Adidas Stan Smith vs Superstar: The Age Old Debate

adidas Originals mens Stan Smith Sneaker, Core White/Core White/Green, 10 US

Adidas Stan Smith

vs

 
adidas Originals mens Super Star Sneaker, White/Black/White, 9.5 US
 

Adidas Superstar

Adidas is the creator of some very popular and iconic sneakers. Some of these sneakers were popularized several decades ago and have remained popular ever since. This is because of the classic look that they garner, as well as the heritage behind them.

The Stan Smith and Superstar shoes have very simple designs that can stand the test of time. The decision between the Adidas Stan Smith vs the Superstar is not an easy one for some. Their main appeal is the fact that they have so much history behind them. But it also would not have come to fruition if they did not have a classic modern design.

We would like to introduce the sneakers to you by first going over the history behind them. Then, we will go over some of the differences so that you can make up your mind about which one you would really want.

Preview
Adidas Stan Smith
adidas Originals mens Stan Smith Sneaker, Core White/Core White/Green, 10 US
Adidas Superstar
adidas Originals mens Super Star Sneaker, White/Black/White, 9.5 US
Title
adidas Originals mens Stan Smith Sneaker, Core White/Core White/Green, 10 US
adidas Originals mens Super Star Sneaker, White/Black/White, 9.5 US
Price
$99.99
$98.99
Material
Leather & Recycled Synthetic
Full-grain Leather
Protection
Bold Heel Tab
Legendary Shell Toe
Sole
Rubber
Rubber
Inspiration
1970s tennis icons
1970s NBA staples
More Information
Adidas Stan Smith
Preview
adidas Originals mens Stan Smith Sneaker, Core White/Core White/Green, 10 US
Title
adidas Originals mens Stan Smith Sneaker, Core White/Core White/Green, 10 US
Price
$99.99
Material
Leather & Recycled Synthetic
Protection
Bold Heel Tab
Sole
Rubber
Inspiration
1970s tennis icons
More Information
Adidas Superstar
Preview
adidas Originals mens Super Star Sneaker, White/Black/White, 9.5 US
Title
adidas Originals mens Super Star Sneaker, White/Black/White, 9.5 US
Price
$98.99
Material
Full-grain Leather
Protection
Legendary Shell Toe
Sole
Rubber
Inspiration
1970s NBA staples
More Information

A Popular Heritage

While the Adidas Stan Smith was designed to be a tennis sneaker, the Adidas Superstar was made to be a basketball trainer. Despite the fact that they are advertised as being for different purposes, they both became an everyday sneaker due to their popularity.

The Adidas Stan Smith made its debut in 1971. It was named after the popular tennis player who endorsed the original version of the Stan Smith. Stan Smith was asked to endorse the Haillet, and the Haillet was renamed the Adidas Stan Smith.

The Adidas Superstar was created at roughly the same time as the Stan Smith. They were created in 1969, and before long, they became popular with break dancers in New York. In fact, they became the staple sneaker of the group run-D.M.C. The Adidas Stan Smith also hit the hip hop street scenes, so there was a convergence in what these sneakers were popular for.

Iconic Style

While both of these shoe models have several versions that were popularized after the originals came out, the iconic versions are the white-on-white. A white body with white trimmings, accented with some darker colors and their logos.

While the Adidas Superstar sports the traditional triple stripes of the Adidas brand, the Stan Smith has three perforated lines. These lines are placed in the same spots as the triple stripes would have been, and are made to mimic the same iconic feature.

One of the things that makes the Adidas Stan Smith stand out is the fact that they have Stan Smith’s face outlined on its tongue. This is simply a cartoon outline of the original endorser, and it has the words Stan Smith at the top. These words also appear beneath the Adidas logo, behind the sneaker and over a color accent. Some would argue that the branding of this sneaker is very hip, but not necessarily any more than the Adidas Superstar.

The hippest feature of the Adidas Superstar are the three diagonal stripes along the sides of the shoe. They are reminiscent of the Run-D.M.C. era, and beyond. If you are 30 years old or above, you likely have a memory of the Adidas Superstar imprinted into your mind.

Adidas Stan Smith vs Superstar: Price Comparison

If price is of concern to you, you may be interested in viewing some of the cheapest prices available for both of these models. Please follow the links below to view them on Amazon.

Adidas Stan Smith vs Superstar: The Verdict

It is difficult to decide between two classic and iconic shoes. To make things even more difficult, they both have roughly the same shape and style. But one difference that we will point out is that the Superstar tends to be the most classic, while the Stan Smith tends to be the most ‘ psychedelic’. This is our own personal opinion, but due to the emblem on the Stan Smith tongue, we feel that it would appeal to a more laid-back crowd. The Adidas Superstar is more traditional in that most people remember them from a couple of decades ago.

But the decision between these two may also depend on the clothing that you would like to wear with them. Also, they are several different versions of each being sold on Amazon. They have different color accents and even textured accents. Your choice to select one of them could depend on the particular look that you are going for. If you do not feel that you can wear shoes with contrasting accents, then you may be better off with the Adidas Stan Smith. But if you do not feel like having the Stan Smith facial outline on the tongue of your shoe, then the Adidas Superstar might be your best bet.

Which of these shoes do you feel most compliment your taste? Please leave your comment below, as we would love to hear from you!

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