REVIEW: ADIDAS ORIGINALS SUPERSTAR SNEAKERS

REVIEW: ADIDAS ORIGINALS SUPERSTAR SNEAKERS

You’ve seen it on Tumblr. You’ve seen it on Instagram. You’ve seen it on Hyoyeon and Sooyoung. Maybe you’ll see it in your shoe cabinet? What am I talking about, you ask? I’m talking about the ever so popular Adidas Superstar shoes!

The Superstar is a sneaker created by giant sportswear company Adidas and is one of their most well recognised sneaker due to the prominent three stripes that signify the corporation, making it one of their most classic footwear. Despite being created in 1987, it is safe to say that the shoes only gained widespread popularity at the beginning of this year, particularly among teenagers and those who are fashion conscious. With this new found fame, it is without a doubt that these shoes have shown up literally everywhere – most particularly on social media platforms where teenagers most frequent; such as Tumblr and Instagram. Is the shoe actually worth the money? What contributes to it’s high profile greatness? Let’s take a look.

The sneaker is very minimalistic. The only distinct feature it has are the three stripes at each sides of the shoe. It is primarily white, and the stripes differ in colour depending on what colour you choose to get. Due to its minimalistic look, the shoe matches with almost everything. One can wear the shoes with pretty much any type of outfit, and one would still look put-together. The style of the shoe is rather unique. Some sneakers have the tendency to be quite flat at the top, making the overall shape of the feet and shoe rather awkward. However, these particular pair of sneakers have the right amount of bulkiness, encompassing the feet in a subtle and flattering manner. Although I mention bulkiness, the shoe isn’t actually all that bulky and is quite portable – it is just like any other sneaker. Moreover,  the shoe sits right below the ankle, allowing for an even more flattering look to any outfit. Another great element to the shoe is that it’s unisex! It is not limited to a specific gender and anyone can rock it – showcasing once again just how versatile this pair of sneakers are!

A large factor that results into its stardom is the comfiness. This is without a doubt one of the most comfortable pair of sneakers I own. The shoe is snug and there is sufficient cushioning. Occasionally, I wear these shoes to go sprinting. The cushioning is enough for the soles of my feet not to hurt, in stark contrast to the Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers, which hurts the sole of my feet when I perform any type of sports. Although I do not know how the Superstar fares when running for long periods of time, but for sprinting, the cushioning is definitely thick enough. Furthermore, the shoe does not need any breaking in and I have never encountered any blisters while wearing the Superstar.

I have worn these shoes countless of times now, and I have encountered two problems, albeit not very major. The first problem I encountered is how quickly it becomes dirty. Since the shoes are primarily white, it will inevitably become dirty easily and quickly. The Superstar I have is the exact same as Hyoyeon’s and I have coffee stains on it among other blemishes. I have not attempted to clean the shoes yet so I cannot comment on how uncomplicated or strenuous the process is. However, this is not a major problem since in my opinion, the dirtier the white shoe is, the more unique it becomes. The second problem I encountered has to do with the bottom lining of the shoe. After a few wears, the lining of the shoe started to rub off. As I am typing this, the lining of my shoe has rubbed off to the point where it became a nuisance, and so I removed the entire lining on both sides. This isn’t a vital issue, but since the shoe is manufactured by such a well renowned company, I expected the quality to be better.

I find these pairs of sneakers to be on the reasonable side in terms of price. The shoes retail for $80, a price significantly cheaper than sneakers made by competitor brand Nike. In my opinion, the price tag of the sneakers can be justified with all of it’s merits as detailed above. All in all, I believe these shoes are worth opening your pockets for.

The Top 10 Nike Air Huarache Run Colorways Of 2015 So Far

The Nike Air Huarache Run made its debut back in 1991.  In a time where sneakers were all pretty much rockin’ the same type of silhouette or structure, Nike and Tinker Hatfield decided to create a sneaker that was “stripped to the bare essentials”. Tinker made sure it was a lightweight runner (9.5 ounces) and also made sure it had a look of its own. Stripping away the Nike Swoosh branding, Tinker wanted to let the technology of the shoe do the talking. One of those technological advancements happened to be a blend of Lycra and neoprene fabrics that would forever change the course of Nike history.

