In every era of hip-hop, sneakers have become a status symbol, making them as influential to the culture as the music. In light of Hulu’s Sneaker Wars: Adidas vs. Puma, let’s look into two iconic sneakers from Adidas and Puma that helped pave the way for hip-hop culture.
Adidas Superstar, introduced in 1970, was a high-performance shoe on the basketball court but a fashion staple off the court. The infamous rap group, Run-DMC, popularized a specific style by wearing these shoes without laces and a pushed-out tongue. Following the release of their 1986 song, “My Adidas”, the Adidas shoe was cemented into the culture as a symbol of hip-hop artists’ rebellious and creative style during that era.
Puma Suede, released in 1968, also originated as a basketball shoe but became an integral part of breakdancing and street culture in New York City. The iconic suede design became synonymous with dancers, providing a trendy, comfortable look. As the hip-hop scene grew in popularity, the Puma shoe was recognized as a fashion statement that blended functionality with effortless swag.
From the courts to the streets, Adidas and Puma defined periods of hip-hop style and reshaped sneaker culture as we know it. Over time, the two brands took inspiration from each other, often incorporating similar patterns, silhouettes, and looks that kept them culturally relevant.
The Puma T7 track suit and Adidas’ three-stripe tracksuit became parallel uniforms in hip-hop. The Suede and the Superstar followed a similar path, each evolving from sports to lifestyle staples. Even in marketing, Puma’s RS and Adidas’ ZX lines showed how competition pushed both companies to innovate. Rather than slowing them down, this feud propelled Adidas and Puma into sports, music, and fashion.
The spirit of competition is at the heart of Hulu’s Sneaker Wars, a tale of feuding brothers, Adi and Rudi Dassler, whose family drama poured into the competing global sneaker brands. This docuseries explores how the battle between Adidas and Puma revolutionized the sports industry and positioned sneakers as part of identity and style, with hip-hop culture standing as a key example.
Watch the trailer for Sneaker Wars: Adidas vs. Puma HERE.