Tomorrowland and Mitas Sneakers. Stan Smith from the clothing store's point of view, Stan Smith from the shoe store's point of view.

No matter how many pairs you have, you will want them again. The "Stan Smith" is a sneaker that is as addictive as it is universal. Why do these shoes always attract so many fans? To find out the essential reasons that go beyond the simple statement of "because they are a classic," we asked "TOMORROWLAND," which is developing a special-order model this winter, and "adidas Originals," which has been involved in the visual production of "JAPAN SMU," the Japanese project of "adidas Originals" since last year, to explain the reasons behind the popularity of the "Stan Smith. The staff of "mitasneakers," which has been involved in the production of visuals for adidas Originals' "JAPAN SMU" project in Japan since last year, will talk about their respective perspectives as a clothing store and a shoe store.

Photo_Hikaru Morita
Text_Issey Enomoto
Edit_Hideki Shibayama

Why Stan Smith is loved across time and generations.

- Among the many types of sneakers, what does Mr. Kusagaya think is the appeal of the "Stan Smith"?

Kusagaya:The brand's identity, the three stripes, is expressed in the perforations (ventilation holes on the sides of the upper). . I think this is what makes the Stan Smiths so appealing.

Wimbledon, one of the four major tennis tournaments, is known for its strict dress code, but when the legendary Stan Smith, the model for the "Stan Smith" brand, was an active player, the dress code was even stricter than today. The brand's logo and icon were not allowed to be used, let alone in white. It is said that Adidas at the time used perforations to express the three stripes in order to meet the regulations of the competition. This has become the one and only identity of "Stan Smiths.

- The response to the regulations of the tournament was sublimated into the design of the shoes as a result. Moreover, over time, they have become a fashion item, and have grown to become a standard item representing the brand. It is amazing to think about it again.

Kusagaya:The design of the "Stan Smith" is simple, lean, and complete. . That is why they have been so popular as a fashion item. Adolf Dassler, the founder of adidas, believed that "form follows function" (design comes after function), and I feel his philosophy in the way he embodied this idea while taking into consideration the rules of the time. I think this is one of the reasons for the continued support of the brand.

The staff of MITA Sneakers recommends how to match "JAPAN SMU".

. "I played around with the color of the top and the details of the pants, but kept the basic "Stan Smiths" on the feet. I re-threaded the laces with an underwrap. Changing the way the laces are threaded on different models is also a good way to notice the silhouette of the sneaker, so I try to be conscious of this on a regular basis.