There were countless shoes available throughout the 80s but none had as big of an impact on 80s hip-hop culture quite like the iconic Adidas Superstar.
The Adidas Superstar was released originally back in the 1960s but grew in popularity during the 80s due to its distinctive shell toe and minimalistic design. In essence, the Superstar became a cultural superstar, especially among the emerging hip-hop scene. As hip-hop grew in popularity and gained mainstream attention thanks to MTV, the Superstar became a symbol of self-expression and identity. It eventually cemented its place as a defining piece of 80s hip-hop culture.
80s Hip-Hop and the Adidas Superstar The 80s, were without a question, a very transformative period of time. The decade was marked by economic changes, massive technological advances, and diverse cultural evolutions. It was in this setting that hip-hop emerged from the streets of New York and gained prominence in the mainstream music industry. It was seen as a powerful new art form that influenced music, dance, fashion, as well as language. For the youth of the 80s, hip-hop represented a break from the conventional, and a celebration of authenticity, creativity, and street style.
The Adidas Superstar was designed back in 1969 as a basketball shoe. Like many of the shoes during its era, it featured a shell-toe design. And, throughout the 70s it became popular among athletes. However, it wasn’t until the 80s that it became popular in the 80s hip-hop culture. Of all the groups in the 80s who helped to promote the superstar, it was Run D.M.C. who embraced the shoes as their signature footwear. And, as hip-hop grew in popularity, so too did the shoe. Adidas capitalized on this new audience, as it helped to transform the Superstar from being another simple pair of basketball shoes into a cultural phenomenon that resonated with the younger generation.
The trends that influenced 80s Hip-Hop Fashion Naturally, there were many trends that helped to influence 80s hip-hop fashion and propel the ID does superstar to its iconic status.
80s Hip-Hop and the Rise of Streetwear One of the most significant trends associated with the rise in popularity of the Adidas Superstar was its connection to 80s hip-hop and streetwear. Run D.M.C. was one of the pioneering hip-hop groups whose rise from Queens New York, adopted the Adidas Superstar as part of their look. They helped redefine the boundaries of self-expression and style and inspired generations. They were commonly seen wearing Adidas tracksuits and Superstars without their laces. As a result, this became a signature look that was synonymous with 80s hip-hop culture. The group’s embrace of the shoe was more than just another fashion choice, it was their declaration of independence from the traditional norms.
The group even released their iconic song entitled My Adidas which became a rallying cry for the hip-hop generation and a tribute to the popularity of the Superstar. The shoe represented the unity of hip-hop and street fashion in the 80s . And, in 1986 Adidas signed an endorsement deal with Run D.M.C., Which was the first of its kind. Although shoe brands had signed endorsement deals with athletes, the deal between Adidas and Run D.M.C. was the first between a musical act.
Minimalism in 80s Hip-Hop Fashion Perhaps one of the biggest contributors to the success of the Adidas Superstar was its minimalistic design. While the kids of the suburbs were focused on bolder, flashier, and more colorful fashion choices, urban wear focused mostly on a more minimalistic design. The Superstar was the perfect representation of minimalism, thanks to its shell toe and iconic three-stripe design. It was an excellent choice for people who are looking for something that could be worn both on and off the court.
80s Hip-Hop and Athleisurewear The 80s saw a huge shift towards the casualization of fashion. People were looking for something that could be worn in just about any situation and still feel comfortable. As a result, more and more people throughout the decade began wearing athletic shoes as part of their everyday wear. The concept of athleisurewear was very prominent in the 80s hip-hop culture, due to the popularity of basketball. And, this Superstar’s ability to adapt to just about any outfit made it the perfect choice for athletic activities, social events, and casual outings.
Run D.M.C., 80s Hip-Hop, and the Adidas Superstar There is no question that the popularity of the Adidas superstar was a result of their close tie to Run D.M.C. Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell sought to create a distinctive look that would set them apart from the other groups in the overcrowded music industry. There was, at the time, a growing interest in prison culture, which led to Run D.M.C.’s decision to wear Adidas tracksuit and Superstars without their laces. And, this revolutionized the sneaker culture during the mid to late 80s.
The Legacy of the Adidas Superstar The impact of the Adidas superstar on the culture and fashion of the 80s was profound. In a generation when people were looking for a way to showcase their personalities, interests, and afflictions, these Superstars fit in perfectly. Thanks to Run D.M.C., the shoes were elevated to prominence in the fashion industry and played an integral role in developing 80s hip-hop fashion. Today, the shoe remains an enduring symbol of hip-hop heritage and is celebrated as one of the most timeless classics of the decade alongside Puma, Converse, Vans, and Nike
Conclusion In the end, the Adidas superstar was more than just another pair of sneakers. They represented 80s hip-hop culture both on and off the stage. The shoe was a cultural icon that transcended the generations and evolved from a simple pair of sports shoes into an enduring symbol of self-expression and street style. Their influence on the fashion industry, music, and youth culture throughout the decade created a legacy that remains relevant even today.
