Adidas Superstar Sneakers Aren’t Going Anywhere — Here Are the Best Ones to Buy Now.
Olivia Cigliano
Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Updated August 5, 2024: This guide to the best Adidas Superstar shoes was updated with new Superstar styles, tips to find the proper fit, and additional Superstar shoe outfit ideas for fall.
The best Adidas walking shoes are certified stars from fashion to athletics, but the Adidas Superstar is among the Greatest Shoes of All Time. The retro sneaker is not only one of the best white Adidas sneakers to include any winning sneaker rotation, but its lasting influence has transcended several decades — and is especially seeing a resurgence among fashion insiders for summer and fall 2024.
Adidas has an undeniable track record of hyped “super star” sneakers, but amid rising Adidas SL 72 shoes, coveted Campus 00s, and the dominating Samba and Gazelle shoe trends, the Superstar — the most Instagrammed sneaker in 2016 — is having its moment once again. The fashion lexicon is embracing the classic sneaker. Wales Bonner, known for blockbusting Adidas collaborations, has turned its attention to the Superstar for fall 2024, as seen on the runway in a simplistic white wash peaking under wide-leg trousers. Adidas Y-3 debuted a futuristic iteration of the shoe during Paris Fashion Week for spring 2024, and Edison Chen’s Clot Superstar spring collab came wrapped in shiny black leather, with unexpected rugged midsoles, contrast striping, and tassel lace charms. Not only that, but the throwback Superstar made several cameos in the “Challengers” film that undoubtedly sparked the abounding tenniscore trend, all the while Adidas was at work releasing a slew of bold colorways and modern twists on the icon for summer — from Y2K jelly shell uppers to new iterations of Superstar XLG platform sneakers.
Watch on FN
In fact, white Adidas Superstar shoes are only growing in internet popularity, with TikTok views and searches racking up to 109 million views and counting, alongside a tapped-in community of sneakerheads celebrating the shoe’s long-awaited comeback. The minimalist leather sneaker is low-key at heart, with subtle-yet-luxe touches from shiny lace charms to clean-cut perforations that allow it to play into up-to-date trends and effortless capsule wardrobe dressing.
Defined by a white leather silhouette, three contrasting side stripes, and signature shell toes, the Superstar brings as a subtle, sporty attitude to everything from easy athleisure to buttoned-up workwear. While the stylistic gist of the shell-toe shoe has been highly coveted since 1970, Adidas has dropped fresh colorways over the years, allowing the shoe to gel to anyone’s tastes. For example, the OG Superstar maintains its same white upper with black detailing. However, you can also shop sneakers in pops of trendy red, collegiate green, and even leopard print or lean into muted color trends with all-gray uppers.
It might have gotten its start as an athletic shoe, but it doesn’t look like an Adidas basketball sneaker, as far as current standards go. Just take Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi, who recently wore the Adidas Superstar XLG sneakers with shorts and a T-shirt, or Taylor Russel, who was seen wearing an all-black OG pair with baggy jeans and a designer handbag.
In honor of one of Adidas’ most timeless sneakers, we’re sharing the best Superstar shoes that are trending for 2024, plus more information on the history of the Adidas sneaker and Adidas Superstar outfit ideas to sport this summer.
“The black with the white stripes is classic,” Fredro Starr of the rap group Onyx told Footwear News. “I just rocked them with a suit for a black-tie event. It’s probably the only sneaker you can rock with a suit and rock with street gear.”
What testers say: “The Superstars are just amazing, and I can’t stop wearing them. I’ve worn them for a whole year now and the shoe is completely intact. It’s great for playing basketball, running, and doing daily activities. It’s a very affordable shoe for those who want style but also want durability and quality!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
What testers say: “These shoes are really comfortable and stylish. I get lots of compliments on them!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
What testers say: “The shoes are super comfortable for daily wear and are perfect for skating. The sole works great for mitigating the shock and is durable enough to survive some rough wipeouts”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
What testers say: “When it comes to Adidas shoes I have to say they are top-notch in both style and performance. The comfort level is fantastic, especially for long walks or runs. The design is sleek and trendy making them versatile for various occasions.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $105
What testers say: “It’s like the perfect, go-to basic sneaker with a little something special that elevates your outfit. So durable and super comfy!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $88
What testers say: “Amazing shoe. I love it and so do my feet! They feel good, look good, and they are just so sexy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $350
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
The History of Adidas Superstar Sneakers
The iconic Adidas Superstar shoe has come a long way since it was introduced to the public in 1970 — just five years after the Adidas Stan Smith shoe. Without historical context, you might not know that the Superstar was born as a basketball sneaker. This is a testament to how long the Superstar has been around and how drastically athletic technology has changed.
The Superstar was the sneaker that came up to challenge the Chuck Taylor. This isn’t hard to imagine, but what’s hard to imagine now is playing basketball in a pair of Chuck Taylors. They were (and are) made of canvas with flat bottoms and slippery outsoles. The high top collapsed upon impact or got in the way during quick movements. As far as basketball sneakers went, the performance details needed work.
