Skip to main content

LeBron James-backed Stan Smith documentary celebrates a tennis and sneaker icon

What you need to know about this Stan Smith documentary

Stan Smith standing on a dock.
Who is Stan Smith?

If you’ve got any understanding of sneakers, you likely know the name Stan Smith. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you know who Stan Smith is, but a new documentary may help you answer that question. Who Is Stan Smith? is a new documentary film that will tell the story of Stan Smith’s trajectory as a star in the world of tennis and the way he transitioned into a trailblazer in the world of fashion. The film is directed by Danny Lee and is produced by LeBron JamesMaverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Alexandra Dell, and Donald Dell.

Recommended Videos

When will the film hit theaters?

Who is Stan Smith - Teaser

The film is set to begin its theatrical run on May 3 when it will premiere in New York City. It will debut in Los Angeles on May 10, and also roll out to other cities after that, including  Atlanta, Washington D.C., Dallas, Denver, San Diego, Honolulu, San Francisco, Newport, Columbus, St. Louis, Arlington, Scottsdale, Cambridge, Indianapolis, Annapolis, Eugene, Frankfort, Royal Oak, Canton, Hartford, Novi, Plymouth, Hilton Head Island, and more.

The film’s official synopsis hints at the fact that, in spite of the fact that everyone knows Stan Smith’s name, far few know who he is.

“More than the namesake of one of the most iconic sneakers, Stan Smith has lived a champion’s life on and off the tennis court,” it reads. “Chronicling his rise from collegiate superstar to World No.1 and beyond, Smith blazed new paths for athletes, both as a fashion icon and a humanitarian. Complete with intimate first-person accounts and dynamic archival materials, Who Is Stan Smith? is a powerful and inspiring portrait of the man behind the shoe that became a movement.”

Lebron James has become a hugely successful mogul

LeBron James
The Athletic

Even as he continues to prove his outstanding athleticism and longevity on the court, Lebron James has also taken plenty of opportunities to expand his sources of income beyond his NBA salary. That includes producing documentaries like Who Is Stan Smith? and other TV series and movies in partnership with Maverick Carter. He’s also got numerous endorsement deals and has even acted in a few projects himself, including Space Jam: A New Legacy, which hit theaters in 2021.

James is also a partial owner of numerous sports teams outside of the NBA, including several soccer teams and the Pittsburgh Penguins. James, who is the oldest player in the league at age 39, has said that he wants to own an NBA team once his team in the league is over. This will, of course, keep him involved in the NBA, but even then, it won’t be the only thing he spends his time. Lebron is an athlete and competitor, but he’s also a business man, and Who Is Stan Smith? is just one thing he’s invested his time in.

Joe Allen
Contributor
Joe Allen is a freelance culture writer based in upstate New York. His work has been published in The Washington Post, The…
On releases new tennis-inspired sneaker – and it’s their chicest design
On, Revolve, FRWD release new sneaker
On sneaker on green background

While there are few ways to combine white and green in a footwear design, On has created a refreshed version of a favorite color combination. While classically attached to the adidas Stan Smith sneaker, the green and white color combination is a sleek and classic palette that fuses color in a subdued manner. Giving nods to the traditional tennis sneaker, this color combination is now the base of On’s next sneaker release. Donning a sporty luxe design, the newest shoe of On’s lineup rivals those classic tennis shoes with a few modern upgrades. Along with Revolve and FRWD, this new collaboration group has decided to upgrade a safe go-to style for a new generation that looks to add color to their elevated athleisure fits. 
FRWD, Revolve & On Cloudnova Form 2 

 

Read more
Stone Island, New Balance bring a vintage look to new sneakers
New Balance, Stone Island release new sneaker
close up on new balance stone island sneaker

Continuing their collaboration, Stone Island and New Balance again reclaim a classic silhouette. A modern reimagining of a traditional sneaker, the new collaborative sneaker includes all of the brand's performance details. Donning a vintage iteration, the new sneaker is about meshing the two brands' vision for innovation. Using Stone Island’s signature Raso Gommato fabric as inspiration, the design is a classic mix of two iconic brands. The Raso Gammato, inspired by military fabric, has been a part of the Italian brand’s heritage since the 80s. This iconic fabric returns to another classic staple, the New Balance 998. Although this long-term partnership has seen various designs, this release marks the first time the duo has created a Made in USA sneaker, making this an even more special drop. 
New Balance x Stone Island 998 Made in USA “Raso Gommato”

Taking on the historic 998 model, New Balance and Stone Island have reimagined one of the athletic brand’s most recognizable silhouettes. First introduced in 1993, the New Balance 998 became the first sneaker to incorporate the brand’s ABZORB cushioning, a centerpiece to New Balance’s mission for comfort and performance. In this new sneaker, the duo uses Stone Island’s Raso Gommato, a polyurethane-coated canvas material, for the shoe’s upper. Nubuck overlays and reflective details add texture and dimension to the design’s body. Also included are the classic “N” logo, heel tab, and upper accents. The sneaker will come in a mauve, deep plum, and copper maroon colorway for the drop. To mark the special release, co-branding details can be found throughout the design with the words “new balance 998” and “stone island product research.” Although pricing has not yet been revealed, the sneaker is set to drop on March 27 via Stone Island’s website and select retailers. However, access is limited to those with a valid MyStoneIsland account.

Read more
P448 dabbles in performance with new court sneakers
P448 releases new court sneaker
p448 sneaker on tennis balls

While sports like Formula 1 and golf have recently reentered their seasons, other activities like tennis and padel aren’t losing steam. As sports like tennis, padel, and pickleball continue to rise in popularity among those looking to experiment with new athletic activities, brands are taking note of their footwear collections. As part of P448’s expansion into the performance space, the brand is launching a new court sneaker for indoor sports. Made with Vibram, the court sneaker is crafted with functionality in mind to withstand high-impact usage. Available in four new colorways, the court sneaker is a versatile option for on and off the court. Although this is the Italian brand’s first experimentation in the performance footwear space, the premium details and features don’t allude to it being its first performance shoe. 
P448 x Vibram takes you to court

 

Read more