Stan Smith is a name that resonates with millions of people around the world. From former President Obama to Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, Kendal Jenner, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, and many others, Stan Smith’s influence extends far beyond the tennis court. As a Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, he is regarded as one of the greatest American players of all time. However, there is more to Stan Smith than his impressive tennis career.
Way before the popularity of Air Jordans, there were Stan Smiths. The iconic brand of Adidas kicks has stood the test of time and has become a fashion statement for hip hop musicians, celebrities, and athletes for over 50 years. The story of how Stan Smith became synonymous with these immensely popular tennis shoes is captured in the new documentary titled “Who Is Stan Smith?”
“Who Is Stan Smith?” delves deep into the life of the man behind the shoe and sheds light on his courageous activism. Stan Smith went from being a tennis star to a leading civil rights and AIDS activist, blazing a trail with his namesake Adidas sneakers. The documentary features extensive interviews with Stan Smith, his family, and prominent figures such as John McEnroe, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, and Donald Dell. It is a powerful and inspiring portrait of a man whose impact goes beyond the world of sports.
One of the intriguing aspects of Stan Smith’s journey is the origin of his collaboration with Adidas. The documentary reveals a curious tale involving a late-night meeting at a risqué nightclub in Paris with Horst Dassler, son of the founder of Adidas. This meeting would eventually lead to the creation of the iconic Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, a shoe that has become a symbol of style and elegance.
Adidas initially launched the Stan Smith shoe in 1965, tying the model to French tennis player Robert Haillet. However, about a decade later, the company made a strategic decision to rebrand the footwear around a prominent American player – that’s where Stan Smith came into the picture. His partnership with Adidas was not just about creating a signature shoe, but about establishing a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world.
Stan Smith’s impact goes far beyond the tennis court. The story of how he became synonymous with the iconic Adidas sneakers is a tale of perseverance, courage, and innovation. “Who Is Stan Smith?” offers a glimpse into the life of a man who not only achieved greatness in sports but also made a lasting impact as an activist and cultural icon. Stan Smith’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, both on and off the court.