HISTORY OF ADIDAS ORIGINALS CAMPUS 00S
Want to know about the best styles on feet? Let us guide you through the most iconic models that have made the transition from sport to style with our definitive guide to - the adidas Campus 00s
Explore Men's Campus 00s & Women's Campus 00s
As with most drops from the three stripes, the Campus 00s has become an icon in the world of footwear, celebrated for its minimalist design, versatility, and undeniable cultural appeal. Originating from adidas's long history of sports-first footwear, the Campus 00s originally gained popularity on basketball courts but has evolved to become a staple in sports inspired culture, style and fashion. With a look that bridges the past and present, the Campus 00s represents more than just a shoe — it symbolises decades of evolution, style, and influence. But how did it get here?
Let's take is back to the early 1970s, adidas was at the forefront of sports footwear and winning the game with designs tailored to basketball and tennis players. In 1972, adidas released the Tournament - which would eventually morph into the Campus - with a sleek silhouette, a comfortable suede upper, and the classic adidas three-stripe design. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, adidas was the powerhouse in the sneaker industry. The three stripes rebranded the Tournament to Campus, and with this new name, it began gaining traction beyond just courts.
The 1980s marked a significant shift in the cultural landscape, especially in the world of music and street fashion, with the Campus and adidas stable mate the Superstar leading the charge on style on and off the courts. Its' versatility and style, still keeping the low-top design, high-quality suede, and iconic three-stripe logo made it easy to pair with a variety of streetwear looks as sports style increased in popularity.
It was the 1990s that saw the explosion for the Campus series, with skateboarding as a significant subculture fuelling the rise. Skaters loved it's flat sole and sturdy construction and this shift in appeal marked a pivotal point in the Campus’s history. It fast became synonymous with countercultural style and self-expression. Like most things in the 1990s, the Campus experimented with a period of re-invention, which led to adidas adding the Campus 00s as a refreshed take on the original silhouette.
This iteration retained the fundamental design elements of the original Campus shoe but introduced subtle updates to appeal to a modern audience. The Campus 00s featured a slightly thicker, more padded silhouette that aligned with the early 2000s' trend of chunky sneakers. While the original Campus had a flat, narrow profile, the 00s version was more substantial, giving it a bolder look without sacrificing its signature minimalist charm. The design was further tweaked to offer more comfort and cushioning, making it ideal for long wear and a variety of activities. The Campus 00s quickly became a popular choice for those who wanted a retro-inspired sneaker with a modern twist, and it solidified its place in the adidas Originals lineup.
The Campus 00s remains a favourite among fashion influencers, musicians, and athletes, showing that it’s more than just a retro sneaker. It’s a cultural icon that bridges the gap between sport and fashion, symbolising a blend of style and heritage that few other sneakers can achieve.
Related Articles