Named after a Native American sandal, the Nike Air Huarache has a very comfortable feel to it, making it seem like the shoe is actually “hugging” your foot. Built with Nike Air cushioning, a Phylon midsole and a unique thermoplastic heel strap, the shoe was unique for the time and would go on to become one of the most revolutionary shoes Nike has ever come out with.

After having a successful initial launch back in the early ’90s, it began to slowly step away from the limelight. But just like anything worth having, it has finally made its long awaited reemergence. TheNike Air Huarache began releasing in larger quantities last year and began to gain some momentum when people noticed one of their all-time favorite sneakers was once again available for purchase. Fast forward to today and the Nike Air Huarache is as highly coveted as it has ever been. With the demand as high as ever, Nike has attempted to keep up by trying to give us as many releases as they can. Half the year has passed and there has been more a lot of options to choose from when it comes to picking up colorways of the Nike Air Huarache. An array of men and women releases have been released and Nike Air Huarache enthusiasts could not be more happier!

Today I’m going to give you my personal opinion of the top 10 Nike Air Huarache Runs that have released in the first half of 2015. Let me know what you think, and feel free to tell me if I missed out on some of your personal favorite colorways.

10Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Teal”

Who doesn’t like teal colorways on a sneaker? Something about that colorway that really stands out when you put it on a pair of shoes. The tonal look on the upper paired up with the solid white sole unit is more than enough for this Huarache Run to crack the top 10. Also, as a side note, you’re going to notice that a lot of these colorways happen to be women’s colorways. I guess Nike felt the need to hook up the women more than the men this time around. What’s up with that, Nike?!

9Nike Air Huarache Run “White Ostrich”

This pair would have been ranked higher, but I really wasn’t feeling the ostrich leather being utilized on the toe box, causing major creasing in the long run. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for white/gum combination on sneakers, but if they would have kept the toe box in mesh, this would have been close to a perfect sneaker. It’s still good enough to be number 9 though.

8Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Aloha Red”

The “Aloha” pack for women consisted of two different colorways, one happened to be the one you see above. Coming in a red upper with a safari-print on it, the shoe also utilizes a Hawaiian floral print on the neoprene sock bootie of the shoe, making for a really good looking shoe. So tell me Nike, why weren’t these released in men’s sizes?

7Nike Air Huarache Run “Wolf Grey”

Coming in at number 7 is the subtle but sweet looking Wolf Grey colorway of the Huarache Run. Grey is on of those colors that goes with basically anything in your wardrobe. The different type of mesh used on the toe box is also a refreshing new take on the Nike Huarache Run.

6Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Hot Lava”

I really didn’t want to put an all-red sneaker on this list, but once you take a good look at this “Hot Lava” colorway of the Nike Air Huarache Run, you will understand why I had to put it at number 6. The monochromatic sneaker consists of a red upper along with a red sole unit. Safari print is implemented on the leather, further adding to the beautiful aesthetics of the shoe. Yea, it’s also a women’s colorway.

5Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Blue Legend”

Coming in at number 5 is the “Blue Legend” colorway of the Huarache Run. Just like the “Hot Lava” version, this womens colorway also opts to go with a monochromatic look. Blue is seen on the upper as well as in the entire sole unit of the shoe. Safari print is also seen on the leather upper, making this colorway good enough to be number 5 in the top 10.

4Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Aloha Black”

The second pair of the “Aloha” pack comes in a beautiful black upper that also rocks the safari theme on the leather. The entire neoprene sock bootie is covered in the Hawaiian floral print, resulting in a beautiful looking shoe. If you’re looking for a black shoe with a certain “pop” to it, this is definitely the one for you. Although it’s a women’s colorway, I think I can fit into a size 12. Dope looking shoe, man!

3Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Cinnabar”

This women’s pair actually released not too long ago. I actually tried to get a pair for myself but I’m sure a bunch of other guys who fit into a size 12 had the same idea and beat me to the punch. Something about this shade of red mixed with the yellow hit that works so well together! It’s not your typical “red” shoe, which sort of makes it more appealing to me in my eyes. Great looking shoe that’s worthy of being number 3 on the list.

2Nike Air Huarache Run “Triple White”

An all white sneaker for the summer is a must and it looks like the Nike Air Huarache Run “Triple White” is a lot of people choice this summer. Decked out in all white, it really doesn’t get any cleaner than this. Just be careful though, stay away from mud, dirt and dust, or else it’s done! Even with that precautionary measurement, I still had to put this colorway at number 2. I love living life on the edge.

1Nike WMNS Air Huarache Run “Bronzine”

When this bronzine colorway released, if you weren’t able to buy it on release day, you now have to pay close to $300 at the resell price. Coming in a beautiful bronzine/gold covered upper, this colorway of the Nike Air Huarache is the perfect mix of stylish, elegance and casual all wrapped up into one. The white sole unit helps to further accentuate the look of the upper. In my opinion, this is not only the best looking Nike Air Huarache Run colorway of the first half of 2015, but it’s also one of the best looking Huarache Run colorways that I have seen in a long time. Yeah, you guessed it, it’s a women’s colorway.

NIKEID NIKE ROSHE ONE WOMEN'S SHOE

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FOR NIKE ROSHE ONE WOMEN'S SHOEI really wanted to review the Nike Roshe Run because I find them to be a very unique find, a shoe formed around a very certain type of buyer.  Before I begin I must just start out by saying, if you are looking for a shoe specifically for serious running, these shoes are not for you.  This may be a bit deceiving because “Run” is actually in the shoe’s name, but believe me when I say, this is NOT the case.  This shoe is very popular among the younger generations.  Let me go into what makes this shoe great and for who.Nike Roshe Run Comfort:I really wanted to start by talking comfort because hands down, it’s the shoe’s greatest feature.  This will be one of the only times you will hear me say this but this may be the most comfortable shoe you ever put on.  Its sock-liner is so soft and comfortable combined with the phylon mid-sole, and stretchy outer-mesh, it literally feels like you are wearing a soft cushioned sock.  I highly doubt I would describe any other shoe in such a way.  Its so uniquely made that it actually forms its shape after you put the shoe on.

Nike Roshe Run Design:

I really like the design of this shoe due to its simplicity.  You can find this shoe in straight bold colors, or combinations, which really leaves it up to the buyer to pick and choose what they would like.  Personally, I really like solid colored shoes, especially with my Nike’s.  It just forms such a very natural but nice look.  Other than the simple look of the shoe, the design itself offers an extremely light and breathable shoe.  The breathability is both a pro and a con in itself.  Great for the summer and not quite as good in cold or wet weather.

Purpose of the Nike Roshe Run

Now this may be where the shoe gets a little tricky.  What the shoe gains in comfort and design, it may lack in function.  As previously mentioned, it is not a shoe tailored for runners despite the claim on certain Nike sites and promotions.  The light-weight, breathable design makes it a bit on the fragile side, which is why its not a shoe made for runners.  The chances of ripping the shoe significantly increases, and I would personally not recommend running in these shoes if you would like them to last.  I already mentioned the breathability of the shoe so let me repeat myself, this is not a shoe that will keep your feet warm and dry in the winter.  Do not buy this shoe expecting such results.

Nike Roshe Run Pricing

To be perfectly honest, through Amazon, I find this shoe hit and miss.  Now the price itself is decent for several of the color options.  For a shoe that is so unique with a brand such as Nike, the price is decent.  Shoes can be found as low as $58.  Now when I say hit and miss, the shipping aspect would be the big miss.  A lot of the 20+ colors available free shipping is not a free option.  That being said, I would watch how much you pay in shipping because if returned, you’ll have to pay for that shipping again.

Pros Vs Cons

Pros

*Very comfort and casual shoe

*Decent Price

*Classic Nike look with a unique material build

Cons

*Not built for durability or a lot of punishment

*Not for everybody.  I would not recommend for serious runners.