Introduction
If you are a fan of Adidas shoes like me, you might be familiar with the Adidas Superstar vs Stan Smith battle.
These sneakers have left an indelible mark on sports and fashion. Each sneaker has a unique story, style, and fan base. They’ve been worn by celebrities, athletes, and style icons, becoming a staple in streetwear and pop culture.
Even I had pretty amazing experiences with these shoes and both of them provided extra sauce to my daily outfit! But I don’t wanna lie that Adidas Superstar was more favorite.
In this post, I’ll explain why and compare regular Superstars with Stan Smiths and Superstar Boosts with Stan Smiths.
Now let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Stan Smith and Superstar’s Origin
- A comparison chart of Stan Smith VS Superstar
- My Personal Opinion on Both Shoes
- Key Feature Of Superstar
- Key Feature Of Stan Smith
- Style Showdown: Comparing Design and Aesthetics
- Performance and Comfort: Where Form Meets Function
- Comparison Based On Materials And Key Features
- Durability: Adidas Superstar Vs Stan Smith
- Cultural Impact: Legacy and Influence
- Superstar Boost vs Stan Smith Boost
- Pros and Cons of Adidas Superstar
- Pros And Cons Of Adidas Stan Smith
- How To Choose From These Shoes?
- Conclusion
Stan Smith and Superstar’s Origin
It will be an exciting journey down memory lane for me. I have an uncountable love for Adidas shoes, and reading and writing about its history brings me joy.
Let’s share the joy as I write about the origin of two iconic Adidas shoes: Stan Smith and Superstar, today.
Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith was first designed as a tennis shoe in the early 1970s but soon transcended tennis courts to become a lifestyle shoe.
Stan Smith stands out for its unparalleled simplicity. The upper is made of smooth, white leather and has perforated side stripes, enhancing its sophistication. The green Trefoil logo on the heel tab, a nod to Stan Smith’s portrait, adds a subtle pop of color that elevates its visual appeal.
Adidas Superstar
The Adidas Superstar is one of the most recognizable sneakers in hip-hop and basketball. It was first manufactured as a low-top leather basketball shoe in the late ’60s. However, its true calling came in the early ’80s when hip-hop took hold.
The Superstar was known as the “shell-toe” shoe because of its rubber toe cap. The chunky, robust appearance resonated with hip-hop culture, symboling defiance and self-expression. The Superstar has influenced music and fashion for decades, from Run DMC to modern rap artists.
A comparison chart of Stan Smith VS Superstar
| Comparison | Stan Smith Adidas | Superstar Adidas |
| Design | Low-top design, clean and classic appearance. Rounded toe box, low-profile perforated 3-Stripes. | Low-top design with shell toe. Rubber toe cap, prominent 3-Stripes on sides. |
| Materials | Leather upper, synthetic lining, rubber sole. | Leather upper, synthetic lining, rubber sole. |
| Colorways | Available in a variety of colors. | Available in a variety of colors. |
| Price | Around $80 USD. | Around $90 USD. |
| Durability | Highly durable. | Highly durable. |
| Comfort | Very comfortable. | Very comfortable. |
| Style | Casual style. | Casual style. |
My Personal Opinion on Both Shoes
While classic white Stan Smith dominates the hearts of sneaker lovers, various color options are available. Adidas Superstar is available in various colorways, including monochromic and bold combinations.
Adidas stan smith offers a luxurious feel and durability because of its premium full-grain leather. Its perforated three stripes and an OrthoLite sock liner provide decent breathability. Stan Smith is a lightweight shoe, and I use it daily. It also provides a good fit, and insole support, and the rubber outsole ensures a decent grip.
Superstar’s upper material has synthetic or suede overlays for added texture and style. I use it for casual wear because the shoe provides moderate breathability. If I compare both shoes, Superstar is slightly heavier than Stan Smith due to its rugged built and rubber shell-toe.
The shoe has a lace-up closure with metal eyelets for durability. The herringbone-pattern rubber outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for basketball and outdoor activities.
The only downside of this sneaker is that it has limited arch support and may require additional insoles for prolonged comfort.
Key Feature Of Superstar
Adidas Superstar, a style of low-top athletic shoe, has been a prominent product of the German multinational company Adidas since 1969. This sneaker has become an icon in sporty footwear, transcending various styles and fitting seamlessly into sporty outfits and fashion looks.
- Distinctive Rubber Shell Toe: One of the key features of the Adidas Superstar is its distinctive rubber shell toe. This feature provides robust reinforcement at the front of the shoe, enabling efficient start-stop movements.
