A product’s utility is measured by the number of situations it can be applied to and how well it performs in each. Culturally, a product is viewed as utilitarian if it maintains enduring relevancy across history, serving as an identifier toward broader communities and conversations.
All of this etymology talk to remind us that adidas Originals has embodied this sentiment time and time again throughout its storied legacy.
Since it was first introduced over 50 years ago, the iconic trefoil logo has been integral in building out an array of aesthetics between generations, giving countless sub-cultures the chance to create their own connection to the legendary sneaker and apparel brand.
Having been adopted and applied in various contexts, several of the sneaker silhouettes produced by the heritage sportswear brand hold their own meaning within the robust culture landscape. Outfitting the likes of footballers (soccer players for our Americans), hip-hop legends, and everyone in between, acclaimed shoes like the Sambas, Gazelles, and Superstars have evolved past just one singular moment in time.
Although each debuted before 1970, the iconic trio from adidas Originals still influences today’s trends and style codes. From street skaters and cultural trailblazers to viral sensations and vintage archivists, each shoe serves a unique purpose to the wearer that dawns it–– even if that purpose wasn’t necessarily considered during the original design process.
Offering a classic flare that only the staple brand can provide, adidas Originals and their catalog of unrivaled shoe stylings remain at the forefront of style, setting a prestigious standard for sustained excellence and unparalleled impact.
In honor of the pervasive effect of adidas Originals and its triad of renowned silhouettes, we decided to take a closer look at the timeline of each shoe–– from conception to must-have sneaker grail.
Samba
1950s: Designed by brand founder Adi Dassler to accommodate icy…
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