Adidas Superstar was a superb basketball shoe originally manufactured by Adidas in 1969. It was originally released as a low top variation of the Pro Model basketball shoe. With its rubber shell toe, it was nicknamed “shell tops,” “shell shoes,” or “shell toe.” The iconic design has long been a major influence on sneaker culture.

When the original Superstar was introduced, it caught the interest of top NCAA and NBA players, among them Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Within just a few years, the Superstar was being worn by more than 75% of NBA players. In 1983, the rap group Run D.M.C., wore Superstars without laces, pushing the tongue of the shoe out to imitate prison fashions. Adidas Superstars were also the popular choice of break dancers, further increasing their street popularity.

Adidas evolved the original Superstar shoe, creating the Adidas Superstar II. Superstar II brings back the classic basketball style, reworking it in several new colours such as silver metallic or floral lining for women, and adding a silk lining for increased comfort. It features a full leather upper for superb comfort and of course retains the classic rubber shell toe. The full grain leather upper is both supportive and abrasion resistant. The outsole features a herringbone pattern for added grip.

Adidas has released several new editions and styles of Superstar II, in both men’s and women’s styles, as well as enhancing the physical design of the shoe. For example, they added a thick padded tongue for additional comfort and extra support, and increased padding around the heel improves the level of protection. Superstar II is available in a wide variety of styles and colours, and some have special graphics or other subtle design touches.

Another new variation of the Superstar II is the commemorative series honouring 25 years of Def Jam Records. Teaming up with several noted Def Jam artists, Adidas included special touches. For the Method Man commemorative model, they included a picture of Method Man on the shoe’s tongue and included his logo, a subtle upside down W symbol on the heel.

The original Superstars were worn by premier basketball players who showed their individuality on the basketball court, and Superstar II lets you show your style and individuality on the street.