The Evolution Of Sneakers
Sneaker culture has been on the rise for many years, with new models, designs and color ways releasing weekly. Let's take a look back at when it all began, in the 20th century. In 1916, U.S. Rubber Company launched rubber sneakers featuring canvas tops, called Keds. Originally, these sneakers were supposed to be called “peds”, for its Latin meaning, feet. Keds were sneakers made for athletic performance. According to an article written by Popsugar, the brand's sneakers were being used by Olympic soccer players, tennis champions, and college athletes. By 1917, these sneakers began to be mass produced. With different companies following this shoe silhouette, sneakers started becoming more flashy and unique.
Micheal Jordan’s skill on the court and his line of basketball shoes make him one of the most prominent shoe influencers and his shoe legacy continues to thrive. Jordan's first shoe silhouette is known as the Air Jordan 1, released in 1985. Today, there are as many as 35 different shoe silhouettes, however the Air jordan 1 remains the most popular. These Air Jordan models along with other popular shoe brands such as, Nike, New Balance, Vans, Reebok, etc. were all originally designed for a specific sport or activity. Today however, all these sneakers are commonly worn for many different occasions. Sneakers today are seen as everyday shoes, with people creating collections of these unique and high demand shoes for their daily wear.
Micheal Jordan wearing his Air Jordan 1s on the court. Source: The US Sun
American rapper Travis Scott was one of many artists to collaborate with Nike. Scott’s first collaboration sneaker was released in 2017. Currently, there are over 20 pairs of sneakers with Scott’s name. These popular sneakers can be seen worn by Kylie Jenner, an American socialite, along with her sisters Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian.
Socialite Kylie Jenner posing in Travis Scott’s Nike Collaboration Dunks Source: People Magazine
The beautiful thing about the sneaker and its evolution is that anyone can wear it, it's a timeless staple in anyone's closet. Jack Martinez, a 25 year old Bay Area native collects sneakers, and explains “sneakers are a great way to express yourself, there are so many different ways to wear and style them, plus you remain comfortable while wearing them.” Martinez believes it's all about how confident you are when wearing the sneakers, saying “you can wear sneakers with a suit and still look professional, look confident and everything else will speak for itself.”
Suit attire with a pair of Off White Air Jordan 1. Source: Pinterest
With all this said, sneakers have definitely had quite the evolution. Going back as far as the 20th century and consistently improving in design in the 21st century. Sneakers are bound to always be trending as the styles continue to evolve and there being no age limit as to who can wear them. There are many possible ways to pair sneakers, whether you are going to school, work, the gym, or even date night. Play around and try different outfits with your sneakers, express yourself. As Marilyn Monroe said “give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”