A classic is returned to its original form as adidas unveils the Superstar Vintage, crafted with premium materials at the world-famous Scheinfeld factory near the brand HQ at Herzogenaurach, Germany. In what adidas hopes will be a big year for the Superstar, the revisit of the sneaker's heritage is presented in a clean aesthetic with retro-inspired design cues, limited to just 1969 pairs. With plans for a small inline City Series expected this year using the Superstar 2 model and JJJJound implementing both the Superstar 82 and Superstar 90 models in an upcoming collection, the shoe will be featured prominently throughout 2025.
Initially launched in 1969 as a low-cut form of the Pro Model, the design of the adidas Superstar has remained intact for 56 years. Over the decades, the sneaker has been produced in swathes of countries, with the shape slightly changed and specifications marginally altered. However, the sleek upper and iconic rubber "Shell-Toe" combination has been maintained continually and is a favorite of multiple generations.
Arriving with an upper made from core white premium leather, the lining of the collar switches to cream white leather, giving a subtly but classy contrast. Along the midfoot, black leather forms the timeless Three Stripes brandings, true to the vintage design being thinner than modern iterations. A series of perforations resides between the stripes for breathability.
A flash of black leather is seen at the rear heel, devoid of branding. For the tongue, the core white leather remains untouched in a minimalist feel, with vintage-era font and a finish that carries the adidas Superstar moniker at the midfoot in silver foil. At the heel, though, subtly debossed into the counter, is the declaration of 1/1969, a nod to the year the shoe was first launched and the limited production run of this pair.
The rubber shell-toe is slightly yellowed, remaining true to the vintage name, while plain textured leather lines the insoles, another retro throwback. Underfoot, the rubber outsole is also slightly yellowed, featuring a wide brim and herringbone court profile tooling, which supplies increased grip and traction.
The adidas Superstar Vintage Made in Germany Core White Core Black is set to release on January 21, 2025, through adidas, Confirmed, and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men's sizing, retail is $250. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
