Stan Smith: Tennis Legend and Footwear Icon
At 78 years old, Stan Smith is not only recognized for his achievements in tennis but also for a footwear legacy that has endured for decades. His signature Adidas sneaker, characterized by its classic leather design, has surpassed 100 million sales and is celebrated as the quintessential tennis shoe.
The shoe has truly lived a life of its own.
Smith remarked during a conversation from the French Open, reflecting on its widespread popularity among diverse groups of people.
Building Trust in Business
Smith, who also has a knack for business, teamed up with his longtime partner Gary Niebur to write a new book titled “Winning Trust: How to Create Moments that Matter.” This work focuses on fostering meaningful relationships in both professional and personal realms. Smith explained that in an era where trust can be scarce, their book emphasizes ways to strengthen bonds, leveraging a framework they term SERVE—comprising Strategies, Engagement, Recreation, Volleying ideas, and Elevation.
For example, the term “recreate” refers to facilitating connections through enjoyable shared activities, while “volley” illustrates the importance of exchanging ideas for collaborative problem-solving. Niebur added,
When clients sense you prioritize the relationship over mere transactions, trust naturally develops.
Remembering Arthur Ashe
Looking back on his athletic career, Smith fondly remembers his time with the late tennis icon Arthur Ashe. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ashe’s legendary Wimbledon win in 1975, when he overcame Jimmy Connors, marking a significant milestone in tennis history as Ashe remains the only Black man to have won this title.
Arthur was not just a great friend but a powerful advocate for social change.
Smith reflected. Their friendship deepened through travels as Davis Cup teammates, with Smith recalling Ashe’s dedication to reading and social justice, even while they toured around the world together.
Legacy and Reflection
Smith plans to attend Wimbledon next month, where he will honor Ashe’s remarkable contributions to the sport and society. His admiration for Ashe resonates strongly, especially recalling the time they spent together in Africa, where Ashe’s status as a champion led to Smith sometimes being overshadowed during introductions.
People would tout him as the number one player, while I’d be described simply as his opponent.
Smith recalled with a chuckle. Ashe was always thoughtful, promising Smith he’d show support during tours.
The Evolution of Stan Smith Sneakers
Stan Smith’s sneakers, originally launched in the 1970s—originally designed for French player Robert Haillet—were rebranded in 1972 to honor Smith with his likeness featured on the shoe. Since then, their popularity has soared, even earning a record in the Guinness Book for sales in 1988. This evolution from a tennis shoe to a fashion statement is best illustrated through anecdotes like that of actor Hugh Grant recalling nostalgic moments tied to wearing the iconic sneakers.
In 2022, to celebrate the half-century mark of Smith’s Wimbledon title, Adidas produced a limited edition of shoes for their sponsored players, featuring a commemorative tag signifying the event and the score of his match.
Conclusion
As Wimbledon approaches, attention shifts to honoring the legacy of Arthur Ashe, a close friend of Smith’s while celebrating the enduring impact of Smith’s namesake shoes—a blend of sport and style that continues to triumph on and off the court. This journey of trust and friendship, underscored by a simple shoelace serving as the book’s marker, encapsulates Smith’s philosophy in both life and business, firmly affirming that trust is indeed foundational in any relationship.
