The History of the adidas Campus
The adidas Campus was launched as a basketball shoe for professional athletes all the way back in 1970. It began life as the ‘Tournament’ but was renamed as the ‘Campus’ in the 1980s.
Although it started as a sports shoe, the Campus also became a favourite on the streets. New York rappers The Beastie Boys put the sneaker on the cover of their album in 1992, helping the model gain fame in the hip-hop world.
Later in the 2000s, it was adopted by skaters. Because of its sports history, the adidas Campus has very good cushioning. This, combined with its simple and clean aesthetic, a chunky silhouette and sturdy suede upper, made it a perfect sneaker for skateboarding.
Although the model was very popular, it gradually fell out of the spotlight. The evolution of fashion trends and the shift to other sneaker styles, like the Superstar, caused the Campus to temporarily fall into the background.
In 2017, the model made a comparatively big comeback. It was pushed by adidas Originals and put in a new spotlight. In 2022, the Campus 00s was launched, taking inspiration from the 2000s.
There is also an 80s version, available in both 'Black' and 'White', which was created by designer Kazuki Kuraishi from Japan and is a little slimmer than the OG basketball shoe.
The revival of the adidas Campus can be explained by several factors. Firstly, current fashion is in an era obsessed with nostalgia. People remember the original models from their childhood and are now eager to relive the nostalgia.
In addition, the sneaker world has seen a trend where retro styles are coming back into fashion. Lifestyle sneakers are also becoming more mainstream. The classic and comfortable look of the Campus 00s fits perfectly into these trends.
Another factor we shouldn’t forget is the influence of social media. With millions of views on the hashtag #Campus00s, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have majorly contributed to the popularity of this sneaker.
In recent years, the adidas Campus has also been the object of desire for several collabs. Brands and artists like BAPE, Footpatrol, Human Made, 032c, Sneakersnstuff, Norse Projects, Jeremy Scott, Youth of Paris and more were eager to get their artistic hands on the model.
South Park x adidas Campus
One stand-out collab was the South Park x adidas Campus 80's 'Towelie'. The design takes inspiration from one of the series' most iconic characters and brings him to life in a fun way.
The 'Towelie' silhouette featured a shaggy towel-like fabric upper in a lavender hue. The iconic three stripes were constructed from white leather, while the white heel tab was branded in purple script.
The attention to detail was impressive in this collaboration, as even the aglets of the matching purple laces were two-tone, white and yellow to match the character's socks and shoes. The tongue featured Towelie’s eyes and eyebrows, that changed shape and colour when exposed to UV light.
Two of the character’s most famous catchphrases, “Don’t forget to bring a towel” and “I have no idea what is going on” were also featured on the design.
Bad Bunny x adidas Campus
Since 2021, rapper Bad Bunny and adidas have already established themselves as one of the trendiest partnerships in the sneaker world. The striking details infused into their designs have contributed to this reputation.
The ‘Cloud White’, ‘Wild Moss’ and ‘Brown’ came out in quick succession in 2023 and were wildly popular, with the ‘Deep Brown’ following in 2024. The chunky suede upper, double tongue and layered heel were part of their signature look, with Bad Bunny branding and a satin padded collar also setting the sneakers apart from the usual design.
Cali DeWitt x adidas Campus
Artist Cali DeWitt also put their own mark on the model in 2023. Their ‘Grey’, ‘Navy’ and ‘Burgundy’ colorways had a ‘paint-dipped’ design in glossy TPU on the lower section. Embroidery on the tongue and branded aglets added more unique touches to the shoe.
The collaboration brought together art and fashion, showcasing Cali DeWitt's experimental design approach on a classic adidas silhouette.
KORN x adidas Campus
Another hugely popular collaboration was a surprise team up between nu-metal band KORN and the brand. The Korn x adidas Campus 00s 'Black', which released alongside the Supermodified 'White', opted for a classic black suede upper with contrasting white Three Stripes. Special details included the KORN logo on the tongue, heel and insole.
