The history of sneakers goes back more than a century (and yes the Dunk Low is not new) and has seen many changes and evolutions in terms of design, functionality and popular culture. Sneakers began as simple athletic shoes designed to improve performance and have become an important part of fashion and popular culture. In this article, we will look at the history of sneakers from their inception until today, going through the different trends and models.
The beginnings of sneakers
The first sneakers were created in the middle of the 19th century. At the time, athletic shoes were handmade and not much different from dress shoes. However, in 1892, the brothers Marquis and Spalding introduced the first industrially produced shoes, called " sneakers ". Light and comfortable, it was the ideal choice for sports activities such as running and basketball ( 🤔 …).
The beginning of the hype
During the 1950s and 1960s, sneakers experienced a period of rapid growth due to the increased popularity of sports and youth culture. Companies such as Converse and Adidas began designing specific athletic shoes for different sports, such as basketball and football. Additionally, sneakers began to be seen as an important fashion accessory, featuring bright colors and bold designs.
The 1970s and 1980s: the golden age of sneaker fashion
The 1970s and 1980s saw the golden age of sneaker fashion. Sneakers were worn not only for sports activities, but also for lifestyle. Adidas, Puma and Converse were some of the most popular sneakers of that time. Moreover, the first luxury brand sneakers, such as Gucci and Prada, have also appeared in the market.
How can we talk about this period without mentioning the appearance of the mythical Air Jordan 1 High in 1985 worn by Michael Jordan .
The 1990s and 2000s: the emergence of performance sneakers
During the 1990s and 2000s, sneakers underwent a major evolution in terms of performance and technology. Companies have started using innovative materials and advanced technologies to improve the performance of sneakers on the court. The Nike Air brand or the Reebok Pump sneakers were very popular at that time. In addition, collaborations with fashion brands and celebrities have been very popular, offering unique and exclusive sneakers to sneakersaddicts.
The 2010s to today: the REVOLUTION of collectible sneakers
Today, sneakers are considered an important part of popular culture and fashion. This is clearly a social marker. The popularity of collectible sneakers has reached a new level, with highly coveted and limited edition models such as the Yeezy, Nike Off-White and of course the Jordan range. These sneakers have seen their prices soar and can be found on online sales platforms and in specialized sneaker shops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of sneakers has seen many evolutions and trends over the years. From their beginnings as simple athletic shoes, sneakers have evolved into an important part of fashion and popular culture. Collectible sneakers and performance sneakers are more popular than ever, with unique designs, advanced technologies and durable materials. The sneakers will undoubtedly continue to evolve and expand in the years to come.
Hugo, the founder of Une Sneakers
