From legendary musicians to former presidents, the adidas Stan Smith sneakers have woven themselves into the fabric of pop culture. Nearly 50 years since their debut, these iconic shoes have transcended their athletic origins to become a staple of style, leaving the man behind the name, Stan Smith, in the shadows of his own fame.
Stan Smith, the 74-year-old tennis legend, is not just a name attached to a shoe; he is a former world number one, boasting 7 Grand Slam titles and 7 Davis Cup victories. When adidas offered him a lucrative contract in 1971, it was to lend his name to a new pair of sneakers that would redefine sports and streetwear
Smith humorously recalls his daughter’s reaction when Jay-Z mentioned him in a song, highlighting the unexpected impact of his footwear on popular culture.
“When my 14-year-old daughter came home and yelled, 'Dad, you're famous now,' I asked, 'How so?' She replied, 'Jay-Z mentioned your name in a song.' I raised an eyebrow and said, 'Oh, cool. But who is Jay-Z, honey?'” — Stan Smith.
Stan himself owns around 60 pairs of these beloved sneakers and often reflects on his early days, wishing he had kept his very first pair from 1972. He never anticipated that a simple design could evolve into a global phenomenon embraced by multiple generations.
Timeline of adidas Stan Smith:
1965: adidas launches the Robert Haillet shoe, which shares the same design as Stan Smith's.
1971: After Haillet’s retirement, adidas signs Stan Smith, featuring his portrait on the shoe's tongue.
1978: The shoe is officially renamed the Stan Smith.
1988: Stan Smith enters the Guinness World Records for rapid sales.
2001: Jay-Z mentions Stan Smith in his album The Blueprint.
2011: Céline designer Phoebe Philo sports Stan Smiths at her show.
2012: adidas halts production of Stan Smiths.
2014: The sneakers make a comeback, with celebrities’ portraits replacing Stan Smith’s in marketing.
2015: Alexander Wang draws inspiration from Stan Smith for his Spring/Summer collection.
2017: Pharrell Williams launches Tennis Hu, an upgraded version of Stan Smith.
Today, Stan Smiths are more than just sneakers; they are a cultural icon representing timeless style. Whether you're a teenager or a grandparent, these classic shoes are a versatile choice for any wardrobe.
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