In 2024 they released another colorway on the adidas Campus 2: the ‘Carbon’. Hidden motifs inside the shoe referenced the 'A.D.I.D.A.S' song and the band’s album 'Follow The Leader.'
But despite some minor changes, the sneaker has always remained true to its roots. While there have been many versions with different materials and colorways, the classic looks have often prevailed.
adidas Campus: Answering Your Questions
When did the adidas Campus come out?
The Campus was first released in the 1970s under the name ‘Tournament’. It was renamed ‘Campus’ in the 1980s. It was originally launched as a basketball shoe for professional athletes.
How does the adidas Campus fit?
The adidas Campus runs true to size or slightly smaller. Therefore, we would recommend that you either get the adidas Campus in your size or buy half a size bigger.
Are adidas Campus unisex?
The adidas Campus is a unisex model and is therefore available in a large size run.
Are adidas Campus comfortable?
The adidas Campus is very comfortable due to its high-quality materials and careful craftsmanship. The adidas Campus also always comes with a padded insole for extra comfort.
Are adidas Campus good skate shoes?
The adidas Campus is a good skate shoe. This is because the toebox has been reinforced, and the sneaker is generally made with high-quality materials with a high-quality finish.
Do adidas Campus come with thick laces?
adidas Campus laces are typically flat and around 8mm–10mm wide. Some special editions do come with thicker or wider laces, like the Bad Bunny x adidas Campus, which features chunky rope-style laces around 12mm–15mm wide.
Laces between 8mm–12mm wide should match most Campus models.
Can adidas Campus get wet?
A standard suede adidas Campus is not waterproof. Suede is highly absorbent and can be damaged by water. Use a suede protector spray to protect them, and if they do get wet, let them air-dry naturally.
How do I clean my adidas Campus?
An adidas Campus is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a suede brush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Use white vinegar to dampen a microfibre cloth (not water!) and blot stains, then brush when dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy adidas Campus?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the adidas Campus at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Campus restocks and new releases!
Popular adidas Campus Colorways
adidas have released many successful colorways on the Campus, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.
adidas Campus 00s 'Grey' | HQ8707
The adidas Campus 00s 'Grey' features a grey suede upper, which gives off an understated style.
This classic look is combined with white stripes and details, providing a subtle contrast. A combination that also easily matches any outfit!
adidas Campus 00s 'Crystal White Black' | GY0042
The ‘Crystal White Black' features a suede upper in crystal white which exudes purity and sophistication.
The black Three Stripes and details provide subtle contrast and an elegant look.
adidas Campus 00s 'Dark Green' | H03472
The 'Dark Green' colorway of the Campus 00s brings a touch of natural beauty to the sneaker world. The deep green base with white stripes offers a fresh contrast.
This colorway is perfect for those who love the harmony of natural colours combined with urban style!
adidas Campus 00s 'Black' | HQ8708
The 'Black' colorway of the adidas Campus 00s is a symbol of timeless class and simplicity.
With its full black suede upper and contrasting white stripes and details, this version gives off an effortless elegance.
adidas Campus 00s 'Lucid Blue' | H03471
The Campus 00s 'Lucid Blue' brings an explosion of vibrant colours.
The bright blue base creates a striking and energetic look, while the white 3-stripes and details give a fresh and vibrant contrast.
adidas Campus 00s 'Earth Strata’ | JS2760
The popular ‘Earth Strata’ colorway dropped on the Campus in early 2025, giving the silhouette a warm brown shade.
The white Three Stripes and midsole offered a welcome contrast, while the look was completed with a gum outsole.
adidas Campus 00s 'Collegiate Gold' | H03473
The adidas Campus 00s 'Collegiate Gold' is a bold and stylish choice, perfect for making a statement.
This eye-catching Campus 00s also has a low profile and lace-up closure, which adds to its timeless appeal.
adidas Campus 00s 'Better Scarlett/Clear Pink' | H03477
The 'Better Scarlett/Cloud White' has an upper in a striking red colour, made from high-quality suede.
The suede is reinforced by the pink 3-Stripes that result in a stylish and eye-catching look.
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