We sell the adidas Superstar at West Coast Deals for under retail — prices you won't find elsewhere — so I've had a lot of pairs in hand. This review answers the question people ask most — do the Superstar run true to size, and should you size down? — plus the construction, the history, and how the shell toe stacks up against the Samba.
Short version: true to size for most people, with a genuine split at the edges — narrow feet often size down half, wide feet often size up half, because the rigid shell toe doesn't change shape.
The short answer on sizing
adidas lists the Superstar as true to size, and the largest owner datasets agree — most people wear their normal size. The friction point is the shell toe: it's a rigid molded cap that doesn't widen or soften with wear, so the verdict splits by foot shape. Narrow feet sometimes go down half for a snugger, less-creasing fit. Wide feet feel forefoot pressure at true to size and are better off going up half.
How they fit
I wear a US 11 with a wider foot, and the Superstar is one where my width matters — the toe box is on the narrow side and the shell cap is firm, so I feel it at true to size more than I would in a roomier shoe. For a wide foot, half a size up takes the pressure off. The leather around the heel and lacing softens with wear, but the shell toe stays put, so don't expect break-in to fix forefoot tightness.
Should I size down in Superstars?
Only if you have narrow feet or specifically want a snugger, crisper fit that creases less. For standard feet, stay true to size. For wide feet, do the opposite and size up half — sizing down makes the rigid toe box worse.
What the Superstar (and "Superstar II") is
The Superstar launched in 1969 as a low-top version of adidas's Pro Model basketball shoe — the first low-top basketball shoe with an all-leather upper, with a molded rubber "shell toe" originally engineered to protect players' toes. By 1973 it was reportedly on the feet of most of the NBA, and it later became a streetwear and hip-hop icon (think Run-DMC's "My Adidas"). The "Superstar II" most people mean today is the late-'90s/2000s update defined by a thick, heavily padded "fat tongue" for comfort — that's the version in most current listings.
Specs and construction
- Upper: Smooth full-grain leather (some variants use suede or textile).
- Toe: The iconic molded rubber shell toe — rigid; it does not widen with wear.
- 3-Stripes: Signature perforated three stripes on the sidewall.
- Sole: Sturdy rubber cupsole with a herringbone tread and an EVA midsole inside.
- Tongue: The padded "fat tongue" on the Superstar II.
How it compares to other adidas models
Superstar vs Samba. The Superstar fits wider and is more forgiving; the Samba is the narrow, tapered one that many size up in. Different heritage too — basketball shell toe versus soccer trainer. See our Samba sizing guide.
Superstar vs Stan Smith. The Stan Smith is the clean, minimalist tennis look with a slightly roomy midfoot; both suit wider feet better than a Samba.
Superstar vs Forum. The Forum is the chunky strapped basketball silhouette — true to size with a snug forefoot; the Superstar is lower and more everyday. See our Forum sizing guide.
Who the Superstar is for
Great if you want a durable, iconic everyday leather sneaker with versatile styling, and you have a standard foot (or you're happy to size up half for a wide one). Look elsewhere if you have very wide feet and dislike any forefoot pressure, or you want a soft, cushioned ride — the Superstar is firm and flat.
Final verdict
The Superstar is a forever classic, and the only thing to get right before buying is how the rigid shell toe suits your foot: true to size for most, down half for narrow feet who want it snug, up half for wide feet. For the deeper sizing breakdown see our Superstar II size guide, and to check authenticity see how to spot fake Superstars. Browse the White Superstar II and the full Superstar collection.
Shop Superstars
We sell adidas at West Coast Deals for under retail — authenticated in-house and shipped from our Portland, Oregon warehouse, at prices you won't find elsewhere.
— Anthony from West Coast Deals