i just superglue them and they're good to go. my only gripe with these shoes is that the tongue is connected to the toebox, and after you break the stitching on the side near the first stripe (which takes no more than 3-4 sessions) they get pretty loose in the front and you can see kind of like a gap between the toebox and the side panel. it doesn't affect my skating but i don't like how that looks, other than that they're perfect.
Yes, superglue.
I always have at least one pair of ST in my possession but have only skated one pair in my life probably 25 years ago. They held up for a long time (couple months of ollies and failed kickflips) because I superglued everything on them. At the time I was skating Puma Suedes (still do) and ripped half the sole clean off after front foot slipped off and landed toes first. Only other pair I had were white superstars so had no choice. Broke as fuck, gotta skate something.
I ran a bead of Superglue on a toothpick along every god damn seam and stitch. I used a toothpick to do it nice and not ruin the look. Took a while. Then I put them on, laced them up, and soaked the first few lace loops in SG as well.
Sometimes they even come with a metal ring/jewel/charm whatever it's called on the bottom lace (these things :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201466666452) which you can slide to the side and glue in place to protect the laces if you're gonna skate 'em.
I remember not liking them too much for skating, but they sure as fuck look good. I love Shelltoes so much.
By the way, all you suave motherfuckers, this is a thing now :
https://www.lego.com/en-ca/product/adidas-originals-superstar-10282