Sneaker of the moment: adidas Campus

The adidas Campus has its roots in a training shoe from the early 1970s, which the Boston Celtics were particularly fond of. Originally known as the Greenstar, this shoe stood out as the initial court footwear from the Three Stripes brand to feature suede instead of leather or mesh. adidas later revamped it in various NBA team colors and renamed it the "Tournament."

Its design was noted for being lightweight and tailored for both comfort and durability. A mid-'70s Tournament advertisement boasted, "Let adidas pamper your feet." After a brief hiatus in production, adidas re-introduced a suede shoe reminiscent of the Tournament but with a fresh identity: the Campus, in the 1980s. Now, the focus was more on lifestyle wear and the creative sectors, with hopes of emulating the success of counterparts like the PUMA Suede.

These aspirations became a reality when the Campus started gaining traction in emerging skate and hip-hop communities. Its iconic stature was solidified when the Beastie Boys sported the shoes on their "Check Your Head" album cover and consistently throughout their journey. In Europe, the Campus, accompanied by models like the Gazelle and Samba, secured its spot within football fan culture, the Britpop movement, and fashion icons like Kate Moss.

Presently, the Campus continues to be a staple in adidas' footwear lineup. The brand frequently re-envisions this sneaker with innovative materials and shades, and also collaborates with external designers for a fresh take on this timeless style. In 2022, adidas unveiled a revamped version called the Campus 00s, offering a twist on the classic '80s design for the skate community.