hear you say? Because all of a sudden Adidas Stan Smith Gum-Sole came into my life and everything is all good – I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen for them to the point even the Original’s green foam padding no longer offends.
Not only was Smith a world renowned tennis player, ranking World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam singles champion in the early ‘70s, but he apparently had a passion for skateboarding that inspired many – most importantly: Mark Gonzalez. Gonzalez is known across the skating scene as an iconic legend that truly paved the way for many. Yet early last year, as an exclusive alongside the revived retro release of the Stan Smith Skate line, Adidas shot a buzz video of Adidas’ greatest skaters talking about Stan Smith’s influence on the skating scene. The details are sketchy but even Gonzalez himself paid homage to Smith as the alleged originator and inspiration for a lot of the tricks that later paved the way for his own success, “I couldn’t take it … I’m videoing his moves to go back and watch it and copy them”. Even if just a folktale, the legend that is Stan Smith definitely lives on.
Initially the white and gum sole colourway is what had me, but once that initial spark of interest was lit I have also fallen for the man himself. The simplicity of the shoe is the true beauty of it and that combined with the collaboration of an unmatched icon, who also seems like the safest guy, has softened me. I’m even feeling the sound of Smith’s all-time favourite: his custom black suede with maroon back pair. All together now, “oooooooh…”
‘adidas Skateboarding The Legend of Stan Smith’ still: ‘Young’ Stan Smith [Nestor Judkins] mid-kickflip over tennis net