- Designs: Adidas Superstars are crisp and clean, with the Three Stripes branding on the sides and a Trefoil logo on the heel. Most of the shoe is often in a neutral color, allowing the branding elements to stand out.
- Comfort: The Adidas Superstar features a low profile for ankle comfort and a padded heel for added support. These features ensure the shoe can be worn for extended periods without causing discomfort.
- Chunky Cupsole: The Adidas Superstar boasts a chunky cupsole, contributing to its stylish and versatile look. This feature, combined with the low-top design, makes it a suitable match for various outfits and styles.
- Perforated Details: Another notable feature of the Adidas Superstar is its perforated details on contrasting stripes. It gives the shoe a unique look and breathability, making it ideal for active use.
- Materials: The Adidas Superstar typically features a leather upper and an EVA sock liner. The leather upper contributes to the shoe’s durability and stylish appeal, while the EVA sock liner enhances comfort.
- Overall: The Adidas Superstar stands out for its comfort, durability, style, and attractive design, making it a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts and a valued addition to any sneaker collection.
Key Feature Of Stan Smith
Adidas Stan Smith’s key features lie in its design elements, heritage, and consistent updates that keep the shoe relevant and appealing. You must know about these features. I have provided the details below.
- Visible Stitching: The shoes feature visible stitching on the sides, heel, and front of the outsole, adding to their aesthetic appeal.
- Leather Shoe Tongue and Rounded Toe Box: These shoes have a relaxed and flexible leather shoe tongue for comfort and a rounded toe box.
- Lace Closure System: The footwear has a lace closure system and seven metal shoelace eyelets for durable shoelaces.
- Heritage: Rebranded and renamed in the ’70s for American tennis superstar Stan Smith, the shoe has a rich history and connection to the sport.
- Derby Cut Leather Upper: Known initially as the ‘Haillet’, the shoe was designed with a derby cut leather upper to improve comfort and breathability.
- Eco-conscious Designs: Recent iterations of the shoe have featured environmentally conscious designs, such as printed planet earth-inspired graphics.
- Variations and Updates: The Stan Smith line regularly receives updates and variations, such as the luxurious Stan Smith CS featured in the Blue Version line’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection.
- Iconic Status: Despite changing trends, Stan Smith maintains its status as an iconic and globally recognized shoe.
Style Showdown: Comparing Design and Aesthetics
The Stan Smith is a classic tennis shoe defined by its simple, sleek, and elegant design, while the Superstar is a more flashy and urban style with its signature shell toe.
Let’s dive into the showdown of design and aesthetics between Superstar and Stansmith.
Stan Smith: Understated Versatility
Stan Smith’s low-top profile and slim silhouette create a streamlined and elegant look, making it an excellent shoe.
Stan Smith’s classic and clean design is a testament to the phrase “less is more.” Its all-white leather upper makes it a versatile companion for any outfit, whether rocking a casual streetwear ensemble or dressing up for a semi-formal event.
The subtle green accent on the heel adds a dash of character without stealing the limelight.
Superstar: Bold and Brash
In contrast, the Adidas Superstar embraces a bold, brash look that demands attention. The iconic rubber shell toe is an instant conversation starter, while the signature three stripes on the side add a sporty flair to its design.
The Superstar’s chunky and robust build exudes confidence and attitude, making it the go-to choice for those who love to make a statement with their footwear. Its high-top version further amplifies its street cred, appealing to sneakerheads looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their collection.
Performance and Comfort: Where Form Meets Function
While style is undoubtedly important, the performance and comfort of a sneaker are crucial factors to consider, especially for those who lead an active lifestyle or spend hours on their feet.
As a sneaker lover, I always want to know their features and better know their comfort before buying.
I know it should be the same for you. But., do not worry. I will share my experience with both of them in the following paragraphs.
Adidas Stan Smith: Performance and Comfort
Though Stan Smith is known for its simplicity, it gives tremendous comfort. This shoe features an OrthoLite sock liner with superior cushioning, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability.
It has a full-grain leather upper which is molded to the shape of my feet. It gave me a personalized fit; it gets even better with time. The low-top construction offers unrestricted ankle movement, making it suitable for various activities, from light sports to everyday errands.
Adidas Superstar: Performance and Comfort
Adidas Superstar is highly durable and has a rubber shell-toe that offers an extra layer of protection. A tough, durable construction lends the Superstar a sense of basketball heritage.
The Superstar’s leather upper provides a secure fit, giving your feet the support they need during dynamic movements. However, due to its high-top version’s design, ankle mobility may be slightly limited compared to Stan Smith’s low-top build.
Although the Superstar isn’t as cushioned as some modern performance shoes, its classic herringbone-pattern rubber outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces.
