear portfolio that leans heavily on a forward-thinking design approach, an archive of adored silhouettes, innovating technology, and being a forerunner in using eco-friendly materials, Adidas has dominated the game on a whole other level with sneaker designs iconic enough to last a century. With that being said, come along and discover the unfolding evolution of Adidas sneakers, from their humble beginnings to designs that made them one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

The Founding of Adidas

Adidas is one of the world’s most successful sportswear companies with an annual turnover of over $ 23.4 billion (until 2023). It may have a workforce of over 60,000 employed worldwide now, but it all started as a family business driven by a compassionate and innovative German entrepreneur named Adolf Dassler. His business almost collapsed on various occasions before it eventually became a grand success. However, he realized soon that if footwear could be designed specifically to meet the demands of the individual sport, it would give the wearer an immense advantage. This idea then became the backbone of his future company, Adidas. The life story of Adidas is remarkably full of creativity, ingenuity,  and above all a passion for sports. In 1928, at the Olympic games in Amsterdam, German distance runner Lina Radke wore a pair of Adidas spiked track shoes and won the race and this helped them get a taste of success Adidas truly deserved. 

Dassler’s vision changed sports forever. His pursuit of excellence, attention to detail, and the way he prioritized the needs of the athlete are the intrinsic values that still guide the company he created all those years ago. It was his ideology and designs that touched the lives of almost every athlete all over the globe and became the catalyst for a global shoe industry that is now worth billions of dollars a year. 

With the years progressing, sustainability has been at the forefront of new releases at Adidas. With increased awareness of sustainability came further technological innovation in styles and designs of shoes.  

Sneakers that can Follow you Anywhere

When it comes to sneakers, Adidas is a brand that cannot be pushed aside. Adidas sneakers are essential for both the wardrobe and sneaker culture. As a brand, it has a long history and a loyal fan base thanks to its unconventional designs and enduring silhouettes. Moreover, Adidas has even done some collaborations and limited release sneakers that can be the perfect collectible for any sneakerhead. Adidas in recent years has also produced their sneakers sustainably so that the enriched fashion doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Whether it’s for a casual morning run, an office day full of meetings or a night out with friends, Adidas always has a sneaker for you. From the many designs they’ve conceptualized, these are among the most iconic and timeless sneakers that they’ve created.

Adidas Ultraboost Light 

A public favorite, the Adidas Ultraboost Light sneakers were first introduced in 2015. Using cutting-edge technology, the Adidas Ultraboost is the lightest of the bunch. This shoe is designed to provide immense energy and unrivaled comfort from heel to toe by using PRIMEKNIT+ built for ultimate breathability and providing optimum traction on certain parts of the runner’s foot. It also has the Continental natural performance rubber, a popular sock-like fit, and a redesigned Linear Energy Point on the sole, which optimizes responsiveness. The Adidas Ultraboost has become the choice of many, and we can’t blame them as the shoe has such a sleek design with the elegant integration of the 3 stripes together with the foam texture of the midsole. It’s simple yet seamless, making you look best whether you’re going on a run or just walking around town. 

Adidas Stan Smith 

A classic look, these Adidas sneakers were named after the world-famous tennis player Stan Smith, a two-time winner of the Grand Slam singles. Reminiscent of its namesake, Adidas re-launched the classic tennis shoe. As a part of the brand’s initiative to End Plastic Waste, this sneaker has been designed featuring Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials on the upper, and rubber waste on the outsole, portraying the definition of calm and cool which makes it a timeless design. Nonetheless, the Adidas Stan Smith sneaker is still a versatile sneaker that blends perfectly into the modern day. These are also available in a bevy of colors, from the original white and green to a flawless all-white. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Adidas Samba 

Nearly 75 years ago, the Adidas Samba Sneakers were one of Adidas’ early designs for football players. However, over the decades, the Samba sneakers have been reimagined, redesigned, and adopted by different kinds of athletes, even being adopted by skateboarders. Now, the Samba adds another feather to its roster, as it has become a versatile go-to fashion piece that works for walking the streets or semi-formal events. You can barely scroll TikTok or Instagram without seeing someone wearing a pair of Samba’s. So if you’re ready to dip your toes in the Three Stripes fad, a gum sole, and opt for a classic colorway such as black or white leather; the Samba’s have all those put together. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your look, try looking out for their recent Wales Bonner or Sporty & Rich collaborations where you’ll find Sambas in silver and bright blue colorways.

Adidas Superstar

Since its iconic debut in 1970 as a basketball shoe, the Adidas Superstar sneakers remain a staple in street style. At one point, over 75 percent of professional basketball players in the US wore Adidas Superstar sneakers on the court. The comforting blend of nostalgic and contemporary design codes is just as good in its foundational all-white and black-and-white iterations. It continues to retain a loyal following because the Superstars’ are constantly being updated with new colorways and collaborations to keep things interesting.

Adidas Gazelle 

The Adidas Gazelle was the first sneakers from Adidas designed with suede. On the initial launch, the retro shoe had the ‘T’ toe overlay and white stripes that stand out alongside its colored suede material. Earlier designs had the shoehorn heel tab, but the newer ones have a white heel tab aligning with the sleek and timeless footwear trend, which pairs perfectly with the luxurious aesthetic. In the same way, as the Samba’s, the Gazelle’s have become a must-have shoe for individuals with only limited quantities. However, the smooth, suede lace-up dominance of the Gazelle in the market can also be attributed to street style, due to its popularity among hip-hop artists.

Conclusion

Adidas as a brand has evolved unimaginably. With its tagline “Impossible Is Nothing,” which shows the brand’s passion for sports, its sneakers have led the industry to extreme lengths. The growing presence of  “sneakerheads”  who collect and trade sneakers has ensured that they maintain cult status. From sports to style, Adidas sneakers dominate the consumer market. Yet, despite their adoption by the mainstream, sneakers retain their allure as cultural icons.