Stan Smith: More Than Just Sneakers
- Tom Goedhart
- Aug 10, 2021
- 2 min read
John Lennon rocked them. Jay-Z rapped about them. Barack Obama walked in them. Over the nearly 50 years since adidas introduced the Stan Smith in its now-iconic white-and-green colorway, the sneaker has transcended tennis courts and sneaker culture to become a global phenomenon. Ironically, it’s now more famous than the man whose name it bears.
Yes, Stan Smith is a real person - a 74-year-old former tennis star. But Google his name, and instead of tennis accolades, you’ll find endless pages about the adidas sneakers. The man himself does make a cameo, though - his portrait appears on the tongue of older versions of the shoe.
Stan Smith wasn’t just a name slapped on a sneaker for marketing purposes. The former world number one tennis player amassed an impressive seven Grand Slam titles (two singles, five doubles) and helped the U.S. win the Davis Cup seven times. It was this excellence that inspired adidas to make him an offer in 1971: they wanted his name and legacy tied to their design.
“When my 14-year-old daughter came home and said, ‘Dad, you’re famous now,’ I was curious and asked, ‘Why?’ She said, ‘Jay-Z mentioned you in a song.’ I had to ask her, ‘Who’s Jay-Z?’” Stan Smith humorously recalled.
Although he wasn’t a fashion enthusiast, Stan couldn’t have predicted the cultural footprint these sneakers would leave. From teenagers to grandparents, the Stan Smith became a wardrobe staple for generations. Today, Stan himself owns about 60 pairs of the sneaker but regrets not keeping the very first pair he received in 1972.
The Stan Smith Legacy in Steps:
1965: adidas debuted the shoe under the name Robert Haillet, a French tennis player.
1971: After Haillet’s retirement, Stan Smith signed with adidas, and his name began appearing alongside Haillet's portrait on the tongue.
1978: The shoe was officially renamed the Stan Smith.
1988: Guinness World Records recognized the Stan Smith for record-breaking sales.
2001: Jay-Z immortalized the sneaker in his album The Blueprint.
2011: Céline designer Phoebe Philo took a bow in a pair of Stan Smiths, sparking interest in high-fashion circles.
2012: adidas paused production, creating a sense of scarcity.
2014: The Stan Smith returned with a clever marketing campaign featuring celebrity collaborations. One of the most memorable? Designer Raf Simons’s unique take on the sneaker.
2015: Alexander Wang reimagined the classic white-and-green sneaker in his Spring/Summer collection.
2017: Pharrell Williams introduced the Tennis Hu with adidas, often seen as a spiritual successor to the Stan Smith.
The Stan Smith’s journey from tennis shoes to cultural icon is a testament to timeless design and smart marketing. Whether you’re a sneakerhead or someone who just appreciates versatile footwear, the Stan Smith proves you don’t have to shout to make a statement - it’s all about understated cool.
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