We went to space for inspiration of this SMU pack. In the Fifties, the early days of NASA, and on the very first human spaceflight by the United States, astronaut John Glenn brought his personal camera to take pictures when he was in space. The result was mediocre at best, and NASA realized the need for a more suitable and professional equipment.

After some research and first sketches of what would be needed, NASA discovered that the most efficient way would be to just buy a model of the Swedish camera manufacturer, Hasselblad, over the counter in a camera store in Houston. This marks the beginning of a collaboration between NASA and Hasselblad that has continued for over 50 years. The pictures you have seen of and from Space, has been taken with a Hasselblad camera.

But one series of those pictures taken in space will never be seen. In 1966, on NASA’s space program Gemini X, astronaut Michael Collins accidently lost the Hasselblad camera on his spacewalk. It is forever lost in space, possibly still in orbit around Earth. It’s called the first Swedish satellite.

The adidas Originals ”Swedish Satellite Pack” that is exclusive for Sneakersnstuff draws inspiration from that trip. A pack of three silhouettes starting with the adidas Originals Stan Smith ”Spacesuit” as the first drop, followed by adidas Originals Tubular Runner ”Starry” and rounded up with the adidas Originals Superstar ”Camera”.

The adidas Originals Stan Smith ”Spacesuit” finds its inspiration from the spacesuits used on the spacewalks. Made with a leather upper in all matte silver with a Velcro attachable Stan Smith patch on the tongue and star perforated three stripes on the side of the shoes. The Swedish flag discretely embroidered on the heel of the right shoe and the Stars and Stripes on the left to symbolize the partnership between Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad, and the Americas National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The adidas Originals Tubular Runner ”Starry” is of course inspired by stars. A very toned down all black Tubular, with open mesh upper and suede details for a more premium feeling. But what really stands out is not noticeable at first sight. But dim the lights, and flash them with your camera and you will see all the hidden reflective stars. Silver lining to tie in to the rest of the pack.

The adidas Originals Superstar ”Camera” has an upper in black tumbled leather to reference the leather that covered the cameras in use in NASA’s early days. The numbers and marks on the heel of the shoe is inspired by the lens of the Hasselblad camera that is now lost in space. The heel tab and three stripes are inspired by the rubber grip on the lens of old cameras and the silver lining is there to tie in to the rest of the pack.

Release schedule

September 12th – adidas Originals Stan Smith ”Spacesuit”

September 16th – adidas Originals Tubular Runner ”Starry”

September 19th – adidas Originals Superstar ”Camera”

10.30 GMT – London

12.00 CET – Stockholm & Malmö

15.00 CET – Online