Sneaker trends are notorious for their fleeting nature, with styles rising and falling in popularity within a year’s time. Yet amidst this constant flux, one shoe has managed to maintain its iconic status: the Adidas Stan Smith. Since its revamp in 2015, the Stan Smith has stood the test of time, remaining a staple in the world of casual footwear.

Millions of people have walked a mile in Stan Smith’s shoes – everyone from Justin Timberlake to Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Amal Clooney, Kendall Jenner, Jessica Alba, Zendaya, and countless others. Even fashion icon Victoria Beckham has confessed her preference for Stan Smiths over heels, solidifying the shoe’s place in pop culture.

Some think he’s merely a shoe. While true tennis fans recognize Hall of Famer Stan Smith as a Wimbledon and five-time U.S. Open champion, his story goes beyond tennis prowess. The Pasadena native, who authored a book titled “Some People Think I’m A Shoe,” embraces that irony with humility and humor—qualities that also underpinned a lifetime of humanitarian efforts.

Starting today, May 3rd, audiences across the United States can experience the captivating tale of the man whose name graces one of the most iconic shoes in history. “Who Is Stan Smith?” is a fresh documentary that unravels the inspiring narrative of his fearless activism and the remarkable journey that made him synonymous with the beloved tennis shoe. In an era predating the cultural phenomenon of Air Jordans, the enduring legacy of Stan Smiths stands as a testament to the indelible mark left by this athletic luminary.

The release of UNINTERRUPTED’s documentary “Who Is Stan Smith?” comes at a time when tennis is enjoying a resurgence in popular culture. With films like “Challengers” dominating the box office and the “Top Spin” video-game franchise recently rebooted for a “2K25” edition, interest in the sport shows no signs of waning.

As the documentary prepares to hit screens, it serves as a reminder of Stan Smith’s enduring influence, both on and off the tennis court. For many, owning a pair of Stan Smiths isn’t just about fashion—it’s about embracing a cultural icon and a timeless symbol of athletic excellence.

Watch the “Who Is Stan Smith?” Trailer.

Today, ahead of the release tonight at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre located at 11272 Santa Monica Blvd, representatives from the USTA Foundation Incorporated (USTA Foundation), the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), and the Southern California Section (USTA SoCal), along with tennis and cultural icon Stan Smith, made a surprise visit to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) to celebrate the Los Angeles premiere of “Who Is Stan Smith?”.

Established in 1969 by tennis greats Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder, NJTL boasts over 250 chapters nationwide, including the one at BGCMLA. This network opens doors for more than 150,000 underprivileged youth, granting them access to free or affordable tennis and academic programs.

During the visit, the USTA Foundation also announced a grant to resurface tennis courts at BGCMLA’s Challengers Club in South L.A., further enhancing the facilities for young athletes in the area.

“Who Is Stan Smith?” sheds light on Smith’s multifaceted legacy as an International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, sneaker icon, and humanitarian. From his dominance on the tennis court to his pivotal roles in civil rights and AIDS activism, the documentary explores Smith’s impact beyond the sports arena. Notably, his Adidas sneakers, which have become a symbol of fashion and cultural influence for over five decades, take center stage.

Featuring extensive interviews with Smith, his family, and a lineup of sports and entertainment luminaries including John McEnroe, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Donald Dell, the film offers an intimate look into Smith’s life and legacy.

Reflecting on the project, Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s potential to inspire future generations, both within and beyond the realm of tennis. He emphasized his pride in contributing to NJTL, an initiative co-founded by his close friends Ashe and Pasarell.

Ginny Ehrlich, CEO of the USTA Foundation, hailed Smith as a global icon whose story embodies the values the foundation aims to instill in young participants of NJTL programs nationwide.

“Who Is Stan Smith?” is produced by UNINTERRUPTED, the athlete storytelling platform under The SpringHill Company, co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Danny Lee and in association with CALICO, the documentary is set to premiere in over 50 markets in May through distributors Monkey Wrench Films, led by filmmakers Tom Putnam and Henry C. Lystad.

Screenings of the documentary continue after tonight at the Nuart through May 9 before opening at Laemmle Theatres Santa Monica, Glendale, and Encino on May 10. Visit whoisstansmith.com for more info and tickets. 

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For those interested in learning more about the USTA Foundation, visit ustafoundation.com and follow @USTAFoundation on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.