Adidas Superstars - 3000 miles, 18 months and still going

My Experience with Adidas Superstars: From Daily Wear to Retirement

I purchased a pair of Adidas Superstars in June 2019 for an incredible $20 and have been wearing them almost daily for nearly 18 months, especially since the onset of COVID. These shoes have truly been put through the wringer, and while they’ve shown signs of wear, they’ve also demonstrated impressive durability.

The Journey of My Superstars

Over this time, my Superstars have taken on approximately 3,096 miles (calculated from 18 months at 5 days a week with an average of 8 miles per day). Most of my walks occurred on flat and smooth surfaces—like concrete, tile, wood, and carpet—contributing to their longevity. The wear has mostly been gradual, with the majority of miles covered at a casual pace rather than running.

Condition Over Time

Despite their continued functionality, my Superstars have definitely seen better days:

• Cushioning: The soles have lost nearly all their cushioning, which has affected overall comfort.
• Tear: A noticeable tear formed on the outer side of the left shoe, likely due to my heavy-handed cleaning methods.
• Heel Wear: I’ve observed greater wear on one side of both heels, which indicates I must be hitting the ground at an angle. However, this wear is minimal, and I believe the shoes could still withstand many more miles.

The stitching and glue seem intact, and the insides of the shoes have worn but remain functional. I estimate that, with proper care, they could last me another year or possibly more.

Retirement Plan

February 2021: By this time, the wear was increasingly evident. The hole on the left shoe had grown more noticeable, and I decided it was time to think about retirement. While the shoes remained reasonably clean, I planned to replace them soon. I started eyeing Stan Smiths as my next pair.

August 2021: After some semi-retirement, I tried putting the Superstars back in rotation in June, but by July, they were just not cutting it. For my casual lifestyle, they had served me well, but I needed a more supportive option for heavy-duty activities, leading me to switch to Nike React Miler’s.

Final Thoughts

My Adidas Superstars were my daily drivers for about 18-22 months, offering incredible value for just $20. They delivered a reliable performance for casual walking, but the soles eventually crushed, creating a risk of injury to my feet.

Now that they've been retired, I’m considering customization options for a fun project and look forward to finding a new pair of Superstars to continue the legacy of affordable and durable footwear!