A Classic Casual Shoe: Here’s Our adidas Superstar Review

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adidas Superstar Key Features:

• Arch type and support: neutral
• Material: leather and rubber
• Use: casual, skateboarding, basketball
• Price: $100
• Standout feature: rubber shell toe

The adidas Superstar sneaker may have been first introduced—and beloved—as a basketball shoe, but it has long since become a staple in street style, and is now a go-to classic sneaker. Though it has mostly stayed true to the original design, it now comes in over 30 colors as well as variations on the style.

If you are looking for a new everyday sneaker for casual wear, the Superstar Original is a great option. It is highly durable, and very comfortable and the timeless design goes great with everything from jeans to athleisure.

If you aren’t sure whether this shoe is for you, we gathered up all the details to help you decide, with this in-depth review of the shoe as well as what activities they are best for and what real customers had to say.

History of the adidas Superstar

The adidas Superstar first debuted in 1970 as a low top basketball shoe. It featured a full leather upper, and the rubber shell toe which current models still maintain. Though it was originally used on the courts, the shoe became a staple of hip-hop and streetwear fashion in the 90’s and early 2000’s.

Since then it has gone through many design collaborations with artists like Pharell, and brands like Prada and Lego, and there are now many styles of the shoe which offer variations in the upper materials, midsole height, colors and overall design.

But for those that prefer the classics, the Superstar Originals are still available, and besides having many more color options, they look pretty close to what you may have seen in the 70s.

Design

The adidas Superstar is most known for its rubber shell toe which gives it its signature rounded appearance, and superior durability. Since it was designed to be a basketball shoe it has a flat, rubberized sole, and a supportive upper that is still made with 100 percent leather. While it comes in over 30 color options, they all maintain the three stripe design on the side which is consistent with all adidas shoes.

It also has a rubber outsole that gives it superior grip when on the courts or just walking in slippery or wet conditions.

The Pros of the adidas Superstar

• Classic design
• Lots of color options
• Very durable
• Multi-purpose

The Cons of the adidas Superstar

• Not super breathable
• Not much support

Customer Reviews

With over 11,000 reviews and a 4.7/5 star review on adidas.com, it’s safe to say this shoe is a customer favorite.

The most common comment was how comfortable the shoes are. Customers love that they can wear them throughout the day and feel supported and pain-free. They also noted that the shoes run a bit on the large side—both in length and width—so if you have a narrow foot it’s best to size down, but if you usually opt for a wide, you can probably stick with your regular size.

They also loved how the classic style goes with everything, but you can also make them a statement piece by choosing a more vibrant colorway.

Who the adidas Superstar Is Best For

These shoes are best when used as lifestyle shoes, which means daily wear and light walking. They can also work well for casual pickup basketball games or skateboarding because of their flat, grippy soles. The flat bottoms are also great for lifting as they give you a solid base, and they won’t compress too much under heavy weights.

These shoes don’t offer a ton of support, so if you are an overpronator or feel like you need some more support in a shoe, you may want to add in an insole.

Who the adidas Superstar Is Not Best For

If you want a workout or running shoe, this isn’t going to be the best option for you. It doesn’t have the proper support or cushioning to protect the feet and legs while running, and it would feel heavy and clunky on the foot because of the flat sole and thick rubber bottom.

While the shoe can work decently for lifting because the midsole is flat and dense, you also have the issue of the upper. Because of the thick rubber toe and full leather upper, it isn’t the most breathable and can get hot and sweaty pretty easily.

Fit

These shoes fit a bit on the large side both in length and width which means if you generally wear a wide you can probably stay with your usual size, but if your foot is a bit narrow you may want to size down a half size.

The shoe itself has a rounded toe box and wider shape to it which allows the foot to spread more naturally than in that of a more tapered toe. It also cuts pretty low on the ankle so it won’t impede ankle movement or cause any uncomfortable rubbing.

How to Clean the adidas Superstar

These shoes are pretty durable, and will last you for years as long as you take care of them and clean them properly. To prevent water damage, it’s always best to spray them a bit with waterproofing spray before wearing them.

If they do get dirty though, it’s best to spot clean them with a cloth soaked in a mixture of half warm water, half vinegar, or to get a specialized shoe cleaner and scrub with a gentle brush.

adidas Superstar FAQs

Are adidas Superstars waterproof?

Since they are made from leather they will be pretty water resistant, but not fully waterproof. Leather is also susceptible to water damage though, so you will want to make sure you treat them before wearing them in the rain.

Can I wear adidas Superstars to the gym?

You can wear them to the gym, and they make a decent lifting and training shoe, but you might want something a bit more cushioned for cardio—particularly running.

Are adidas Superstars comfortable to walk in?

They are very comfortable to walk in and have a light, cushioned feel. If you do require a bit more support, you can always take out the insole and add an insert.

Are adidas Superstars good for flat feet?

Since they don’t offer much arch support, they are a great option for flat feet. The flat base is comfortable for low arches and won’t have anything that digs into the midfoot.

Why are adidas Superstars so popular?

They are a legacy shoe. Having been around since 1970, they have also evolved over time from being a basketball shoe to a lifestyle shoe. The classic style and comfort have kept them a favorite in street style today.

Related Post: Veja Sneakers Review

How adidas Superstars Compare to Other Shoes

The Superstar is a pretty basic leather sneaker, so there are more than a few styles out there that have a similar vibe and feel.

One of the most similar is the adidas Stan Smith. This shoe has a similar shape to the Superstar with a slightly lighter midsole and no rubber toe. It has a full leather upper and more of a minimalistic style. Instead of the blocked stripes it has perforated holes in a stripe pattern and the signature color block on the heel.

The Nike Airforce1 is another similar design. It is a bit bulkier than the Superstars, but it also has a full leather upper. This shoe has more ventilation built in than the Superstars which helps to keep your feet cool, and it comes in many color combos and special editions.

Another classic style is the Puma Classic XXIs. These are even more low profile than the Superstars, and have a suede upper instead of leather. They come in a bunch of colors ranging from classic neutrals to fun variants, and are more affordable at only $75.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for another shoe to add to your collection, you can’t really go wrong with a pair of adidas Superstars. You'll love the durability, affordability and comfort, plus the classic design goes with almost any outfit. And after sticking around for over 50 years, they have become a timeless piece, so you don’t have to worry about going out of style.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.