Stan Smith: From World No. 1 to Sneaker Icon Documentary Streaming Now
If you’re missing the excitement of the US Open, there’s no need to fret. The Davis Cup is already in full swing, with the Laver Cup just around the corner in San Francisco—both available for streaming on Tennis Channel. And for those looking for a blend of tennis and fashion history, the documentary “Who Is Stan Smith?” can now be streamed on Hulu and ESPN+.
This film, which had a limited theatrical release in 2024, delves into the life of American tennis legend and sneaker icon Stan Smith. Maybe you’ve slipped on a fresh pair of white sneakers and pondered, “Who is Stan Smith?”—well, this documentary has all the answers for you.
Stan Smith, a former world No. 1 and winner of seven major championships, transitioned from tennis superstar to the face of Adidas when the brand launched the iconic Stan Smith shoe in 1973. These sneakers, adorned with his portrait and signature on white leather, became Adidas’ best-selling shoe of all time and a cultural phenomenon embraced by hip hop, celebrity fashion, and today’s tenniscore trend.
But Stan Smith’s impact goes beyond his shoes. The documentary sheds light on his activism in civil rights and AIDS awareness, while showcasing his enduring influence on the sport as the president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame since 2011.
To celebrate the streaming release, the 78-year-old Smith recently hosted a family-friendly event for book and sneaker signings at P.C. Richard & Son on the Upper West Side, followed by a special screening at the Seaport Racquet Club—a unique pop-up curated with Racquet Magazine—during the US Open. The screening included a panel discussion with Smith, director Danny Lee, and author Mark Mathabane, whom Smith assisted in escaping apartheid South Africa in 1978 with a tennis scholarship.
During the event, the conversation naturally turned to shoes. When asked how many pairs he owns, Smith jokingly replied, “It’s a question everybody asks, and I don’t know the answer. I think I own anywhere between 120 to 150 pairs of sneakers. I’ve got friends, though, that have anywhere from 300 to 450 shoes; some people are shoe collectors.”
Presented by UNINTERRUPTED and Fulwell Entertainment, and sponsored by P.C. Richard & Son and Disney Advertising, the documentary provides an intimate look at this Hall of Famer whose influence stretches across sports, fashion, and social activism. It features interviews with Smith, his family, and notable figures like John McEnroe, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Cari Champion, Bob Lutz, Jerry Lorenzo, Charlie Pasarell, Pharrell Williams, and more.
