Adidas Stan Smith

If there is a mythical and iconic shoe, it is the Adidas Stan Smith, a model designed in 1971 for the popular former American tennis player Stanley Roger Smith, better known as Stan Smith. The classic style of this shoe already has a privileged place in the history of fashion. So far so simple, but what else is behind the Stan Smith shoe and what is its history? We tell you all the details of this shoe below.

When did the Adidas Stan Smith appear?

A story that the German brand doesn't seem to have been very interested in telling. Did you know that this shoe previously had another name? That's right, the shoe that you know today as the Stan Smith, was previously called Adidas Robert Haillet. Its beginning, 1963. In 1963, Horst Dassler, son of founder Adi Dassler, designed the first leather shoe with a rubber sole and side perforations for better breathability. Two years later, in 1965, the French tennis player Robert Haillet began to shine on the tennis courts, so Adidas decided to name the shoes after him. As time went by, the French tennis player's career began to fade and a reputed American tennis manager, Donald Dell, offered Adidas to rename the shoes after Stan Smith, then world number one. Was there anything better than taking away one of the competition's best athletes? Without thinking about it, in 1973 the German brand company signed a contract with the tennis player, but, for major reasons, this shoe did not appear with the name Stan Smith until 1978.

It is from 1980 when Stan Smith's face appears for the first time on the tongue of the shoe, a novel way to pay homage to a sports legend. At that time, however, no one would have imagined that these shoes would sell more than 30 million pairs worldwide and be a hit with so many generations. Although it is true that with the arrival of the new century their number of sales decreased, largely due to Nike's new technologies and the rise of the New Balance brand in Sneakers. Until 2014, when Adidas reissued this model again, and without a doubt, it was once again a sales success. Reaching over 45 million sales.

In the late 80's the Adidas Stan Smith got the Guinness Record for being the best-selling shoes in history.

Adidas Stan Smith Made in Spain

Although hard to believe, something that probably won't happen again. The Adidas Stan Smith were manufactured in Spain, in the factory that Adidas owned in the town of Caspe located in Zaragoza. We leave you some images collected from Instagram, so you can see this pair with blue details, along with the demonstration of its label. If you find any shoe like this, we warn you that you have a real collector's gem in your possession.

Did you know?

Stanley Roger Smith himself stated : "I'm aware that people relate the Stan Smith shoe before me, and I accept that, because it's a fact of life". Sad but true, this is how such an influential brand can live up to or even surpass a legendary sports career through a shoe. And especially, when it is a shoe that brings together all the necessary contributions to dress with a distinguished style, have comfortable feet and the guarantee of having unequaled quality shoes.

Simple and elegant

A shoe, for both men and women, that is easily recognizable for its simplicity and elegance in equal parts, with a grained leather upper with perforated sides and rubber sole in the same color have made this shoe a true reference in the world of fashion. A shoe that will never go out of fashion, that you can find in every street and that are ideal to combine with any look.

Combines with any pants

The Adidas Stan Smith is a shoe manufactured with the highest quality standards by the German company. A very comfortable and ideal model for everyday use that combines perfectly with any jeans or other type of pants, thanks to its classic and minimalist design.

Stan Smith versions

A shoe that has remained for so long in the Adidas catalog and among the best shoes of all time has to have many models on which to rely to remain at the top. At Runnea Sneakers you can compare prices on some of them.

• Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit
• Adidas Stan Smith Mid
• Adidas Stan Smith Bold

In recent years, two new versions have been released, in which Adidas Boost and Gore-Tex technology are present, both have been a great success.

Images via FootShop

SEE ALL ADIDAS STAN SMITH AT FOOTSHOP

Our opinion on the Stan Smith

At Runnea Sneakers we think it's a perfect shoe to use on a daily basis, very successful for those who want to follow a classic style. The Adidas Stan Smith offers great durability with quality materials and a comfort more than reputed by different generations. The ideal price? If you put off novelty a bit and are looking for the simpler versions you can find them for less than 80€ in any size, in smaller sizes they are sure to be yours for less than 60€.

Compare prices on the Adidas Stan Smith