Comparison Based On Materials And Key Features
The comparison of Adidas Stan Smith and Superstar based on materials and key features highlights the distinct characteristics that have elevated these sneakers to iconic status.
Adidas Stan Smith:
Materials: The Stan Smith boasts a premium full-grain tonal leather upper with a perforated three-stripe design and a green heel tab, exuding timeless elegance.
Key Features: Its features include versatility, comfort, and collaborations with designers and artists, making it a canvas for creative expression. Named after tennis legend Stan Smith, the sneaker’s celebrity endorsement adds to its allure, ensuring its perpetual charm.
Adidas Superstar:
Materials: The Superstar features a leather upper with synthetic or suede overlays, accentuated by the iconic rubber shell-toe and three stripes.
Key Features: The Superstar’s hallmark features include its hip-hop heritage, bold design, and durable build with a herringbone-pattern rubber outsole.
Its endorsement by legends like Run DMC has solidified its status as a street-style and music culture icon.
Durability: Adidas Superstar Vs Stan Smith
Regarding durability, the Adidas Superstar vs Stan Smith stand their ground excellently. Both pairs have maintained their shape and comfort over time, showing minimal signs of damage.
Adidas Superstar Durability Test
I can confidently say these shoes are built to last, as I wore them for a certain time. The upper leather material and the rubber shell toe have proven to be quite robust, showing minimal wear and tear even after months of regular use. The sole, made of herringbone-pattern rubber, has shown excellent resilience to different surfaces, maintaining its grip without significant erosion.
Adidas Stan Smith Durability Test
Meanwhile, Adidas Stan Smiths have also demonstrated impressive durability. The full-grain leather upper protects against daily wear, maintaining its sleek look. The perforated three-sided stripes enhance the shoe’s breathability without compromising its sturdiness. The rubber outsole, though slightly thinner than the Superstar’s, has shown considerable resistance to wear, providing a reliable and durable base.
Cultural Impact: Legacy and Influence
Beyond design and performance, Stan Smith and Superstar have etched themselves into sneaker history, each leaving an indelible mark on fashion and pop culture.
Stan Smith: A Symbol of Timeless Elegance
From tennis courts to runways and streets, Stan Smith’s timeless appeal has earned it a place in the wardrobes of celebrities, influencers, and fashion icons.
Adidas is known for collaborating with renowned designers, artists, and brands to create limited-edition Stan Smiths that have become collector’s items. This legacy has cemented Stan Smith’s status as a timeless sneaker.
Superstar: The Hip-Hop Icon
Superstar’s roots are deeply embedded in hip-hop culture, and it has become a symbol of individuality and self-expression.
As a result of Run DMC’s adoption of the shoe in the 1980s, its popularity reached unprecedented heights, and it was synonymous with street style and hip-hop music.
The Superstar’s presence continues to grow, constantly embraced by new generations of sneaker enthusiasts.
Its retro charm and street cred keep it relevant and fresh, even as sneaker trends constantly evolve.
Superstar Boost vs Stan Smith Boost
Until now, we have seen the battle of Adidas Stan Smith vs Superstar. Now lets compare the superstar boost vs stan smith boost shortly.
Design
The Superstar Boost and Stan Smith Boost are low-top sneakers that maintain the classic Adidas aesthetic. However, there are some design differences. The Superstar Boost has a heftier build and thicker padding, which some find more appealing.
The Stan Smith Boost, on the other hand, is sleeker and lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended wear.
Boot Sole
Boost technology is a defining feature of both of these shoes. This technology consists of thousands of capsules that store and release energy, providing superior cushioning and comfort.
Smith Boost has given it a sole that exposes the entire Boost, making it more responsive. Some users prefer this as each step allows for greater energy return.
Superstar Boost often wrapped the Boost material, which some users preferred as it provided a unique aesthetic and feel.
Fit
The Super Stan is known to fit true to size, but they’re a bit roomy, offering extra space for foot movement.
Durability
Both shoes are praised for their durability, but the Superstars are often considered to offer better value due to their added durability[^4^]. This could be attributed to the Superstar’s sturdy sole and rubber toe cap, which provide extra protection.
Collaborations
Adidas has collaborated with various designers to create unique versions of these models. For example, the Craig Green x Adidas Stan Smith Boost shoes were recently released, offering a fresh take on the classic Stan Smith design[^9^].
Price
The Stan Smith Boost retails for around $120, while the price of the Superstar Boost varies depending on the model and where you purchase them from.
Pros and Cons of Adidas Superstar
Adidas Superstar is a popular shoe with several pros, including its comfort, classic design, durability, affordability, and variety of colorways. Despite these too many pros, it has some cons as well.
