The rise to fame of sneakers began in the early 1920s up to the 1980s, initially designed for use in sports. Driven by the rise of brand endorsements, hip-hop culture, and the popularity of sports, they had slowly transitioned into everyday streetwear. Gone are the days when we had difficulties putting on bulky boots or desperately keeping our leather shoes clean.
The First Stepping Stone
Let’s dive into more detail about how sneakers “sneaked” into our everyday wardrobe. Pioneer brands Adidas and Puma were founded during the conception of sneakers, creating the very first shoes focused on improving athletic performance. And when the 1936 Olympics came along, sneakers gained global recognition after Jesse Owens used them and went his way to win multiple gold medals.
Then, a new contender, Nike, was founded in 1964. Introducing the iconic waffle sole and their signature checkmark logo. Then in the 1970s there was a jogging craze which boosted the demand for casual fitness wear. It has also influenced the way we dress; we love to mix and match our running shorts and leggings with trendy and stylish footwear.
The Fashion Stepping Along
Moving on, as hip-hop became more popular in the 1980s, sneakers also followed suit. Hip-hop artists tend to wear tracksuits, jogging pants, sweatshirts, and other sportswear. They popularized a new trend in clothing not only for fashion, but to also accommodate the lifestyle of actively making music in the streets and was also worn in breakdancing for their comfort and flexibility.
There was also a notable contribution made by NBA Star Michael Jordan. He created the Air Jordans brand that also hyped up the entire world. The craze was real as these name-branded sneakers became a collector’s item and a status symbol. This makes us wonder if people would even give an arm and a leg for it, but what use are sneakers for if you don’t have legs?
That’s not the only big influence that brought sneakers into the mainstream. At one point, skateboarding became a popular worldwide leisure activity. Skaters used sneakers for comfort and to help grip their feet onto their skateboards.
Sneakers also came into play in the modern age, with our new generation popularizing a new fashion trend. Besides the athletic approach, we also started to pair sneakers with casual clothing like jeans and long sleeves. This created a whole new fashion phenomenon known as Y2K, which took off and became very popular among teenagers and young adults.
The Future Stepping Forward
It’s safe to say that sneakers will remain relevant for a very long time. Commercial brands are actively competing to release more innovative features and appealing aesthetic designs. Collaborations sprouting out from every corner, especially those that include luxury brands, is a clear sign that sneakers have also infiltrated premium fashion.
Sneakers had left a great mark in clothing history. They have become memorable cultural icons and top fashion statements. Their versatility makes them a staple of fashion and functionality in our everyday lives.