Over the decades, basketball and adidas have been in a very close relationship. From the 60s onwards, there are multiple moments, players and special places that are still remembered and associated to the brand of the three stripes. Approaching our 10th anniversary, we review in this article 10 adidas silhouettes that have marked the sport of the orange ball.
adidas Superstar
Although there were other sneakers before, this silhouette is always the first to come to mind thanks to its hip hop and b-boys icon status. The Shells have also been the object of desire for its numerous editions and collaborations. Even Yohji Yamamoto has surrendered to them.
adidas Campus
Despite starting his career as a Tournament in the 70s, this model received in the 80s the name that has preserved to this day. Light and comfortable, there is no breakdancer and/or skater of the 80s who has not worn one of these pairs. In fact, the ADV versions are perfect for enduring hours and hours of sanding due to their reinforced toe cap.
adidas Top Ten
In 1979 adidas presented the Top Ten. Rick Barry, legend of The Bay—as named by the advertising of the time— invented this silhouette that introduced numerous innovations as a result of a long and successful career. The herringbone pattern and the pivot point at the bottom of the metatarsus would be one of the most recognizable soles for the next few years.
adidas Forum
The year 1984 will be remembered as the discovery of The GOAT, as it would later be known, in that final match against the Spanish team of Epi, Itu, Romay or De la Cruz. However, there were other important events, such as the release of the adidas Forum, a silhouette in which form and function went hand in hand, years ahead of EQT. The support of the players —which was of a special importante, especially at a time when they were getting faster and more athletic— was ensured thanks to the velcro or the blade on the side of the high version.
adidas Rivalry
In 1987 adidas made a statement thanks to the Rivalry, a model that was released with the classic colours of the Knickerbockers (white, orange and blue), with Pat Ewing as the star player. But what truly made them become an instant classic was the fact that they were released in a multitude of colours, adapting to everyone’s tastes, on and off the court.
adidas Mutombo
In 1993 adidas gave his own signature to Dikembe Mutombo, who would eventually become one of the league’s defence legends. A large shoe, designed to fight in the zone and to popularise the Not-in-my-house and its four DPOY. And with African roots.
adidas Crazy 1
2000 came with the unforgettable Lakers star who wore the number 8 at that time. After wearing models such as the EQT Elevation and several silhouettes with his initials, the Kobe (today Crazy 1) caught everyone’s attention thanks to its fluid lines and space inspiration.
adidas Tmac 1
Once we realised that the 2000 effect was merely a bluff, the beginning of the new millennium brought us an everlasting star: Tracy McGrady. Modern basketball was born with him, a fact that was perfectly understood by adidas, creating in 2002 the first of his signatures, a model prepared for that fluid, fast and spectacular basketball of our good fellow TMac.
adidas DRose 5
Although true legends were included in the youngest MVP Derrick Rose’s sneaker roster, this model was the first of its series to incorporate the Boost system. A real technological challenge, since the demands of the DRose play style pushed this cushioning system to the limit.
adidas Crazylight Explosive
Close in time to the previous one, this shoe ruled the courts in 2016, and it was worn by names like Wiggins or Porzingis. Its qualities? Lightness and protection, in addition to the response of the Boost to make impulses, a real revolution compared to the previous Crazylight.
It is undeniable that many other silhouettes are missing —especially all the latest signatures by James Harden, Trae Young, Damian Lillard or Donovan Mitchell—, but although these models have incorporated multiple innovations and improvements, they still borrow many elements from the previous silhouettes. Which one is your favourite? Which one would you add to the list?
The Mad Buzzer
To commemorate FOOTDISTRICT’s anniversary, we have joined adidas to celebrate street basketball. An event where there will be music, art, fun and (of course) lots of basketball. Get your invitation now or enrol your team at https://themadbuzzer.footdistrict.com
