The adidas Superstar Paris brings French underground culture to the iconic shell toe, channeling the raw energy of '90s Parisian rap through textured leather and shearling accents that pay homage to the city's rebellious music heritage.
Design & Inspiration
Part of adidas' expanding Superstar City Series, the Paris edition digs deep into the capital's underground music scene where punk collided with hip-hop energy throughout the '80s and '90s. The pebbled black tumbled leather upper creates a textured foundation that nods to the rugged aesthetic of French drill and rap culture, while cream white shell toe and Three Stripes provide classic contrast. The real storytelling happens in the details: shearling lines the tongue as a direct reference to the iconic shearling jackets worn by French rappers during that era, while red tartan flannel patterns on the insoles complete the sartorial homage. The lace dubraes feature "75" in motocross-style lettering — Paris' distinctive area code — and co-branded "Paris" text appears on both the red tongue tag alongside the Trefoil logo and subtly on the heel tabs. This isn't tourist Paris; it's the niche neighborhoods and underground venues that shaped a generation's sound.
Comfort & Performance
Built on the legendary Superstar platform that revolutionized basketball footwear in 1969, the Paris edition maintains all the comfort DNA that made the silhouette an all-day favorite. The cushioned insole provides reliable support for urban exploration, while the tumbled leather construction offers enhanced durability compared to standard smooth leather executions. The iconic rubber shell toe delivers both aesthetic impact and practical protection, and the white rubber cupsole ensures dependable traction on city streets. The shearling-lined tongue adds a premium touch that elevates comfort while staying true to the design's cultural inspiration. This is heritage basketball construction reimagined for contemporary streetwear versatility.
Release Information & Pricing
The adidas Originals Superstar II 'Paris' (JQ3223) releases November 1, 2025, through adidas store and select retailers. Available in men's sizing with retail pricing expected around $100-120 USD / €130 / £110. This Core Black/Cream White colorway represents the latest stop in adidas' global Superstar City Series journey, following London and Berlin editions that celebrated each city's unique cultural identity. As European sneaker culture continues embracing locally-inspired storytelling, the Paris Superstar offers an authentic connection to French music history packaged in one of footwear's most timeless silhouettes.