Today we’ve got an old school 1979 vintage advertisement for the adidas ‘Top 10’ high tops. These sneakers were one of the first pairs of basketball related shoes to move away from plimsolls. Here’s a little history from Esquire:
“starting in the late 1970s with the Adidas Top Ten, players, trainers, and sneaker makers all began to assume that a high-top was an essential tool of high-level basketball, primarily for reasons of ankle support.”
This ad features basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry who is considered one of the top 50 greatest players in NBA history.
Ad info is below:
Rick Barry, Inventor.
When Rick Barry helped us create the adidas Top Ten basketball shoe, he knew it would have the severest critics of all: the U.S. "Top Ten" players. Rick pressed for every advantage. He insisted we develop the upper with a special Foreflex' cut that lets the foot flex easily and in the correct position. And had us add an Ankle Saver"' support system for increased protection. He had us remove a semi-circle from the heel-counter to prevent heel irritation. He watched as we perforated the toe area to ensure proper ventilation. And he demanded we build the deep herring-bone sole with a turning disc and a serrated edge for softness, traction and flex. Then Rick tested our adidas Top Ten on the "Top Ten". They all gave it their seal of approval. Now all we need is yours.
The adidas Top Ten is worn by "Top Ten" players Doug Collins, Marques Johnson, Kermit Washington, Adrian Dantley, Bob Lanier, Bobby Jones, Billy Knight, Sidney Wicks, Mitch Kupchak and Kevin Grevey.
adidas
The science of sport
