Adidas Campus 80s: From Parquet to Pavement, the Epic of an Icon
, 4 min reading time
Adidas Campus 80s: From Parquet to Pavement, the Epic of an Icon
Adidas , a pioneer of sneakers in its time, has used its rich history to constantly reinvent itself. Among its gems, the Campus 80s , which is making a strong comeback this year alongside the other "Classics" models of the brand with the three stripes, deserves special attention.
From the Basketball Court to the Street
The Campus debuted in 1970 as "The Tournament," a basketball shoe that aimed to compete with the Puma Suede. It shared many elements with the Superstar, including its iconic design and the presence of the three stripes on the sides, but it had its own identity thanks to a suede upper and a more robust sole. At the time, Adidas dominated the market and would try to poach Michael Jordan as its muse against Nike , which at the time specialized in running shoes.
The Legend of Hip-Hop
Although its original design was rooted in sports, the Campus became a true urban legend thanks to its adoption by the hip-hop community. The Beastie Boys ' 1992 album "Check Your Head" was a turning point, with the sneaker appearing in one of the band's music videos and on the album cover. The shoe has become a staple in various cultural movements, from rock to hippie, also popularized by artists like Jamiroquai and the Hanson Brothers.
A Plural Adoption
Skateboarders also adopted the Campus in the 80s. Its durability, comfort, and excellent grip made it a no-brainer for tricks. Adidas even launched a special "Skateboarding" version, the Campus Vulc, which featured a less bulky sole and ankle padding, perfect for skateboarders' comfort and performance. A strategic launch that allowed Adidas to solidify its position in this niche market.
The Eternal Outsider
The Campus 80s has always been the outsider in the adidas range, often overshadowed by giants like the Sambas , Gazelles or Stan Smiths. But this marginalization has created a niche effect, making the Campus an underground choice for those who are really in the know. A positioning that is paying off today since the Campus 80s is the flagship model of this resurgence in popularity of the Classics models of the brand with the three stripes.
Modernization and Trend: The Adidas Campus 00s Grey White
This year, the Campus 00s' comeback introduces some notable tweaks. The most popular version, the Adidas Campus 00s Grey White , offers a fresh take on the model. With premium materials like nubuck and an off-white rubber sole, this pair shines with subtle elegance and versatility. It's available in a variety of other colorways like the Adidas Campus 00s Core Black or the Adidas Campus 00s Pink .
From Cultural Influence to Social Responsibility
Adidas has understood the importance of authenticity and responsibility. The new Campus are made with sustainable materials from recycled products, without compromising style or design integrity. In fact, in 2021 Adidas had already made a promise to manufacture 60% of its products with sustainable materials.
Adidas has pulled off a major feat with this relaunch. The 2023 Campus 00s is proof that you can revisit your history and still remain relevant. It’s a demonstration that a shoe can transcend its era and original use to become a legend in its own right. So don’t be surprised if in 2062, the next generation is talking about how you wore yours.
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