The Superstar came into the mix with a more protective and supportive leather upper, heels that absorb impact from high jumps, and hexagonal outsoles for maintaining traction during fast-paced games. Famed basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed with Adidas in 1976 and began to push the Superstar to super fandom. In the ’80s, Run-D.M.C. brought the sneakers into music and hip-hop culture. These big names catapulted the sneaker out of sports culture and onto the streets.
Today, the Superstar continues to make a name for itself with the help of many creative partnerships. Whether teaming up with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yohi Yamamoto, Bape, Hello Kitty, Sean Wotherspoon, Pharrell, or Beyoncé, the Superstar has and continues to be the most popular Adidas sneaker for collaborations. Regardless of the brand, each new Superstar nods to the original design while adding features like chunky platform soles and metallic embellishments to create modernized versions that keep up with changing consumer interests.
How Do Adidas Superstar Shoes Fit?
Adidas Superstars shoes run true to size, so if you have any other Adidas sneakers in your collection, you can purchase your usual size and rely on a great fit. The original Superstar is also available in half sizing, which means you don’t need to worry about sizing up or down. But, if your feet have grown or you’re unsure of your current shoe size, you can reference the Adidas’ men’s, women’s, and kid’s size charts from home and pinpoint your size based on your foot measurements.
Keep in mind that Adidas Superstar shoes are constructed with durable leather and stiff shell-toes, so the uppers do not provide much give for those with bunions, hammertoes, or especially wide feet. If you have those foot concerns or don’t prefer a snug fit, Adidas recommends selecting one-half size up for extra wiggle room.
How to Wear Adidas Superstar Shoes — Adidas Superstar Outfit Ideas
’90s Throwback
Take vintage inspiration from the heritage shoe with this ’90-inspired outfit. Trendy Bermuda shorts and a baggy tee are comfy and fun for daytime outings, while a bucket hat will block out those harsh rays beating down.
Shown with: Adidas Worldwide Hoops Graphic Tee ($40), Adidas ’80s Loose Buttoned 3-Striped Bermuda Shorts ($70), Adidas Running Ub23 Heat.rdy Socks ($20), Adidas Leisure Bucket Hat ($27)
Crimson Tenniscore
Adidas offers some of the best tenniscore pieces — and if you’ve seen the film “Challengers,” you’ve already witnessed the Superstar shoes modeled by Zendaya. This outfit leans into crisp whites with bold red detailing, which happens to be one of the most dominant color trends for summer and fall. Balance out a short hem with knee-high socks, then tie the look together with a cute crossbody bag to hold all your essentials from the tennis court to the coffee shop.
Shown with: adidas Tennis Pro Aeroready Dress ($130 ), adidas Copa Zone Cushion Over-The-Calf Socks ($15 ), adidas Adicolor Classic Round Bag ($35)
Collegiate Green
Whether you’re heading back to school or you’re looking ahead for transitional fall outfit inspiration, you can never go wrong with Adidas Superstar shoes and trusty straight-leg jeans. The green-striped colorway of the shoe brings a pop of color you can pair with other pieces, like Adidas’ vintage-inspired sweater vest that’ll keep you cool for hot afternoons and provide warmth on crisp autumn mornings.
Shown with: Adidas Women’s Go-To Sweater Vest ($54), Adidas Premium Essentials Denim Straight Leg Pants ($110), Adidas Large Bowling Bag ($190), Adidas Curved Foam Trucker Cap ($14)
The Different Types of Adidas Superstar Sneakers
- Adidas Superstar Shoes: The original Superstar style was built for basketball. However, today, the shoe remains a staple for everyday wear as a top Adidas walking shoe. It features a simple leather upper and leather outsole with the signature shell-toe design, serrated stripes, perforations for ventilation, and contrasted colored heel tabs with the Adidas logo.
- Adidas Superstar XLG Shoes: Platform sneakers have taken the fashion set by storm, so it only makes sense that Adidas released the Adidas Superstar XLG shoes. The chunky style stays true to the Superstar’s DNA with the leather upper, EVA sock liner, and retooled shell toe; lifted by a platform sole that gives the design an oomph of edginess.
- Adidas Superstar Lux Shoes: The Superstar Lux is a more elegant version of the Superstar sneaker. The style is similar to the original retro trainer, with premium leather construction and a more minimal design.
- Adidas Superstar ADV Shoes: The Superstar ADV is part of Adidas’ durable skateboarding line. Yes, the original Superstar sneaker was a no-brainer for skateboarding because of the shell-toe design; however, Adidas created the Superstar ADV as a true Adidas skate shoe. This updated silhouette has more stitching where skateboarders need it, such as the outsole, a one-piece tongue for a formed fit, and a flexible cupsole construction for control by the heel, toe, and sides of the shoes.
- Adidas Superstar Golf Shoes: Recently, Adidas has been making waves in the golf shoe department by creating an Ultraboost for golf, introducing a golf shoe with 4D technology, and partnering with Kith to release a Samba sneaker for golf. However, if the Superstar shoe speaks to your taste more, you can now rock the timeless style on the greens with the Adidas Superstar Golf Shoe. While this shoe keeps the shell-toe, it differs from the original Superstars because it has a spiked outsole, which keeps players balanced and helps them take big swings.
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this guide to the best Adidas Superstar shoes in August 2024 with new colorways, fit tips, and Superstar outfit ideas.
