In January 2024, Superstar Budapest burst onto the scene with a bold mission: to challenge the pervasive Nike culture in Hungary by spotlighting an iconic alternative, the adidas Superstar. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Months of meticulous preparation laid the groundwork, with one key focus being the curation of a diverse and unique shoe inventory. Today, the store boasts over 100 distinct pairs, spanning sizes 36 to 46, catering to a wide range of sneaker collectors across the country.
At the heart of this venture is Jose Lattes, the store’s owner. A self-proclaimed Superstar devotee, Jose has exclusively worn the model for the past 23 years. To him, the Superstar is a reliable, comfortable, and ever-evolving companion. “This is not just an ordinary sneaker, this is Superstar!” he’s fond of saying. That passion drives Superstar Budapest, Europe’s only store dedicated solely to the adidas Superstar. Alongside the factory-made Adidas classics, the shop offers standout hand-painted Superstars by @FinestArtShoes, adding an artistic flair to the lineup.
Celebrating 55 Years of Superstar
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the adidas Superstar, and Superstar Budapest wanted to do it in their way. To honour the milestone, the store launched a limited-edition series featuring five distinct designs, each a collaboration with FinestArtShoes. Jose also brought in five famous personalities to represent the shoes, adding a personal touch of “Star Power” to the project. Released on March 1st via the store’s webshop, only 11 pairs of each design were produced, a nod to the number 55, symbolising the Superstar’s enduring legacy.
Here’s a closer look at the five designs:
Candy Splash:
Bursting with a palette of vibrant hues, Candy Splash is a love letter to Hungary’s most cherished childhood treats. Drawing inspiration from iconic sweets like the chewy, fruit-flavored “Zizi,” the colorful, sugar-coated “Dunakavics,” the delicate “Franciadrazsé,” and the bubblegum-packed “Golyórágó,” this design transforms the Superstar into a walking memory of the local sweet shops. Each swirl of color evokes the joy of rummaging through a candy jar, blending bold reds, yellows, blues, and pinks into a chaotic yet harmonious tribute to local nostalgia.
Iconic:
Iconic reimagines the Superstar with a sleek twist that’s as timeless as it is contemporary. A satin smooth grey base serves as the canvas, while elegant gold lettering across the design. This is sporty sophistication at its finest, a nod to the Superstar’s athletic roots elevated with an edge. The contrast between the muted tones and shimmering accents creates a versatile look that effortlessly bridges casual streetwear with its sports history.
NightShift:
NightShift is the Superstar that refuses to fade into the background. By day, it’s a classic, crisp, and clean, embodying everything fans adore about the original silhouette. But as dusk falls, this design reveals its true magic: a glow-in-the-dark finish that lights up the wearer’s path in low-light settings. Whether you’re navigating city streets or dancing into the morning, NightShift holds secrets that can’t be seen in the day. The subtle glow turns heads, making this a standout piece that seamlessly blends the classic design for those who don’t live the 9-5 schedule
Hot Chocolate:
Inspired by this year’s rich and enveloping Pantone color, Hot Chocolate drenches the Superstar in deep metallic tones that feel like a warm embrace for your feet. Think of the comforting richness of a steaming mug on a chilly day, this design captures that essence with its palette of earthy browns and subtle undertones.
Purple Dream:
Purple Dream is where imagination takes flight. A mesmerizing gradient sweeps across the Superstar, flowing seamlessly from soft pinks to bold purples, creating a visual symphony that’s equal parts soothing and striking. This dreamy transition is accented by subtle text, delicately integrated to enhance rather than overpower the design’s artistic essence. The result is a sneaker that feels like a wearable canvas—an abstract masterpiece that invites interpretation. Whether it’s the blush of dawn or the depth of twilight, Purple Dream captures a fleeting, ethereal beauty that appeals to the romantics, the creatives, and anyone who dares to stand out with quiet confidence.
Building a Community
Superstar Budapest is a community hub and we saw that in our visit last year. Jose’s ultimate goal is to foster a community where adidas fans can connect, share their passion, and celebrate the shoe’s legacy through events and gatherings. With its unique offerings, hand-painted exclusives and anniversary specials, the store is well on its way to becoming a cultural hub for sneaker enthusiasts across Hungary and beyond. In a market saturated with conformity, Superstar Budapest stands tall, proving that passion can carve out a space all on their own.
