adidas Re-launch Stan Smith Trainers
The best-selling sports shoe of all time is coming off the bench after a two year hiatus. adidas confirmed the revival of the Stan Smith style, which has sold in excess of 40m pairs worldwide. Originally intended as tennis clobber, the shoe was named after French player Robert Haillet on introduction in 1965. When Haillet retired from the game in 1971 the would-be iconic style was re-launched tied to Stan Smith, the American player and former Wimbledon champion. Following the name change in 1972, the new Stan Smith trainers took to the court with Smith’s name gracing box and his silhouette image added to the shoe’s tongue. In the 1990s street culture’s new wave adopted the shoe, moving the Stan Smith’s away from tennis and into the lifestyle category. Despite another re-launch in a continued attempt to lean on rivals
adidas Stan Smith Campaign Film
To celebrate the re-launch, adidas has released a short campaign film. The two minute clip shows Stan Smith himself talking about the iconic status of the shoe. 2013 Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray also makes an appearance: