Are Superstar 360 Shoes All They’re Cracked Up To Be

Are Superstar 360 Shoes All They’re Cracked Up To Be

Introduction to Adidas Superstar 360 Shoes

The Adidas Superstar shoe has been an icon in streetwear and sneaker culture since its debut in 1969, but the classic shell toe design has received a major upgrade in recent years with the introduction of the Superstar 360 model. This new iteration takes the classic Superstar silhouette and adds advanced technologies to make it one of Adidas’ most advanced performance shoes to date.

So what makes the Superstar 360 such a standout in the sneaker world? Let’s take a closer look at the key features and innovations that make this revamped Superstar a must-have both on the streets and on the courts.

Bold New Look, Same Iconic Style

At first glance, you can instantly recognize the Superstar 360 as a Superstar. It has the same iconic shell toe cap, flat soles, and serrated 3-Stripes mark on the sides. But beyond the classic look, Adidas added a breathable circular knit upper to improve comfort and flexibility. The upper has a sock-like construction with some light padding around the ankles for a secure lockdown fit.

Adidas also updated the midsole by adding their innovative Boost technology for the first time on a Superstar model. The Boost midsole is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam pellets fused together into a lightweight platform that offers superior energy return with every step.

Traction That Goes the Distance

The outsole is where the Superstar 360 really changes the game. Adidas partnered with tire manufacturer Continental to create a rubber outsole optimized for multi-directional traction and durability. This high-performance rubber makes the 360 remarkably grippy on a wide range of surfaces.

The Continental outsole also extends up over the toe for extra protection and skid resistance. So whether you’re doing demanding training routines or playing intense pickup games, the 360 outsole is designed to hold up to even the toughest conditions.

Cushioning That Keeps You in the Game

The Boost midsole in the 360 provides responsive cushioning that keeps your feet feeling fresh, even during high-intensity activities. The fused TPU pellets expand and contract to adapt to the changing pressures of your footstrike as you move.

This adaptive nature helps absorb shock and impact while returning energy to your step for a light, fast feel. The full-length Boost midsole works in harmony with the OrthoLite sockliner to deliver long-lasting comfort and support.

Breathability Built for the Streets or the Court

The circular knit upper of the 360 offers a major improvement in fit, comfort, and ventilation compared to the leather upper of the original Superstar. The knit material flexes naturally with the foot for unrestricted mobility in all directions.

The upper is also reinforced in high-wear areas for added durability. Yet despite these performance upgrades, the 360 retains the iconic street style vibe that has made the Superstar a fashion staple for over 50 years.

Superstar Style with Modern Performance

When it comes to styling, the Superstar 360 allows you to pay homage to old-school hip-hop roots while enjoying upgraded performance features for today’s fast-paced action. The 360 makes a bold fashion statement whether you’re headed to the gym or out on the streets.

It has a slightly chunkier silhouette than the original Superstar, giving it bolder presence when paired with casual outfits. And with the rise of athleisure wear, the 360 can easily be integrated into a wide variety of streetwear looks.

An Icon Evolved

In the realm of sneakers, the Adidas Superstar has earned status as a timeless classic. But classics still require updates and innovation to stay relevant decade after decade. The Superstar 360 pays homage to the past while demonstrating how far sneaker technology has advanced.

By merging a legacy design with contemporary performance features, the Superstar 360 sets a new standard for how an iconic athletic shoe can continue to impress on both an aesthetic and functional level. If you appreciate historic styles but demand top-tier performance, the 360 is a must-have addition to your rotation.

Overview of Key Features and Technologies

The Adidas Superstar 360 represents a total revamp of the iconic Superstar design through the integration of cutting-edge performance technologies. At its core, the 360 aims to bridge the gap between a streetwise fashion sneaker and a technically advanced athletic kick. Let’s break down some of the key innovations that allow this heritage model to deliver modern performance.

Step Into the Circular Knit Future

The upper on the 360 features a distinctive one-piece circular knit construction, representing a radical departure from the leather upper used on classic Superstars. This sock-like woven upper conforms naturally to the shape of your foot for a dialed-in fit.

The knit design also enhances breathability by allowing air to circulate freely to your foot. And the material stretches and moves with your foot, providing flexibility and mobility for dynamic motions.

Boost Midsole – The Gold Standard in Cushioning

The Boost midsole foam midsole is Adidas’ crown jewel cushioning technology. Billions of TPU pellets are fused together using heat and pressure to create a bouncy, energy-packed platform. The elastic pellets compress on impact, soaking up shock and impact forces. As your weight shifts, the pellets spring back instantly, propelling you forward with an energized step.

Boost technology launched in 2013 and quickly changed the game for running shoe cushioining. Applying it to the Superstar 360 gives this streetwise kick serious performance chops.

Continental Rubber – Traction You Can Rely On

Inpartnering with Continental, Adidas opted for a rubber compound optimized to grip wet and dry surfaces with tenacity. You’ll also find this rubber guarding the toe box against abrasion.

Continental rubber originated from high-performance tires before making its way to soccer footwear and eventually sneakers like the 360. It’s built to handle everything from slick concrete to dusty hardwood without missing a beat.

OrthoLite Sockliner – Long-Lasting Comfort

Underfoot, the removable OrthoLite sockliner helps wick away moisture and provides a responsive feel beneath your foot. OrthoLite foam retains 95% of its cushioning properties even after extensive wear, keeping your 360s feeling fresh kick after kick.

The sockliner also features anti-microbial and anti-odor agents to prevent bacteria buildup inside your shoes – a thoughtful touch for active feet.

A Heritage Silhouette Transformed

With the Superstar 360, Adidas fused beloved sneaker heritage with contemporary performance elements to create a new beast. The classic Superstar profile is very much intact, but the upgrades make the 360 feel like a different animal once you slip them on and start moving. If you want iconic style with substance to match, the 360 delivers.

Superstar 360 Upper Design and Materials

The unique circular knit upper sets the Superstar 360 apart from its vintage predecessors. Let’s take a deeper look at how this advanced woven construction gives the 360 its modern performance edge.

Flexible Knit Adapts to Your Foot

The one-piece knit upper is precision-engineered to offer targeted stretch and support where you need it most. The interlocking yarn loops flex naturally with your foot’s shape and deformations as you walk, run, cut, and pivot.

This custom-fit feel reduces pressure points and hot spots for all-day comfort. And the sock-like fit prevents irritation that can come from a tongue sliding around.

Breathability for Staying Cool and Dry

The 360’s knit fabric has an open construction that allows heat and moisture to readily escape. This airflow is essential for keeping your feet cool, dry and comfortable during long wear or strenuous activity.

Leather upper Superstars can get hot and sweaty quickly. But the 360’s breathable knit upper solves this issue, making it viable for vigorous training and competition.

Targeted Reinforcement for Durability

While knit uppers are flexible and airy, they can be vulnerable to damage without reinforcement. The 360 adds abrasion-resistant skin-like welds in high-wear areas like the toes and heels.

These reinforced patches allow the knit material to remain feather-light overall while still providing protection from rips, scuffs and blowouts. After all, you don’t want a small snag to unravel your shoes.

Sock-Like Construction Changes the Game

The seamless circular knit upper pioneered a new direction for the iconic Superstar line. The 360 still has that old-school shell-toe style, but once you slip past the knit ankle collar, it feels like you’re wearing a performance sock.

It’s rare enough for a retro sneaker model to get such a modern overhaul. But the 360 shows how knit technology can push heritage designs into the future.

The 360 upper gave the Superstar a fresh athletic edge while opening the door for other classic silhouettes to receive similar performance upgrades.

Boost Midsole Technology for Cushioning

The Boost midsole is the driving force that transforms the Superstar 360 from vintage fashion sneaker to advanced performance kick. Let’s dig into how Boost cushioning gives the 360 its responsive, energy-loaded ride.

Billions of Energy Capsules

The Boost midsole uses thousands of foam capsules called Energy Capsules to deliver its unmatched cushioning properties. These small TPU pellets are compressed together using high heat and pressure to fuse them into a midsole platform.

This manufacturing process gives Boost foam an incredibly energy-packed structure. Each individual capsule acts like a tiny spring, compressing on impact and rebounding instantly.

Unmatched Energy Return

That spring-like quality gives Boost midsoles their signature lively, responsive feel. When your foot strikes down, the rounded TPU capsules compress and flatten to absorb impact forces and reduce shock.

As your weight shifts forward, the capsules spring back to their original shape rapidly, releasing the stored energy to propel you forward. This makes each step feel light, fast and efficient.

Dynamic Adaptability

A key benefit of Boost foam is its adaptive nature. The independent Energy Capsules deform specific to the pressure applied, rather than compressing uniformly like traditional EVA foam.

This allows the midsole to mirror the changing shape and pressure patterns of your foot through the gait cycle. The Boost foam beneath your heel does something different than the foam under your forefoot with each step you take.

Durable Cushioning That Lasts

Boost midsoles maintain their energetic responsiveness and plush cushioning for far longer than standard foams before compressing and flattening out. This consistent performance over hundreds of miles is a major selling point.

The durable cushioning helps delay the point where running shoes feel dead and lifeless. For a lifestyle sneaker like the 360, this longevity means your shoes will stay comfortable for the long haul.

An Elite Ride Reimagined

By integrating Boost technology into the iconic Superstar platform, Adidas effectively transplanted an elite performance element into a fashion-forward silhouette. This injection of space-age cushioning gives the 360 a responsive and adaptive platform well-suited for athletic demands.

Continental Rubber Outsole for Traction

To complement the bouncy Boost midsole, the Superstar 360 features a grippy rubber outsole courtesy of Continental. This collaboration brought tire technology to footwear for tenacious traction.

Next-Level Grip

Continental rubber was engineered to provide optimal traction and durability in all conditions for high-performance vehicle tires. Adidas adapted this compound for footwear, taking advantage of its tenacious grip on diverse surfaces.

The Continental rubber really digs in when you pivot, cut, or push off laterally. And it forms a tacky grip on concrete, asphalt, wood floors – you name it.

Wet or Dry Traction

Rainy days won’t put a damper on your 360’s traction. The Continental outsole maintains its sure-footed grip even on wet surfaces. No need to worry about slippery spills or dewy grass.

The grooved tread pattern allows water to escape efficiently so you maintain contact. Less hydroplaning means better control for rainy day balling or training.

Toe Bumper for Abrasion Resistance

The Continental rubber also wraps up and over the toe area, providing an extra layer of shielding against abrasion and wear. When you drag your toe laterally across the top of the shoe, this toe bumper takes the brunt of that friction.

Shielding the knit upper from scuffs and friction damage helps keep your 360s looking crisper longer.

Pro-Level Tech Underfoot

The Continental rubber outsole equips the retro Superstar with pro-grade traction optimized for athletics and training. Together with the Boost midsole, it gives the 360 remarkable grip and stability for dynamic motions.

So you can now enjoy a vintage silhouette with contemporary performance readiness. The tire tech traction takes the 360 to the next level for both sport and lifestyle wear.

Bold and Stylish Aesthetic

The Adidas Superstar 360 manages to fuse updated performance with the iconic styling that made the Superstar famous. Let’s explore how the 360 carries on the bold aesthetic appeal of this streetwear legend.

Legendary Shell Toe Profile

Even with the modern upgrades, the Superstar 360 retains the instantly recognizable shell toe cap that has defined the silhouette since 1969. That striking rubber toe overlay is a piece of sneaker history.

It provides the signature looks while also offering an extra layer of protection against scuffs and abrasion damage up front. Can’t have a true Superstar without it.

Three Stripes Branding

The serrated 3-Stripes mark along the sides gives nod to the original Superstar design. The contrasting stripe detailing provides bold branding and stylistic flair.

For the 360, the stripes integrate seamlessly into the knit upper for a streamlined look. But their presence continues the legacy Superstar style DNA.

Modern Construction, Vintage Styling

Even with the contemporary circular knit upper and advanced midsole, the 360 retains a retro vibe. It forges its own path in terms of performance technologies but stays true to the classic Superstar look.

The chunky rubber midsole and structured heel tab offer a vintage athletic feel. But the materials give it a breathable and flexible fit perfect for modern streets and courts.

A Fresh Take on an Icon

When it comes to aesthetics, the Superstar 360 pays homage to its 47+ year heritage while also showing how iconic designs can evolve. It sets itself apart from 1970s-era construction and materials.

Yet the 360 retains that old-school sport style appeal and aura of the early streetwear pioneer Superstar model. Its bold throwback look represents both past and future.

Superstar 360 for Casual Wear

While designed for performance, the Superstar 360 also shines as a lifestyle and fashion sneaker. Let’s look at what makes the 360 such a versatile choice for casual wear.

Streetwear Icon

Superstars have been ingrained in streetwear culture going back decades. They rose to prominence in urban communities and hip hop scenes in the 80s and 90s.

The classic Superstar profile transcended its athletic origins to become a fashion statement. The 360 retains that heritage for contemporary street fashion.

Comfort That Goes the Distance

Thanks to the plush Boost midsole and knit upper, the 360 delivers exceptional comfort for all-day wear. Your feet will feel fresh mile after mile as you break these in around town.

The OrthoLite sockliner provides long-lasting cushioning and moisture wicking to keep your feet cool and dry all day long.

Bold Styling Turns Heads

The iconic shell toe cap and serrated 3-Stripes make the 360 an eye-catching piece. Superstars have always made bold fashion statements.

With its thick retro midsole and structured heel bumper, the 360 retains that confident streetwise look. The rich heritage attracts nods of approval from sneakerheads worldwide.

Versatile Pairing Potential

The 360 integrates seamlessly into casual outfits from streetwear joggers to relaxed-fit jeans. Its iconic styling pairs well with a wide range of apparel.

Dress them up or down to suit your personal style. Their versatility and famous profile make 360s a staple pair for any rotation.

Old-School Cool

While packed with new tech, the 360 retains the old-school charm, appeal, and recognition of the original Superstars. Its shell toe and serrated stripes access that retro coolness factor.

When it comes to street cred, the 360 has it in spades. Rocking these classics will immerse you in sneakerhead heritage.

Superstar 360 for Athletic Performance

The Superstar 360 brings serious performance chops to the table thanks to its advanced technologies. Let’s explore how the 360 holds up to athletic demands.

Responsive Boost Cushioning

The bouncy Boost midsole gives the 360 an energized feel underfoot. All that responsive foam cushions impact while propelling you forward with each step.

This technology shines during activities like jump training, sprints, and lateral motions where its energy return really activates.

Flexible Knit Upper

The knit upper and sock-like construction allow your foot to move and flex naturally. The material adapts to changes in foot shape during dynamic motions.

This gives you that barely-there fit for unrestricted mobility in all directions – ideal for training and competition.

Supportive Fit for Fast Cuts

A secure heel and midfoot lockdown prevent sliding around inside the shoe when making hard lateral cuts. This boosts stability for changing directions.

The padded ankle collar and knit fabric hug your foot in place, giving you that one-to-one fit for quick cuts and crosses.

Grip for Any Surface

The Continental rubber outsole equips the 360 with tenacious traction well-suited to indoor or outdoor use. It bites and grips on virtually any playing surface.

Rely on consistent secure footing whether you’re on the blacktop, hardwood, turf, or grass. No slipping or hydroplaning here.

Heritage Meets High-Tech

While boasting an iconic retro look, the 360 delivers modern performance capabilities like seamless foot lockdown, dynamic responsiveness, and versatility.

Its blend of technologies makes the classic Superstar design ready for today’s competitive action. Go as hard as you want while paying tribute to old-school roots.

Sizing and Fit of Superstar 360

With its sock-like knit upper and performance focus, sizing and fit feel different in the 360 compared to vintage models. Let’s explore how to find your ideal size.

Snug Midfoot Wrap

The stretchy knit upper hugs the midfoot for a compressive, shrink-wrapped fit. Unlike old-school leather Superstars, the 360 really locks the foot in place.

Some break-in time lets the knit mold perfectly to your foot shape. But the 360 fits snugger overall for performance support.

Low-Profile Ankle Collar

The ankle collar of the 360 sits lower and less pronounced than on vintage Superstars. This streamlined cut allows greater freedom of motion at the ankle joint.

But the padded collar still offers a secure heel lockdown when making cuts or performing dynamic motions during training or competition.

Consider Going Up Half a Size

Due to the 360’s compressive midfoot fit, some choose to size up half a size from their normal Superstar size for a little more wiggle room.

But stick true to size if you prefer that super-snug fit. The knit does stretch and give over time for a customized foot wrap.

Ideal for Narrow to Normal Widths

The 360 best accommodates narrow to normal width feet. The knit upper conforms closely to your foot’s shape, leaving minimal excess room.

Wide-footers may want to try on in store first to ensure a comfortable personal fit. But the foot-hugging construction caters optimally to average foot widths.

Performance-Ready Construction

The 360 delivers a dialed-in athletic fit focused on foot lockdown, stability and freedom to flex naturally. Migrate a half-size up if needed.

But overall, the 360 trades in vintage looseness for a adaptive, compression-style fit geared for fast footwork and dynamic versatility on any playing surface.

Comparison to Other Adidas Models

The Superstar 360 brings serious performance upgrades compared to other retro Adidas models. Let’s see how it stacks up.

More Advanced Than Original Superstars

Vintage leather Superstars prized style over performance. The 360 overhauls the design with advanced technologies for modern athletic versatility.

Circular knit upper, Boost foam, and Continental rubber take the 360 far beyond 1970s construction to deliver a new level of comfort and responsiveness.

More Support Than Stan Smiths

While a fashion icon, the simple Stan Smith lacks performance focus. Its flat unresponsive rubber sole and basic leather upper pale in comparison to the 360’s innovations.

From heel to toe, the 360 simply offers greater energy return, foot lockdown, and leading-edge technologies optimized for athleticism.

More Cushioning Than NMDs

NMDs highlight forward-thinking design with Boost midsoles. But some models scrimp on foam thickness, prioritizing style over cushioning.

The 360 combines a thick Boost platform with a knit upper for supreme comfort. Its pillowy ride outshines models like the NMD R1.

More Traction Than Ultraboost

Ultraboost delivers incredible energy return through Boost foam but uses standard rubber for traction. The 360 leverages Continental rubber for better grip.

So for activities requiring quick cuts and lateral motion, the 360’s outsole provides superior control and stability.

Modernized Performance Heritage

The Superstar 360 pays homage to classic Adidas heritage while demonstrating the brand’s cutting-edge innovation capabilities. It sets a new bar for bringing icon silhouettes into the future.

Superstar 360 Colorways and Collaborations

Beyond performance tech, the Superstar 360 impresses style-wise with its range of colorways and special collaborations.

Core Black/White

The classic black and white colorway connects back to vintage Superstar models. This clean monochrome look lets the iconic shell toe design take center stage.

It pairs well with a wide range of casual outfits from streetwear to athletic apparel. You can’t go wrong with timeless black and white.

Vivid Summer Hues

Bright pops of color like “Solar Red” and “Solar Yellow” update the 360 with sunny vibes. These lively hues contrast the serious tech features with playful flair.

The vivid accents and colorful knit uppers inject bold personality into your rotation. Welcome summer early with these statement-making colorways.

Co-Branded Collections

Adidas has created special 360 models co-branded with other icons like Lego, Pepsi, and footwear retailer Footpatrol. These creative collaborations add artistic remixes to the classic aesthetic.

Keep an eye out for limited capsule collections that put unique twists on the 360’s style and storytelling.

Customize Your Look

With the knit upper and printed 3-Stripes, the 360 provides the perfect canvas for DIY customization. Get creative with laces, accents, and even sharpie designs to make them truly your own.

Or design a fully unique vision through the Adidas app. Dream up your own idyllic colorway and bring it to life on your personal pair.

Style and Substance

The Superstar 360 delivers on both performance and aesthetics. Timeless colorways and creative co-branded collections give you plenty of stylish options for showcasing these revamped icons.

Where to Buy Superstar 360 Shoes

The Superstar 360 releases globally at major retailers worldwide both in store and online. Here are some of the top spots to pick up a pair.

Adidas Website/App

Shop the full selection of Superstar 360 styles, colors, and collaborations directly from Adidas through their website or mobile app.

Keep an eye out for limited edition releases and take advantage of any promotions or holiday sales offered for extra savings.

Foot Locker

As one of Adidas’ major retail partners, Foot Locker locations carry fresh Superstar 360 colorways as soon as they hit the market.

Try on in store to find your perfect fit. And sign up for Foot Locker’s rewards program for bonus discounts.

Champs Sports

Champs Sports offers a wide breadth of Adidas footwear including the Superstar 360. Shop conveniently online or in store.

Keep tabs on new collabs and limited edition 360s by browsing their launches calendar online for release dates.

JD Sports

UK based JD Sports ships Adidas worldwide through their website. Look out for 360 exclusives along with EU-only styles not sold in the US.

Take advantage of free returns within 30 days if purchasing online.

Globally Accessible Icon

Part of the Superstar 360’s broad appeal stems from its worldwide accessibility at major sneaker retailers. Limited pairs do sell out quickly, so jump on releases to secure that must-have colorway.

Superstar 360 Reviews and Testimonials

Overall, the Superstar 360 earns strong marks for melding heritage style with contemporary performance. Let’s look at what wearers praise.

Plush Cushioning

Reviewers consistently highlight the 360’s plush cushioning from the full-length Boost midsole. The soft, responsive foam makes walks and workouts more enjoyable.

Many mention the pillowy platform being ideal for extended wear around town thanks to lasting comfort.

Secure Lockdown

Wearers love the shrink-wrapped fit from heel to toe. The knit upper and padded ankle prevent sliding inside the shoe during athletic moves.

Several mention sizing up half a size if wanting less compression. But most appreciate the adaptive support.

Grippy Traction

Testers praise the Continental outsole for keeping them stable during changes in direction. The tire-inspired rubber shines on dusty blacktop and hardwood.

The tread pattern also impressively sheds water on damp surfaces, preventing slides or slips.

Streetwise Style

Fans consistently highlight that the updates don’t diminish the classic Superstar profile that’s defined streetwear for decades.

The iconic shell toe and serrated 3-Stripes retain vintage appeal while modern tech enhances overall performance.

A New Standard

Overall, wearers agree the Superstar 360 sets a benchmark for blending heritage design with contemporary innovation. It retains old-school soul while demonstrating what’s possible for revamping icons.

Taking Care of Your Superstar 360 Shoes

Like any sneaker, proper maintenance extends the life of your Superstar 360s. Here are some tips for keeping them looking and performing fresh.

Spot Clean After Wear

Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris after each wear. This prevents buildup and staining over time.

For tougher scuffs, use a toothbrush and gentle soap. Avoid excessive scrubbing on the knit upper.

Stuff With Newspaper Between Wears

Insert balled up newspaper into shoes when not being worn. This absorbs moisture and maintains the shape of the toe box.

Crumpled paper also deodorizes and prevents bacterial growth inside the shoes to keep them fresher.

Disinfect Insoles Periodically

Remove the OrthoLite insoles and gently wash with soap and water every few weeks. Allow to fully air dry before replacing.

This prevents odor development from sweat and bacteria buildup during wear.

Use Cedar Shoe Trees for Storage

Cedar shoe trees absorb moisture and maintain the foot cavity shape if shoes won’t be worn for an extended period.

Stuff with paper when traveling to keep the knit upper supported and prevent creasing.

Don’t Machine Wash

Never throw Superstar 360s directly into the washing machine or dryer. Only clean knit upper by hand with light soap and water.

Machine washing risks compromising adhesives and shrinking or distorting dimensions.

Are Superstar 360 Shoes Worth the Price?

With an MSRP around $120-140 USD, the Superstar 360 costs more than old-school leather models. But the price reflects serious performance upgrades.

Significant Tech Improvements

You’re paying for Boost foam, knit upper, and Continental outsole advancements not found on vintage Superstars. These come at a cost.

But you receive next-level cushioning, fit, and traction most comparable to Adidas’ flagship athletic models.

Quality Materials and Construction

Every component on the 360 is thoughtfully engineered for optimal function. This results in a level of quality lacking with generic sneakers.

Careful inspection reveals the meticulous craftsmanship built to last hundreds of miles of wear.

Performance Versatility

You can comfortably wear the 360 all day around town, for casual training, or when competing thanks to the dynamic fit and adaptive ride. At this price, they deliver impressive versatility.

The 360 performs equally well for athletic and lifestyle pursuits unlike more specialized performance sneakers.

Investment-Level Value

Think of the 360 as an investment-level model compared to entry-level kicks. The premium price translates to premium construction and innovations.

For regular wearers, that added value pays off over time through enhanced comfort, support, and durability.

Iconic Styling Reborn

Ultimately, the Superstar 360 fully reimagines a streetwear icon while retaining heritage appeal. That design achievement warrants the elevated cost.

You’re not just paying for shoes but also paying respect to iconic athletic footwear roots.