Adidas is Europe’s largest manufacturer of clothing and footwear. There are several models of Adidas sneakers, which have reached such heights of popularity that they are absolutely entitled to be called cult. The company is named in honor of its founder, Adolf Dassler (ADolf DASsler). The version that the word “Adidas” supposedly stands for “All Day I Dream About Sports” was invented much later. At first, the company was called Addas, but after a few months Adolf decided for the sake of euphony to insert a vowel in the middle of the word, the more the diminutive form of his name was Adi.
The brand has not one, but four official logos. All of them are used at the same time – but for different product lines. What unites them is the presence of the same element, three stripes:
It is noteworthy that these stripes were originally invented not by Adidas designers, but by the creatives of the Finnish brand Karhu Sports. Dassler’s company bought this logo from them in 1952 for 1600 euros.
Below we will talk in detail about each of the Adidas lines, because, as mentioned above, many of them have become truly iconic and definitely deserve our attention. Adidas’ legendary sneaker models not only embody the brand’s long history but also epitomize culture, style, and innovation. Each of these models is a testament to the endless evolution of Adidas in the world of sports fashion.
One of Adidas’ most recognizable models, the Superstar, first saw the light of day in 1969. These sneakers became a symbol of style and culture in the early 1970s thanks to their unique design with a distinctive shell toe and three stripes on the sides. The Superstar were also popular with musicians and hip-hop artists, making them even more iconic. Ethylene vinyl acetate provided it with quality cushioning, the rubber outsole had excellent grip on the sports field or road surface, and the leather upper was characterized by high durability.
Named after legendary American tennis player Stan Smith, these sneakers were released in 1965 and quickly became a sports fashion classic. Their simple and elegant design with a green dial on the back is eye-catching and still relevant today. Stan Smith is an example of how a classic style can be timeless. These sneakers were not named after the American court star until 1978, even though they were released back in the 1960s. The minimalistic appearance of the model is due to the conservative requirements of big tennis.
The NMD sneakers are a modern classic that debuted in 2015. This model combined modern technology and comfort with a unique style. The NMDs were created for an urban lifestyle, making them the perfect choice for both sports and casual wear. The abbreviation NMD is an abbreviation of the word Nomad, in which the brand embodied all the ideas and philosophy of the company as a whole because the brand produces this line of shoes that should perfectly fit the “life without boundaries”. Lightness, versatility, comfort, style, creativity – all this is Adidas NMD.
In 2015, the Adidas brand introduced the Ultraboost sneakers to its range of shoes, which had a huge impact on the running industry worldwide and subsequently on casual footwear in general. Adidas UltraBoost is an extremely popular running shoe model, known for its comfort and high-tech innovation. This shoe utilizes Boost technology in the outsole for optimal cushioning and energy return with every step. The UltraBoost style has also become a street fashion sensation thanks to its modern and sleek design. The soft and flexible Primeknit upper provides a perfect fit, like a second skin.
Yeezy collection was created together with popular rapper Kanye West in 2015. The cooperation with the German company allowed him to present the streetwear industry with a new icon in the form of Yeezy Boost sneakers. Sneakerheads and lovers of eye-catching footwear instantly spread the fame of this shoe as one of the most coveted and expensive shoes. Since its debut, Yeezy Boost shoes have repeatedly made a name for themselves in the fashion industry with their unique and innovative designs. The features of this series include an unusual sole shape, premium upper materials, and Boost technology.
Debuting in the 1980s, the Adidas ZX line of sneakers changed the game in the athletic footwear industry. The silhouettes offered were individually calibrated to meet the needs of three types of runners. The collection was created by Jacques Chassaing, a designer who had been working with Adidas since 1981. The technicality of the Adidas ZX line gave it a distinctive aesthetic that is still easily noticeable in the crowd today. It was a combination of the latest innovations and carefully tailoring them to each chosen archetype. Small nuances, previously ignored or common denominators, became the core quality of the ZX sneaker.
In 1993, the history of Adidas Equipment began. First came sneakers for professional runners, followed by models designed for soccer players and volleyball players – all athletes got the shoes they needed. The EQT designation quickly became synonymous with practicality and comfort. Although Adidas did not bet on making Equipment sneakers urban, they still went beyond the gyms and stadiums. People loved the improved foot support, cushioning, stability, and lightness. The signature three-stripe logo appeared just in the EQT models.
The Gazelle is another iconic Adidas sneaker model, first released in 1968. It started the fashion for sneakers with suede uppers. These sneakers were originally created for soccer but quickly became popular in street fashion due to their stylish silhouette and comfort. Over time, the Gazelle has become one of the most recognizable models in the sneaker world. The model became part of street fashion but did not make such a furor and impact as, for example, the Superstar. There are a total of four variations of the design: the OG, Indoor, Gazelle, and Gazelle 2.
In 1950, these sneakers were introduced as professional shoes for soccer players. But they were also worn by fans who liked the black leather of the Samba. Born in the 1950s as a soccer shoe, the Samba has become one of Adidas’ most recognizable models. These sneakers feature a unique design with a protective rubber toe and distinctive three stripes on the sides. Samba was adopted by the street fashion culture and became popular among skaters and graffiti artists. Over time, the Samba lineup has grown with different silhouettes.
The model first appeared on the market in the 80s of the twentieth century. The Silhouette was part of Adidas Originals’ Yung series, the main goal of which was to offer customers sneakers for the new millennium. Their design suggests that the sneakers are meant for tennis – minimalistic, elegant, and with enough perforations to ventilate the foot. A detail by which this model is recognized is the red and black textile stripe that runs from the neckline to the front of the silhouette. It is found on both the outer and medial sides. Her colors are the same on all colorways.
Ozweego is a series of sneakers from Adidas, launched in the 1990s and continuing its development in modern times. The first Adidas Originals Ozweego sneakers from ’96 were created for training and outdoor activities. The Torsion stabilization system was introduced into the outsole. The Adidas Ozweego models are characterized by a distinctive design at the intersection of technology and functionality, distinguished by an aggressive silhouette and created with advanced developments.
In 1983, the story of a famous pair from the iconic Adidas begins – the Adidas Forum, a basketball shoe with a built-in strap and a high profile. French designer Jacques Chassaing took the growing popularity of basketball in the world as a reference point when creating the model and developed sneakers just for it. The main features of the Forum model are ankle stabilization with a cross-shaped element on the lateral part and a locking strap. The presentation of the iconic model took place in 1984 with the participation of Michael Jordan – the legend of the best ball game.