Pros
- Comfort: Multiple reviews highlight the impressive comfort of the Adidas Superstar. The shoe is known for having great cushioning and a light, cushioned feel.
- Classic Design: The design of the Adidas Superstar is timeless. It’s an iconic style that always goes in fashion.
- Durability: Superstar is touted as being very durable. It makes it a reliable choice for everyday wear.
- Affordability: Despite its classic design and high-quality materials, the Adidas Superstar is still affordable.
- Variety of Colorways: There are dozens of colorways available, offering plenty of options for personalization.
Cons
- Moderate Arch Support: While the Adidas Superstar does offer sufficient arch support, some reviews mention that the arch support is only moderate. It may be better for individuals who require more substantial arch support.
- Limited Cushioning: Some reviewers note that the Adidas Superstar has limited cushioning. While the shoe is generally comfortable, those looking for extra cushioning might find it lacking.
Pros And Cons Of Adidas Stan Smith
Like Adidas Superstar, Stan Smith sneakers have many advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
- They are sustainably made with most recycled materials, making them eco-friendly.
- Affordable price point, offering value for money.
- Always in stock, providing easy accessibility for customers.
- Comfortable and minimalist design.
- Rubber nubs on the outsole provide excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
Cons
- Tend to run large, which might require customers to order a size down.
- Lack of support could concern those needing extra foot or ankle support.
- It requires some time to wear in, which could lead to initial discomfort.
- They are built on a long and slightly narrow last, causing potential fit issues for those with wider feet.
How To Choose From These Shoes?
When we look at Stan Smith vs Adidas Superstar, these sneakers have a classic charm and special features. Here are some factors to consider that may help you make your choice:
- Personal Style: If your style is more old-school and you prefer a chunkier look, you might opt for the Superstar with its distinctive shell toe. If you favor a cleaner, minimalist look, the Stan Smith, with its sleek design, could be a better choice.
- Comfort and Fit: Consider the shape of your feet and your comfort preferences when choosing. These shoes are known for their comfort but offer different fits. The Stan Smith tends to have a more narrow fit, while the Superstar has a wider fit.
- Versatility: Both shoes are versatile and can be paired with different outfits. However, the sleeker design of the Stan Smith might be more suitable for slightly dressier occasions, while the Superstar’s chunkier look might be more at home in casual settings.
- Durability: Each shoe is made with high-quality materials and is built to last. However, the Superstar’s rubber shell toe might offer more protection against wear and tear.
- Price: While prices vary depending on the model and where you purchase them, the Stan Smith tends to be slightly less expensive than the Superstar. Consider your budget when making your choice.
- Heritage: If the history of the shoe is important to you, consider that Stan Smith has a strong association with tennis and was named after the famous player, while the Superstar has a rich history in basketball and hip-hop culture.
Conclusion
Compared with Adidas Superstar vs Stan Smith, both sneakers have timeless appeal and unique features. However, after a thorough examination, I would lean towards the Adidas Superstars as the superior choice.
Superstars’ shell toes create a distinctive design and provide extra durability. The quality of leather used in the Superstars feels superior, giving the shoes a luxurious feel and look.
Importantly, these sneakers come at the same price point, making the Superstars seem more value-packed, considering their enhanced features and durability.
Despite this, it’s essential to note that the Stan Smiths are still fantastic sneakers. They offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that many appreciate, and their comfort and style are hard to beat. However, when pitted against each other, the Superstars outshine the Stan Smiths regarding design, quality, and durability.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “Should I get stan smiths or superstars?” then the Adidas Superstars might be the way to go.
Why is Adidas Superstar so popular?
Adidas Superstar gained popularity due to its comfort, affordable pricing, and unisex design. It was originally introduced as a basketball shoe but quickly became popular off-court due to its ease of wear and association with hip-hop music and street style.
Why are Stan Smith sneakers so popular?
Stan Smith sneakers are popular for their minimalist design and versatility. They’re named after the tennis legend Stan Smith, adding to their appeal.
Which Stan Smith is the most popular?
The most popular Stan Smith model is the classic white version with green detailing.
Are Stan Smiths still in style?
Yes, Stan Smiths are still in style, thanks to their timeless design and iconic status.
Are superstars still trendy?
Yes, Adidas Superstars continue to be trendy due to their classic design and cultural significance.
Are Stan Smiths good for walking?
While Stan Smiths are comfortable and good for casual walking, they might not be the best choice for long-distance or rigorous walks.
Do guys wear Stan Smiths?
Yes, Stan Smiths are unisex shoes worn by both men and women.
