Chapter 1
The court classics that changed the world
Chapter 2
The beat of the street
Chapter 3
Track stars and tech marvels
Chapter 4
The modern revival and restoration boom
Ch 1 · The court classics that changed the world
adidas After player Chuck Taylor joined in 1921, this famous basketball shoe transitioned from athletic gear to a rock-and-roll staple.
Quiz
What was Chuck Taylor's actual role when he joined Converse in 1921, helping popularize the shoe?
Quiz
In what year was the Converse All Star basketball shoe first introduced before Chuck Taylor joined the company?
adidas Named after the presidential plane, this court shoe became a legendary streetwear icon.
Quiz
Which high-profile aircraft inspired the name of Nike's first Air-cushioned basketball shoe in 1982?
Fun Fact
Puma Clyde colors: NBA legend Walt Frazier wore a different colorway of his signature Puma Clyde sneakers for almost every single game of his career, totaling nearly 390 variations.
Quiz
Before being rebranded for Stan Smith in 1978, which French tennis player was this Adidas shoe originally designed for in 1965?
Quiz
What unique design feature distinguishes the Stan Smith from most other classic Adidas sneakers?
Glossary
sneaker (noun)
A soft shoe with a rubber sole designed for sports or casual wear. In 1971, Adidas renamed its signature leather tennis sneaker after American court champion Stan Smith.
A soft shoe with a rubber sole designed for sports or casual wear. In 1971, Adidas renamed its signature leather tennis sneaker after American court champion Stan Smith.
Quiz
What material did Walt Frazier insist on using for his signature Puma Clyde shoe, rejecting the clunkier leather of the era?
Quiz
Which NBA team did Walt 'Clyde' Frazier play for when his signature Puma Clyde shoe debuted in 1973?